GLANCING-BLOW CMEs: In recent days, the sun has produced multiple coronal mass ejections (CMEs). None of them is heading directly toward Earth; nevertheless, they might touch our planet.

Glancing blows are possible on Jan. 23rd, 24th, and 25th. The impacts, if they occur, are not expected to cause geomagnetic storms but could brighten auroras inside the Arctic Circle.

A SUNSET FROM TONGA? When the sun goes down tonight, take a look at the fading sky. If the twilight turns purple, you might have spotted a "Tonga sunset." Heiko Ulbricht photographed this example Jan. 21st in Großopitz, Germany.

Solar wind
speed: 312.1 km/sec
density: 11.1 protons/cm3
more data: ACE, DSCOVR
Updated: Today at 0734 UT

X-ray Solar Flares
6-hr max: C1 0237 UT Jan24
24-hr: C1 0237 UT Jan24
explanation | more data
Updated: Today at: 0810 UT

Daily Sun: 24 Jan 22


These two sunspots are stable and quiet. Credit: SDO/HMI

Current Auroral Oval:

Planetary K-index
Now: Kp= 0 quiet
24-hr max: Kp= 2 quiet
explanation | more data

Interplanetary Mag. Field
Btotal: 3.4 nT
Bz: 0.1 nT north
more data: ACE, DSCOVR
Updated: Today at 0734 UT

Coronal Holes: 24 Jan 22

Solar wind flowing from this coronal hole should reach Earth on Jan 25-26. Credit: SDO/AIA

FARSIDE SUNSPOTS: NASA's STEREO-A spacecraft is monitoring three ultraviolet hotspots on the farside of the sun. Because of their compact morphology, they are probably sunspots. The trio will rotate into view early this week, potentially bringing a sharp increase in sunspot number.

Solar wind
speed: 342.2 km/sec
density: 35.6 protons/cm3
more data: ACE, DSCOVR
Updated: Today at 0840 UT

X-ray Solar Flares
6-hr max: C2 0553 UT Jan25
24-hr: C2 0553 UT Jan25
explanation | more data
Updated: Today at: 0845 UT

Daily Sun: 25 Jan 22


A new sunspot is emerging at the circled location. Credit: SDO/HMI

Current Auroral Oval:

Planetary K-index
Now: Kp= 3 quiet
24-hr max: Kp= 3 quiet
explanation | more data

Interplanetary Mag. Field
Btotal: 5.8 nT
Bz: 4.0 nT north
more data: ACE, DSCOVR
Updated: Today at 0840 UT

Coronal Holes: 25 Jan 22

Solar wind flowing from this coronal hole should reach Earth on Jan 26. Credit: SDO/AIA

Noctilucent Clouds

Solar wind
speed: 425.2 km/sec
density: 9.0 protons/cm3
more data: ACE, DSCOVR
Updated: Today at 0945 UT

X-ray Solar Flares
6-hr max: C7 0732 UT Jan26
24-hr: M1 2349 UT Jan25
explanation | more data
Updated: Today at: 0950 UT

ACTIVE SUNSPOT: An active sunspot is emerging over the sun's northeastern limb. At 2349 UT on Jan. 25th it unleashed an C9.9-class solar flare and caused a minor low-frequency radio blackout over the South Pacific. The sunspot's potential for more and stronger flares will become clear later today as it turns more squarely toward Earth.

Daily Sun: 26 Jan 22


A new and active sunspot is emerging at the circled location. Credit: SDO/HMI

Planetary K-index
Now: Kp= 3 quiet
24-hr max: Kp= 3 quiet
explanation | more data

Interplanetary Mag. Field
Btotal: 6.3 nT
Bz: 0.9 nT north
more data: ACE, DSCOVR
Updated: Today at 0945 UT

Coronal Holes: 26 Jan 22

Solar wind flowing from this minor coronal hole should reach Earth on Jan 29-30. Credit: SDO/AIA

Solar wind
speed: 505.1 km/sec
density: 11.0 protons/cm3
more data: ACE, DSCOVR
Updated: Today at 0749 UT

X-ray Solar Flares
6-hr max: C6 0719 UT Jan30
24-hr: M1 2332 UT Jan29
explanation | more data
Updated: Today at: 0755 UT