#SolarFlare update via #SolarHam
Another X-Flare
June 19, 2025 @ 23:55 UTC
"X-Flare Alert. Sunspot region 4114 just produced an X1.9 solar flare peaking at 23:50 UTC (Jun 19). Coronal dimming is not yet evident meaning a noteworthy #CME is unlikely. More to follow whenever necessary."
#XClass #SolarFlare
#SolarCycle25 #SpaceWeather
#SOHO #CarringtonEvent
#Preparedness
Millions of Americans Told to Stay Indoors After Rare X1.2-Class Solar Flare Eruption
Story by Michaele Allies
June 17, 2025
"On June 17, 2025, the Sun unleashed a powerful X1.2-class solar flare from sunspot region 4114, which was directly facing Earth. This intense burst of energy prompted warnings for millions of Americans to stay indoors for three days due to increased radiation risks and communication disruptions. The flare caused immediate effects such as radio blackouts, especially over the Pacific Ocean and Hawaii, impacting aviation and amateur radio operations.
"This event underscores the importance of understanding solar flares, as they can significantly affect Earth's environment and modern technology, including satellites, power grids, and navigation systems. #NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory [#SDO] captured detailed imagery of the flare, while #NOAA issued alerts to help mitigate its impact. As solar activity intensifies during this solar cycle, such events remind us of the Sun’s power and the need for preparedness against space weather threats."
I wrote about trying to get worldwide as a Technician for $300 or less!
Solar Cycle 25, QSL: using mysterious solar properties to save money in an expensive hobby.
#Spaceweather, via #SolarHam
October 24, 2024 @ 04:25 UTC (UPDATED)
"A returning sunspot region now reassigned AR 3869 just produced a strong X3.3 solar flare at 03:57 UTC (Oct 24). A type II radio emission with an estimated velocity of 610 km/s was recorded. This event will be associated with a coronal mass ejection (#CME) based on dimming following the event. Because the flare location is located off the east limb, it will be directed mostly away from Earth. A further update will be provided once coronagraph imagery is updated.
"CME Update #2: Despite the X3.3 solar flare being located close to the southeast limb, the resulting halo coronal mass ejection (CME) appears to be wide enough to include an Earth directed component. If so, a passage past our planet will be possible within 48-72 hours. A further update will be provided later today once an official tracking model is available.
"A minor (G1) geomagnetic storm watch was officially added for Saturday, October 26th. The edge of the X3.3/Halo CME is expected to deliver a glancing blow to our geomagnetic field. A prolonged period of southward Bz following a potential passage could increase the chances of storming and visible #aurora at higher latitudes. Stay tuned this weekend for further updates."
Source:
https://www.solarham.com/
Another #XFlare / Severe #GeomagneticStorm Watch
via #SolarHam
October 9, 2024 @ 15:50 UTC (UPDATED)
"A moderate (S2) to Strong (S3) radiation storm remains in progress following the energetic X-Flare produced by #AR3848.
"A severe (G4) geomagnetic storm watch was officially added beginning tomorrow when the fast moving CME associated with the flare event is expected to sweep past Earth. While there are no guarantees, a repeat of the geomagnetic storm and aurora event back in May could be on the horizon.
"Oh... and an impulsive X1.4 solar flare was observed around departing AR 3842 at 15:47 UTC (Oct 9)."
Source:
https://solarham.com/
Major Solar Flare (X9)
October 3, 2024 @ 13:50 UTC (UPDATED)
via #SolarHam
"A major X9.0 solar flare was just detected around Earth facing sunspot region #AR3842 at 12:18 UTC (Oct 3). This is the strongest X-Ray event of the current solar cycle. More details to follow regarding a possible CME.
"#CME Update: A coronal mass ejection (CME) with a halo signature is evident following the major X9.0 solar flare this morning. Because the source region AR 3842 is directly facing Earth, the plasma cloud appears to be aimed directly towards our planet. A further update will be provided later today once a CME tracking model becomes available. Please note that a faint CME associated with the X7 event on October 1st is expected to pass our planet sometime during the next few days.
"Aurora sky watchers at middle to high latitudes should have their camera batteries charged up should geomagnetic storming be observed as forecast."
Flare Events (M2+) Past 48 Hours
X9.0
AR 3842
10/3/24 @ 12:18 UTC
Type II RE (573 km/s) 10cm (3500 sfu)
M3.2
AR 3842
10/2/24 @ 20:49 UTC
M3.2
AR 3842
10/2/24 @ 13:38 UTC
M3.6
AR 3842
10/2/24 @ 05:38 UTC
Type II RE (1144 km/s)
X7.1
AR 3842
10/1/24 @ 22:20 UTC
Type II RE (1246 km/s) 10cm (810 sfu)
I wonder if there will be another #CannibalCME with two events so close in time...
Flare Events (M2+) Past 48 Hours
via #SolarHam
X7.1
AR 3842
10/1/24 @ 22:20 UTC
Type II RE (1246 km/s) 10cm (810 sfu)
M7.6
AR 3842
9/30/24 @ 23:59 UTC
#Spaceweather Update (via #SolarHam )
Major Solar Flare Alert (X7.1)
October 1, 2024 @ 21:15 UTC
"The second strongest detectable solar flare of the current solar cycle 25 was just observed around Earth facing #AR3842 peaking at 22:20 UTC (Oct 1). A type II radio emission with an estimated velocity of 1246 km/s was recorded. Stay tuned to SolarHam.com for the latest details regarding a possible Earth directed #CME."
#Spaceweather Update (via #SolarHam )
Major #SolarFlare and #CME
September 14, 2024 @ 19:05 UTC
"A major X4.5 solar flare was produced by #AR3825 on September 14th, 2024 @ 15:29 UTC. The event was associated with a fast moving halo coronal mass ejection (CME). Although the eruption is directed mostly to the east, the western flank of the plasma cloud does appear Earth directed. A passage past Earth will be possible within 48 hours. I would expect a #GeomagneticStormWatch to be added later today for #September16th. Stay tuned for the latest updates."
#SolarCycle25 #XClassFlare #XFlare #GeomagneticStorm possible!
Nope. Not gonna happen. Not going to let these geomagnetic conditions prevent this morning's #POTA #parksontheair #FT8 #SSTV #Winlink demonstration activation. Back off Mother Nature #solarcycle25 #spaceweather #spacewx #amateurRadio #hamradio
UPDATE -- #SolarHam is 100% funded thanks to donations!
(If you can, please donate to their fundraiser. Details at link below.)
X1.3 Flare and CME Likely
August 8, 2024 @ 19:35 UTC
"An X1.3 solar flare was detected around #AR3777 at 19:35 UTC. A type II radio emission with an estimated velocity of 1026 km/s was recorded. Coronal dimming is already evident meaning a coronal mass ejection (#CME) is likely. Due to the event location facing Earth, it will more than likely be directed towards our planet. More details to follow."
#SolarHam Website Fundraiser
August 3, 2024 @ 14:00 UTC
"After 24 hours of website fundraising, I am now 30% to my goal. Thank you to everybody who have made a #donation. I really appreciate your support. If you too would like to support my work and keep the website online, please click below for more information. Thank you."
The current #SolarCycle25 started in 
2019. It is not expected to end for another six years but the first signs that the next #SolarCycle is beginning have been spotted by researchers from the University of #Birmingham and presented at the @royalastrosoc National #Astronomy Meeting in Hull. "We're likely seeing the first traces of Cycle 26, which won't officially start until about 2030." https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240719123850.htm
#SpaceWeather news via #SolarHam
Near X-Flare
June 23, 2024 @ 14:50 UTC
"Is our old pal #AR3664 (3697 and now 3723) still active?
"Of course it is. A near #XFlare (M9.3) was detected at 13:01 UTC (Jun 23). The flare itself was fairly rapid, so a coronal mass ejection (CME) is likely not associated. We will get a better at the returning flare champion over the next few days.
"Now back for the third time, AR 3664 (3697) is returning into view from off the farside of the Sun. This region was first assigned 3664 on May 1st and would go on to produce non stop X-Flares and the resulting eruptions were responsible for the extreme #geomagnetic storm on May 10-11. It would reappear again on May 28th and was reassigned AR 3697 and would produce additional major solar flares. What will it have in store for us this time around? Stay tuned to find out."
No #GeomagneticStorm predicted yet. But with former #AR3664 (now #AR3697) belching out big flares, we might be in for another #Aurora treat soon...
#SpaceWeaherUpdate via #SolarHam
#XFlares Are Piling Up
June 1, 2024 @ 10:20 UTC
"Good morning. How about another X-Flare!
"The latest event measuring X1.4 was just detected around AR 3697 (3664) at 08:48 UTC (Jun 1). Much like the X-Flare yesterday evening, a CME does not appear to be associated with this event. Some dimming was observed to the north of 3697 before this event, but coronagraph imagery does not seem to reveal any plasma leaving the Sun. The flare producing machine is now in a good location for potential Earth directed eruptions.
"And with this now being the 49th X-Flare of the current solar cycle, we have tied the X-Flare total from the previous solar cycle 24. When will #50 take place? Stay tuned to find out."
#SpaceWeather update via #SolarHam
"So is old region #AR3664 still active? Of course it is!
"An X2.9 solar flare was observed around the returning region at 07:08 UTC (May 27, 2024). The event is also responsible for an energetic coronal mass ejection (#CME) now emerging in updated coronagraph imagery. Because the sunspot region is still located behind the east limb, the flare itself was likely stronger than the X2.9 measurement. The CME itself should be directed away from our planet. We may see some busy days ahead of us. Stay tuned!"
@g7izu Sounds like #SolarCycle25 isn't over yet...!
Estimated X12 #SolarFlare from [presumed] #AR3664, which is on the far side of the Sun right now.
#CarringtonEvent was believed to be X45.
#AR3664 will be Earth-facing again soon.
"A fast moving, full halo coronal mass ejection (CME) is seen leaving the Sun this morning beginning around 05:30 UTC (May 20). Based on updated imagery, this event occurred on the farside of the Sun and is not Earth directed. Perhaps our old friend AR 3664 is up to its old tricks again. We should begin to see the big sunspot region turn back into view early next week."
[May be behind a paywall] The Strongest #SolarStorm in 20 Years Did Little Damage, but Worse #SpaceWeather Is Coming
Years of careful planning helped safeguard against last weekend’s severe space weather, but we still don’t know how we’d cope with a monster event
By Jonathan O'Callaghan & Lee Billings
May 16, 2024
"For years, we have been warned about impending doom from the sun. If pointed in our direction, powerful eruptions of radiation and plasma from our star can strike our planet to supercharge Earth’s atmosphere and magnetic field, effectively hitting a global 'reset' button on much of our #ModernTechnology. A sufficiently intense bombardment could raise a #Geomagneticstorm that would push satellites out of orbit, short out submarine cables that suture together the #Internet and plunge the world into darkness with massive #blackouts from collapsed #PowerGrids. Yet this past weekend, when one of the strongest solar outbursts in 20 years blasted our planet, we managed to emerge unscathed thanks to years of careful public and private planning.
"The storm has ebbed, although the solar region that sparked it has since spat out additional monstrous flares—fortunately no longer targeted at Earth because of the sun’s spin [which will change in a short time, as that spot will once again be Earth-facing]. But while we’ve passed our biggest test yet, experts say now is not the time to let down our guard: the question of more cataclysmic solar activity isn’t a matter of 'if' but 'when.'
"'This is a success story,' says Shawn Dahl, a space weather forecaster at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s [#NOAA] Space Weather Prediction Center (#SWPC) in Boulder, Colo., but the weekend’s storm was 'nowhere close' to the strength of more powerful known historical events. Is it time to put our feet up? 'Heck no,' he says.
"On May 8, after ground- and space-based telescopes detected multiple explosive outbursts from the sun headed for Earth, the SWPC issued a warning of an imminent severe space weather event. At least seven of these outbursts, known as coronal mass ejections, or #CMEs, walloped our planet with billions of tons of solar plasma—an interplanetary punch that left Earth’s magnetic field ringing and made the upper atmosphere swell, almost as if bruised. The resulting geomagnetic storm was the most severe since 2003. It posed potentially grave dangers to global infrastructure while also bathing much of the world in achingly beautiful #auroral displays.
"At present, it’s difficult to say just how close we came to catastrophe because many companies— from grid controllers to satellite operators—do not like to reveal information on how a geomagnetic storm affected them, says Daniel Welling, a climate and space scientist at the University of Michigan. "'They don’t want to look like they’re vulnerable,' he says. 'Satellite operators have to insure their spacecraft, and that can be very expensive.' Yet various scattered reports are already offering some insight into the storm’s disruptive effects. Flight trackers showed airlines rerouting planes to avoid Earth’s poles, where crews and passengers would have been exposed to worrisome spikes in #CosmicRadiation from the storm. Transpower, New Zealand’s state-owned enterprise running that nation’s electric power, said in a statement that it had preemptively 'switched off some circuits across the country on Saturday [May 11],' and as a result, there was 'no impact on New Zealand’s electricity supply.' In Minnesota, the firm Minnesota Power opened capacitor banks to deal with possible effects from the storm. Similar precautions were likely taken at other power grids around the world, too, although the lack of information makes it 'tremendously' difficult to know how effective those measures were, Welling says.
"Geomagnetic storms can also play havoc with signals from #GPS satellites, and multiple farmers reported issues with GPS-guided farming equipment over the weekend. In South Dakota, one farmer’s tractor started #DrivingInCircles during the storm, and multiple farmers reported outages on social media. 'Our GPS on both the planter and the strip tiller were absolutely bonkers today,' one commenter wrote on Reddit. 'I saw this post and looked ... no GPS,' said another. LandMark Implement, a John Deere dealership based in Nebraska and Kansas, texted its customers an advisory to 'turn off' GPS devices on their farming equipment. 'The base stations were sending out corrections that have been affected by the geomagnetic storm and were causing drastic shifts in the field,' the company noted in an online post. LandMark declined to comment further when contacted.
"The storm posed hazards in space as well. Seven astronauts on the International Space Station were mostly safe from the storm’s effects, #NASA said, but did have to take some precautions. 'The crew was told to avoid lower-shielded areas of the space station out of an abundance of caution,' says Sandra Jones, a spokesperson for NASA’s Johnson Space Center. 'Certain areas provide less protection from radiation, such as the air lock, while other areas, such as crew quarters, provide enhanced protection. The crew was never in any danger, and the energy levels have since decreased.' Other satellite operators experienced greater difficulties. One company in the U.K., Sen, which streams 4K video from a satellite in low-Earth orbit, chose to power down its spacecraft for four days to prevent any damage from the storm, such as fried circuit boards or electronic failures. 'It was in an idle mode,' says Marcin Bujar, spacecraft operations lead at Sen. 'We just kept the bare minimum on—the flight computer and radio receiver.' This prevented the satellite from carrying out some tasks, including planned observations of flooding in South America and wildfires in Canada. 'It definitely had an impact,' Bujar says."
#SpaceWeather via Spaceweather.com
THE FLARES WILL CONTINUE UNTIL MORALE IMPROVES: A new source of #SolarFlares is emerging over the sun's southeastern limb. Today at 1438 UT, it emitted a dramatic X3-class explosion, shown here in a movie from NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory:
https://spaceweather.com/images2024/15may24/newsourceofflares.gif
