Sol (Sun) and its phenomena

[Olivierlejardinier]

Some magnetic unrest early this morning was noted in north Sweden:


Followed by:

https://twitter.com/x/status/1735247405195444512

https://twitter.com/x/status/1735251107482304614

 

[Vulcan59]

Randall Carlson in his latest podcast discussed the role of the Sun in Earth's climate.

The Bros recount the findings of a recent paper regarding tree-ring studies from France which reveal spikes of Cosmogenic markers in a single year that correlate with Greenland ice-core records. The award-winning work of Gerard Bond is totally ignored though data recognizing the role of the Sun in Earth’s climate has been robustly supported since the deployment of solar observatories began three decades ago. Miyake Events and other explosive solar events are revealing the volatile Nature of the Sun. The coronal magnetic field, mass ejections, and impacting comets are new pools of data that are being studied – transforming our understanding and shedding Light on the role of the Sun in this dynamic and interconnected planetary system. Kosmographia Ep102 of The Randall Carlson Podcast, with Brothers of the Serpent – Kyle and Russ, Normal Guy Mike, and GeocosmicREX admin Bradley, from 10/16/23

LINKS:

Tree ring study: https://royalsocietypublishing.org/do...

Gerard Bond 2001 paper on North Atlantic Climate cycles: http://www.essc.psu.edu/essc_web/semi...

Airbursts and Cratering Impacts journal: https://www.scienceopen.com/collectio...

 

[Puma]

STRONGEST FLARE OF THE CURRENT SOLAR CYCLE: Sunspot 3514 erupted on Dec. 14th (1702 UT), producing a strong X2.8-class solar flare. This is the strongest flare of Solar Cycle 25 (so far) and the most powerful eruption the sun has produced since the great storms of Sept. 2017. NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory recorded the extreme ultraviolet flash:

​

Radiation from the flare has caused a deep shortwave radio blackout over the Americas: blackout map. Ham radio operators may have noticed loss of signal at all frequencies below 30 MHz for more than 30 minutes after the flare.

It's too soon to know for sure, but this explosion probably launched a fast coronal mass ejection (CME) with an Earth-directed component. The US Air Force is reporting a Type II solar radio burst, which typically comes from the leading edge of a CME. Based on the drift rate of the radio burst, the emerging CME's velocity could exceed 2100 km/s (4.7 million mph). Stay tuned for confirmation.

Spaceweather.com Time Machine

https://twitter.com/x/status/1735379790733901912

Strong R3 radio blackout over South America

https://twitter.com/x/status/1735354536804385139

https://twitter.com/x/status/1735357701872333177

 

[Puma]

SOLAR CYCLE 25 ACTIVITY REPORT DECEMBER 15_2023

Solar activity has been at high levels for the past 24 hours. The largest solar event of the period was a X2 event observed at 1702 UTC from Region 3514 (N05W50).

https://twitter.com/x/status/1735458766039232642

Prior to the X-class flare, this same region had produced two M-class flares.

● M5.7 at 07:44 UTC the flare caused a Moderate R2 radio blackout over Indian Ocean.

● M2.3 at 13:48 UTC the flare caused a Minor R1 radio blackout over Atlantic Ocean

(UPDATE) X-FLARE, STRONGEST FLARE OF THE CURRENT SOLAR CYCLE, PRODUCED A CME EARTH DIRECTED
Confirmation: Low-resolution images from NASA's STEREO-A spacecraft show a CME apparently with an Earth-directed component:​

We are still awaiting higher-quality data from SOHO to firm up the details. SpaceWeather.com​

There are currently 8 sunspot regions on the solar disk: AR3513, AR3514 AR3515, AR3516, AR3517, AR3518, AR3519 AR3520

Total number of sunspots has increased to 126 (46 of these are grouped into 8 active regions) NOAA forecasts for the next 24h: 99% chance for C flares, 55% chance M flares and 25% chance for X flares. AR3514 has developed a beta-delta-class magnetic field that harbors energy for X-class flares ​

GEOMAGNETIC STORM WATCH: Minor G1-class geomagnetic storms are possible on Dec. 15th and 16th in response to an incoming solar wind stream with a stealthy CME embedded in it. Storm levels could escalate to category G2 (Moderate) or G3 (Strong) on Dec. 17th if yesterday's X2.8-class solar flare also hurled a CME in our direction. SpaceWeather.com

● Auroral Activity

The geomagnetic field has been at quiet to active levels for the past 24 hours. On December 14th Solar wind speed reached a peak of 415 km/s (Elevated speed) at 00:27 UTC. Total IMF reached 14 nT at 01:17 UTC​

Aurora Oval Bz: -4.4 nT South

● Current Conditions at 04:00 UTC on December 15

▪︎ Geospace quiet (Kp 2)
▪Solar wind speed record: 437 km/sec (Elevated speed)
▪︎ density: 4.0 p/cm³ (Moderate density)
▪︎ Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF)
Bt: 4.47 nT
▪︎ Thermosphere Climate Index
today: 18.34x1010 W Warm
▪︎ Neutron Counts today: - 4.4 % (Low)
▪︎ X-ray Solar Flare: C5 2345 UT Dec14
▪︎ Sunspot number: 126 (SN 114 December 14)
▪︎ Spotless Days 2023 total: 0 days (0%)
• Solar wind flowing from this coronal hole could reach Earth on Dec. 18-19.


.......
SpaceWeatherlive.com
SpaceWeather.com

 

[Puma]

SOLAR CYCLE 25 ACTIVITY REPORT DECEMBER 16_2023

Solar activity has been at high levels for the past 24 hours. The largest solar event of the period was a M6.8 event observed at 07:34 UTC from Region 3514 (N05W68) the flare caused a Moderate R2 radio blackout over Indian Ocean​

Nineteen minutes before the M6.9 flare the same region produced an M6.2

Sunspot region 3514 continued today with an impressive M-class event. This event had a double peak at M6.2 and M6.9 respectively with the M6.9 value being registered around 07:34 UTC. This solar flare was also highly eruptive like the X2.8 flare from yesterday but coronagraph imagery indicates that the coronal mass ejection from this event likely does not have an earth-directed component. SpaceWeatherlive..com​

A FUSILLADE OF SOLAR FLARES: Sunspot 3514 continued to flare today with a strong M7-class event following close on the heels of yesterday's X2.8-class boomer. The X-flare on Dec. 14th was the strongest flare of Solar Cycle 25 (so far) and the most powerful eruption the sun has produced since the great storms of Sept. 2017.​

​

Only the fact that AR3514 is approaching the sun's western limb prevents it from causing strong geomagnetic storms here on Earth. Eruptions from the sunspot are a little off-target. Nevertheless, we will not escape unscathed. The X2.8-class flare hurled a fast-moving CME into space, and it will probably graze Earth's magnetic field on Dec. 17th. We are still awaiting the results of NOAA modeling to confirm the timing of impact and the possible strength of any resulting geomagnetic storm. SpaceWeather.com​

There are currently 9 sunspot regions on the solar disk: AR3513, AR3514 AR3515, AR3516, AR3517, AR3518, AR3519 AR3520 and new region AR3521

Total number of sunspots has increased to 130 (62 of these are grouped into 9 active regions) NOAA forecasts for the next 24h: 99% chance for C flares, 55% chance M flares and 25% chance for X flares. AR3514 has developed a beta-gamma-delta-class magnetic field that harbors energy for X-class flares. Fortunately this region will leave the solar disk during the weekend.​

● Auroral Activity

The geomagnetic field has been at quiet to unsettled levels for the past 24 hours. On December 15th Solar wind speed reached a peak of 510 km/s (Moderately high speed) at 15:45 UTC. Total IMF reached 23 nT at 14:43 UTC (Strong impact on Earth magnetic field)

A shock was observed in the real time solar wind data around 11:00 UTC this morning. This may be associated with a faint partial halo CME from two days ago. Expect enhanced geomagnetic conditions in the next 12 to 24 hours. The north-south direction of the IMF (Bz) is currently pointing northwards suppressing geomagnetic activity but should it turn southwards for a prolonged period we might see minor G1 geomagnetic storm conditions later today or tomorrow. SpaceWeatherlive.com

https://twitter.com/x/status/1735811247298253264

Aurora Oval Bz: 2.05 nT North


● Current Conditions at 04:13 UTC on December 16

▪︎ Geospace unsettled (Kp 3)
▪Solar wind speed record: 519 km/sec (Moderately high speed)
▪︎ density: 15.6 p/cm³ (low density)
▪︎ Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF)
Bt: 5.46 nT
▪︎ Thermosphere Climate Index
today: 18.34x1010 W Warm
▪︎ Neutron Counts today: - 5.0 % (Low)
▪︎ X-ray Solar Flare:
▪︎ Sunspot number: 130 (SN 126 December 15)
▪︎ Spotless Days 2023 total: 0 days (0%)
• Solar wind flowing from a large coronal hole could reach Earth on Dec. 18-19.
............
SpaceWeatherlive.com
SpaceWeather.com

 

[Ca.]

SOLAR CYCLE 25 ACTIVITY REPORT DECEMBER 16_2023

Hi All! I just returned from the Fall AGU Meeting in San Fransisco. While there, I watched in frustration as our Sun decided to launch some whoppers while I was away on travel.

So, now that I am back, I have quickly compiled a snapshot of data for you that I will go over in a live briefing on Saturday (tomorrow as I write this). I tried to make this brief video as informative as possible, but there is so much more to say (and show you).

Right now we have five partly Earth-directed solar storms headed our way, with the latest one launched just today. On top of that we have an ongoing mild radiation storm and a continued risk for R3-level radio blackouts. This risk will remain high for at least another 24-48 hours. However, another set of big active regions is slated to rotate into view in two days so activity may remain elevated over the next two weeks.

I will go live to discuss all of this on Saturday at 1 pm PST (21:00 UTC). I will go over all you see above and more, address the Sun's farside, give you 5-day outlooks, and answer your questions. Be sure to look for my post on Saturday morning for the link to the live stream. See you Saturday!

G2 solar storm watch for SAT Auroras likely. FRI night update. 12/15/2023

Strangely, the recovery of the payload of radiation sensors are still unavailable.

SpaceWeather.com -- News and information about meteor showers, solar flares, auroras, and near-Earth asteroids

COSMIC RAY PAYLOAD STUCK IN A GLACIER: This weekend, Dr. Tony Phillips will lead a team of climbers to Echo Lake, a mile-wide pool of melted snow 12,000 feet high in the Sierra Nevada. A payload of radiation sensors from an Earth-to-Sky cosmic ray balloon has been stuck in a glacier there for more than a year. This will be the team's 7th attempt to recover it--a lucky number? Stay tuned for the trip report.

 

[Puma]

SOLAR CYCLE 25 ACTIVITY REPORT DECEMBER 17_2023

Solar activity has been at low levels for the past 24 hours. The largest solar event of the period was a C8 event observed at 13:54 UTC from Region 3514 (N05W82).​

There are currently 11 sunspot regions on the solar disk: AR3513, AR3514, AR3516, AR3518
AR3519 AR3520, AR3521 and new regions
AR3522, AR3523, AR3524, AR3525

AR3515 & AR3517 are gone

Total number of sunspots has increased to 163 (53 of these are grouped into 11 active regions) NOAA forecasts for the next 24h: 99% chance for C flares, 55% chance M flares and 25% chance for X flares. AR3514 is decaying and has lost its delta component. The region will be leaving the solar disk in the next few hours

https://twitter.com/x/status/1736035470864269759

● Auroral Activity

The geomagnetic field has been at quiet to active levels for the past 24 hours. On December 16th Solar wind speed reached a peak of 524 km/s (Moderately high speed) at 00:36 UTC. Total IMF reached 12 nT at 14:43 UTC (Moderate impact to Earth's magnetic field)

https://twitter.com/x/status/1736189676136890742

WAITING FOR THE SOLAR STORM: A CME expected to hit Earth on Dec. 16th has not yet arrived, but NOAA forecasters believe it is still coming. The storm cloud was hurled in our direction by last Thursday's X2.8-class solar flare. An overdue impact on Dec. 17th could cause G1 (Minor) to G2-class (Moderate) geomagnetic storms with auroras across northern-tier US States SpaceWeather.com​

Aurora Oval Bz: -4.81 nT South

MULTIPLE CMEs ARE COMING: Geomagnetic storms are likely on Dec. 16th and 17th when multiple CMEs hit Earth's magnetic field. A new NOAA model shows three CMEs combining to form a single storm front, striking in unison on Dec. 16th around 20:00 UT:​

Click to view an animation of this forecast model​

All of the incoming CMEs were launched into space by sunspot AR3514, which has been flaring almost constantly since Dec. 13th. The most important CME is linked to the X2.8-class flare of Dec. 14th; that one alone should be sufficient to spark a geomagnetic storm this weekend.​

NOAA analysts have issued a watch for G2-class (Moderate) geomagnetic storms with a chance of escalating to category G3 (Strong). A strong storm would produce auroras at mid-latitudes with no Moon to spoil the show. SpaceWeather.com​

● Current Conditions at 04:20 UTC on December 17

▪︎ Geospace active (Kp 4)
▪Solar wind speed record: 447 km/sec (Elevated speed)
▪︎ density: 9.33 p/cm³ (low density)
▪︎ Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF)
Bt: 8.23 nT
▪︎ Thermosphere Climate Index
today: 18.54x1010 W Warm
▪︎ Neutron Counts today: - 3.3 % (Low)
▪︎ X-ray Solar Flare: C2 2221 UT Dec16
▪︎ Sunspot number: 163 (SN 130 December 16)
▪︎ Spotless Days 2023 total: 0 days (0%)
• Solar wind flowing from a large coronal hole could reach Earth on Dec. 19.
............
SpaceWeatherlive.com
SpaceWeather.com

 

[Ca.]

SOLAR CYCLE 25 ACTIVITY REPORT DECEMBER 17_2023

Earth-Directed Solar Storm Train and an X-Flare | Informal Live Forecast Briefing 16 December 2023

RT-1:48:22

Hi All! Ive been working up to the very last minute to get a detailed live forecast ready! Join me LIVE today at 1:30p PST (21:30 UTC) for a live briefing on the train of solar storms coming towards Earth and the big flares we have been experiencing over the past few days. I will go over all of the content from my recent snapshot plus more! As usual I will do a "Bottom Line Up Front" (BLUF) and then a deep dive and Q&A so bring your questions! I will be opening this briefing to the public, but as always, you get priority when it comes to questions. Feel free to post them here in the comments below or ping me in the You Tube chat directly.

SpaceWeather.com -- News and information about meteor showers, solar flares, auroras, and near-Earth asteroids

Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023

WAITING FOR THE SOLAR STORM: A CME expected to hit Earth on Dec. 16th has not yet arrived, but NOAA forecasters believe it is still coming. The storm cloud was hurled in our direction by last Thursday's X2.8-class solar flare. An overdue impact on Dec. 17th could cause G1 (Minor) to G2-class (Moderate) geomagnetic storms with auroras across northern-tier US states. CME impact alerts: SMS Text​

THIS IS WHAT A RADIO BLACKOUT SOUNDS LIKE: On Dec. 14th, the sun silenced radio transmissions on Earth. An X2.8-class solar flare (the strongest flare of the current solar cycle so far) ionized the top of our atmosphere, disrupting shortwave transmissions across the Americas. In rural New Mexico, amateur radio astronomer Thomas Ashcraft recorded the blackout:​

​

"As my dynamic spectrum shows, all terrestrial shortwave radio transmissions coming into New Mexico faded for 10 to 15 minutes after the flare," says Ashcraft. "The blackout affected all frequencies below 30 MHz."

The blackout was not completely silent, however. Minutes after it began, the sun filled the quietude with a roar of static. It was a Type II
"The shock wave packed a punch!" says Ashcraft. "You can hear what it sounded like in this 90-second audio file."​

Force Thirteen Earthquakes | Live

 

[Puma]

SOLAR CYCLE 25 ACTIVITY REPORT DECEMBER 18_2023

Solar activity has been at moderate levels for the past 24 hours. The largest solar event of the period was a M1 event observed at 20:17 UTC from Region 3514 (N05W94) the flare caused a Minor R1 radio blackout over Ocean Pacific.​

There are currently 9 sunspot regions on the solar disk: AR3516, AR3518, AR3519, AR3520 AR3521, AR3522, AR3523, AR3524, AR3525 and new region AR3626

AR3513 & AR3514 are gone

Total number of sunspots has decreased to 129 (41 of these are grouped into 9 active regions) NOAA forecasts for the next 24h: 99% chance for C flares, 25% chance M flares and 5% chance for X flares. All regions have stable magnetic fields.​

● Auroral Activity

The geomagnetic field has been at unsettled to minor storm levels for the past 24 hours. On December 17th Solar wind speed reached a peak of 565 km/s (Moderately high speed) at 09:55 UTC. Minor G1 geomagnetic storm (Kp5) threshold reached at 11:40 UTC Total IMF reached 16 nT at 14:39 UTC (Moderate impact to Earth's magnetic field)​

Aurora Oval Bz: 10.79 nT North

● Current Conditions at 04:40 UTC on December 18

▪︎ Geospace active (Kp 3)
▪Solar wind speed record: 477 km/sec (Elevated speed)
▪︎ density: 6.75 p/cm³ (low density)
▪︎ Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF)
Bt: 11.56 nT
▪︎ Thermosphere Climate Index
today: 18.74x1010 W Warm
▪︎ Neutron Counts today: - 5.4 % (Low)
▪︎ X-ray Solar Flare: C6 0255 UT Dec18
▪︎ Sunspot number: 129 (SN 163 December 17)
▪︎ Spotless Days 2023 total: 0 days (0%)
• Solar wind flowing from a large coronal hole could reach Earth on Dec. 19.
............
SpaceWeatherlive.com
SpaceWeather.com

 

[Ca.]

SOLAR CYCLE 25 ACTIVITY REPORT DECEMBER 18_2023

https://twitter.com/x/status/1736623870822711474

Kp-6

https://twitter.com/x/status/1736665146645229651

https://twitter.com/x/status/1736170392694218996

URGENT | Violent and destructive storms with winds of 150 km/h and giant hail of up to 15 cm in Argentina. There is destruction and injuries. Storm line advances towards the capital Buenos Aires and Uruguay. Read! https://tinyurl.com/3wznx7kf

https://twitter.com/x/status/1736619135969431599

 

[Puma]

SOLAR CYCLE 25 ACTIVITY REPORT DECEMBER 19_2023

Solar activity has been at low levels for the past 24 hours. The largest solar event of the period was a C6 event observed at 1422 UTC on December 18th from Region 3528 (N09E12).​

There are currently 9 sunspot regions on the solar disk: AR3519, AR3521, AR3523, AR3524 AR3525 AR3626 and new regions AR3527, AR3528, AR3529

AR3516, AR3518, AR3520 & AR3522 are gone

Total number of sunspots has increased to 137 (47 of these are grouped into 9 active regions) NOAA forecasts for the next 24h: 99% chance for C flares, 25% chance M flares and 5% chance for X flares.

New region AR3528 has a delta-class magnetic field that poses a threat for strong solar flares.​

● Auroral Activity

The geomagnetic field has been at unsettled to major storm levels for the past 24 hours. On December 18th Minor G1 geomagnetic storm (Kp5) threshold reached at 07:38 UTC, Moderate G2 geomagnetic storm (Kp6) threshold reached at 08:11 UTC, Solar wind speed reached a peak of 581 km/s (Moderately high speed) at 20:36 UTC. Total IMF reached 13 nT at 10:36 UTC (Moderate impact to Earth's magnetic field) Minor G1 geomagnetic storm (Kp5) threshold reached at 23:59 UTC​

https://twitter.com/x/status/1736931061047701768

Aurora Oval Bz: 5.17 nT North

https://twitter.com/x/status/1736794741725860018

● Current Conditions at 05:11 UTC on December 19

▪︎ Geospace active (Kp 4)
▪ Solar wind speed record: 478 km/sec (Elevated speed)
▪︎ density: 4.24 p/cm³ (low density)
▪︎ Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF)
Bt: 6.26 nT
▪︎ Thermosphere Climate Index
today: 18.74x1010 W Warm
▪︎ Neutron Counts today: - 7.0 % (Low)
▪︎ X-ray Solar Flare: C7 0304 UT Dec19
▪︎ Sunspot number:137(SN 129 December 18)
▪︎ Spotless Days 2023 total: 0 days (0%)
• Solar wind flowing from a large coronal hole could reach Earth on Dec.20
............
SpaceWeatherlive.com
SpaceWeather.com

 

[Puma]

SOLAR CYCLE 25 ACTIVITY REPORT DECEMBER 20_2023

Solar activity has been at low levels for the past 24 hours. The largest solar event of the period was a C7 event observed at 03:04 UTC on December 19th from Region 3528 (N08E01).
​

There are currently 10 sunspot regions on the solar disk: AR3519, AR3521, AR3523, AR3524 AR3525 AR3626, AR3527, AR3528, AR3529 and new region AR3530

Total number of sunspots has increased to 144 (44 of these are grouped into 10 active regions) NOAA forecasts for the next 24h: 95% chance for C flares, 25% chance M flares and 5% chance for X flares.

New region AR3528 has lost its delta component and now has stable magnetic field. AR3529 has a gamma class magnetic field that poses a threat for M-class solar flares. ​

● Auroral Activity

The geomagnetic field has been at quiet to minor storm levels for the past 24 hours. On December 19th Solar wind speed reached a peak of 835 km/s (High speed) at 0311 UTC. Total IMF reached 10 nT at 21:26 UTC​

Aurora Oval Bz: -2.4 nT South

● Current Conditions at 04:30 UTC on December 20th

▪︎ Geospace active (Kp 4) threshold reached at 02:22 UTC
▪ Solar wind speed record: 556 km/sec (Moderately high speed)
▪︎ density: 1.41 p/cm³ (low density)
▪︎ Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF)
Bt: 5.78 nT
▪︎ Thermosphere Climate Index
today: 18.74x1010 W Warm
▪︎ Neutron Counts today: - 7.0 % (Low)
▪︎ X-ray Solar Flare: C2 2342 UT Dec19
▪︎ Sunspot number:144(SN 137 December 19)
▪︎ Spotless Days 2023 total: 0 days (0%)
• Earth is inside a stream of solar wind from a large coronal hole.
............
SpaceWeatherlive.com
SpaceWeather.com

 

[Puma]

SOLAR CYCLE 25 ACTIVITY REPORT DECEMBER 21_2023

Solar activity has been at low levels for the past 24 hours. The largest solar event of the period was a C8 event observed at 08:54 UTC on December 20th from Region 3521 (N11E03).​

There are currently 10 sunspot regions on the solar disk: AR3519, AR3521, AR3523, AR3524 AR3626, AR3527, AR3528, AR3529, AR3530 and new region AR3531

AR3525 is gone

Total number of sunspots has decreased to 133 (44 of these are grouped into 10 active regions) NOAA forecasts for the next 24h: 95% chance for C flares, 35% chance M flares and 5% chance for X flares.

AR3529 has developed a delta class magnetic field that poses a threat for X-class solar flares, while AR3528 has developed a beta-gamma magnetic field that harbors energy for M-class. These sunspots will face Earth over the weekend

https://twitter.com/x/status/1737548567600893999

● Auroral Activity

The geomagnetic field has been at quiet to active levels for the past 24 hours. On December 20th Solar wind speed reached a peak of 618 km/s (Moderately high speed) at 21:07 UTC. Total IMF reached 7 nT at 00:27 UTC​

Aurora Oval Bz: 0.35 nT North

https://twitter.com/x/status/1737615110171218166

● Current Conditions at 04:20 UTC on December 21th

▪︎ Geospace unsettled (Kp 3)
▪ Solar wind speed record: 482 km/sec (Elevated speed)
▪︎ density: 5.71 p/cm³ (low density)
▪︎ Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF)
Bt: 3.78 nT
▪︎ Thermosphere Climate Index
today: 19.67x1010 W Warm
▪︎ Neutron Counts today: - 5.8 % (Low)
▪︎ X-ray Solar Flare: C5 0006 UT Dec21
▪︎ Sunspot number:133(SN 144 December 20)
▪︎ Spotless Days 2023 total: 0 days (0%)
• Earth is inside a stream of solar wind from a large coronal hole.
............
SpaceWeatherlive.com
SpaceWeather.com

 

[Olivierlejardinier]

35% chance M flares

AR 3519 produced an M4.2 flare this morning.
Happy solstice to you all !!



HAPPY SOLSTICE! Today is the shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere, and the longest day in the south--that is, it's the "December solstice." The exact moment of the solstice is Thursday, Dec. 21st, at 10:27 p.m. EST, when the sun stops moving south and starts moving north again. This event marks the beginning of winter in the north and summer in the south.

 

[Ca.]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1737721975672549786

Banking on Climate Chaos

https://twitter.com/x/status/1737573922659541178

https://twitter.com/x/status/1737689928363127280

SpaceWeather.com -- News and information about meteor showers, solar flares, auroras, and near-Earth asteroids

Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023
BIG SUNSPOT ALERT: Sunspot AR3529 is still growing, quadrupling in size since Tuesday. This 48-hour movie from NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory shows its rapid development:

​

With two primary dark cores twice the size of Earth, AR3529 is an easy target for solar filtered telescopes. You can even see it through eclipse glasses--no magnification required.

Of greater interest is the sunspot's 'delta-class' magnetic field. Within the sunspot + and - magnetic polarities are pressing together. Magnetic reconnection could produce an X-class solar flare. Any eruptions today will be Earth-directed, as the sunspot is almost directly facing Earth. Solar flare alerts: SMS Text