Embedded Files
Useful download links:
Solar Maximum Observing Challenge Outreach activity:
Presentation to the Astronomical Society of Eastern Missouri's (ASEM) Digital SIG Group on 9/17/2024 about the Challenge, Observing Program, Space Weather, and Aurora.
Link to presentation slides here. Select open with Google Slides.
Note: I am not an ASEM member.
Solar Maximum Challenge completed 9/19/2024
sunspots-compressed.aviMake Observations
Use your magnetometer to detect variations in the Earth’s Magnetic Field.
(For details about my magnetometer see the bottom of this page.)
For Challenge do a minimum of 50 observations with no more than two observations/day.
For the Observing program do a minimum of 100 observations on 100 different days.
You may want to do more than one observation daily with major changes, but this will only count as one observation.
In your observation log, note the location along the yard stick or meter stick where the reflected laser spot is located.
Compare your observed activity with observations from NASA.
NASA data for the Planetary K-Index can be found on this web page: https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/planetary-k-index.
Include copies of the column charts with each of your observations.
(These can be found at the bottom of the page.)Note sunspot activity on the Sun
A good source for this is: https://www.spaceweather.com/. (I find SOHO https://soho.nascom.nasa.gov/sunspots/ easier to see.)
Information on individual solar flares and active regions on the Sun can be found here: https://www.spaceweatherlive.com/en/solar-activity/solar-flares.html. (Solar flare activity graphs can be found at the bottom of the page.)
Predict expected auroral activity in the Earth’s Atmosphere
Compare your prediction of auroral activity with actual activity. (Personal observations of the Aurora are not required, but certainly would add a level of excitement to those who can see them.)
Auroral activity can be seen on the same page as the sunspot activity: https://www.spaceweather.com/.
Scroll down to the current auroral activity map. Default is for the northern hemisphere, but there are alternative maps if you are observing elsewhere.
Click on the image of the auroral map on the left side of the web page to see more detail. Include copies of these images in your observation logs.
A timelapse animation showing the Sun's rotation for the all but the last week of the Challenge and Observing Program.
Predicting Aurora by Visual Observation
The challenge and observing program both ask to predict aurora activity but no mention is given as to how it should be done. It might be as simple as looking at a 30-minute forecast image but I don't think so. Doing a bit of searching leads to two possible methods. One is related to the planetary Kp-index consisting of 10 values and ranges from 0 to 9. It is important to understand that this Kp-index isn't a forecast or an indicator of the current conditions, it always shows the Kp-value observed during a three-hour period. The higher the Kp the further south a predicted aurora may be seen visually. See the maps on the right to predict aurora possibility based on Kp. Imagers can detect aurora further south because they can take exposures much longer than the human eye.
If Kp is 3.0 aurora should be able to be seen in northern Canada.
5.0 aurora should be able to be seen on the US/Canada border.
7.0 aurora should be able to be seen in central Iowa.
9.0 aurora should be able to be seen in southern Missouri.
Daily predictions based on these values are shown below.
I'll mention that my son and daughter-in-law lived in the UK for four years. One winter they went with a group of friends on a trip to the most northern ski resort in Sweden. They say they saw the northern lights every night it didn't snow.
A second method is related to four components of the Solar Wind that is pictured on the Observing Program's pin.
Bz is the solar wind's magnetic orientation in the up/down direction. Although an Aurora can happen with a positive Bz, a negative Bz is generally better. A negative Bz helps the solar wind grab the earth's magnetic field which can more easily lead to an Aurora. So a negative Bz is good. Values of -10nT and lower are good indicators that a geomagnetic storm could develop but the lower this value the better it is for auroral activity.
The second most important parameter is solar wind speed. Typically, it's about 375 km/s. As it increases, more energy can be transferred over time, which increases your chances of seeing the aurora. Solar wind speed also indicates how long it will take for the measured solar wind to reach Earth. For example, if it's 400 km/s, the solar wind will take about an hour to travel from the DSCOVR satellite, 1.5 million km away, to Earth.
Solar wind density refers to how many particles are in the solar wind. While important, the OVATION model doesn’t use it directly to predict auroras. However, density does have an indirect effect. It can influence how the magnetic field behaves, affecting how much energy is transferred to Earth’s magnetosphere. So, even though density isn’t directly used in the model, it still plays a role through its impact on the magnetic field.
The Bt value of the interplanetary magnetic field indicates its total strength. It is a combined measure of the magnetic field strength in the north-south, east-west, and towards-sun vs. away-from-sun directions. The higher this value, the better for enhanced geomagnetic conditions.
There is a better chance of aurora if the solar wind speed, solar wind density, and Bt are big along with a larger negative Bz. Values below for these four factors were found at the time of observation by using the Android app Aurora Alert.
For a good chance of seeing the aurora, look for a negative Bz, ideally around -2nT, -5nT, or even -10nT. A solar wind speed above 400 km/s is favorable, with 600 km/s or 800 km/s being perfect. Ideally, these conditions should persist for an hour or two, rather than for a shorter period.
Daily predictions using this method are also shown below.
All readings were taken in my basement at 38.631340, -90.552780.
Daily data
(A table with the daily data is at the bottom of this page.)
Daily Sunspots
https://soho.nascom.nasa.gov/sunspots/
Aurora predictions
Observation #: 1
Date: 8/26/2024
Local Time: 10:15 AM CDT
UTC Time: 15:15
Location: Basement
Reading: 19.6
Deviation (cm): 4.6
Deviation (degrees) 1.8
Kp at time of obs.: 1.33
Auroral activity: quiet
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
BBSO Solar Activity Warning
26 August 2024 16:49:44 UT
Solar activity is moderate. Region NOAA 13796 produced an M1.4 flare at 11:28 UT today. This region has also produced a number of C-class events. A C-class event was observed from a new region at the east limb at N13. M-class flare remains likely from region NOAA 13796.
NOAA 13796, S04 W37 (X= 572,Y=-160). Beta-gamma-delta region. M-class flare likely.
Observation #: 2
Date: 8/26/2024
Local Time: 06:55 PM CDT
UTC Time: 23:55
Location: Basement
Reading: 22.0
Deviation (cm): 7.0
Deviation (degrees) 2.8
Kp at time of obs.: 0.67
Auroral activity: quiet
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
Observation #: 3
Date: 8/27/2024
Local Time: 08:55 AM CDT
UTC Time: 13:55
Location: Basement
Reading: 18
Deviation (cm): 3
Deviation (degrees) 1.2
Kp at time of obs.: 2.67
Auroral activity: unsettled
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? yes
Observation #: 4
Date: 8/27/2024
Local Time: 03:00 PM CDT
UTC Time: 20:00
Location: Basement
Reading: 15.2
Deviation (cm): 0.2
Deviation (degrees) .8
Kp at time of obs.: 2.67
Auroral activity: unsettled
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? yes
Observation #: 5
Date: 8/28/2024
Local Time: 08:30 AM CDT
UTC Time: 13:30
Location: Basement
Reading: 13.3
Deviation (cm): -1.7
Deviation (degrees) -0.7
Kp at time of obs.: 2.67
Auroral activity: unsettled
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? yes
Observation #: 6
Date: 8/28/2024
Local Time: 06:55 PM CDT
UTC Time: 23:55
Location: Basement
Reading: 14.1
Deviation (cm): -0.9
Deviation (degrees) -0.4
Kp at time of obs.: 5.67
Auroral activity: moderate storm
Solar Wind Speed: 289
Solar Wind Density: 2
Bz: 3
Bt: 10
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? yes
From Solar Wind? no
Observation #: 7
Date: 8/29/2024
Local Time: 08:00 AM CDT
UTC Time: 13:00
Location: Basement
Reading: 13.5
Deviation (cm): -1.5
Deviation (degrees) -0.6
Kp at time of obs.: 1.0
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 313 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 8 p/cm3
Bz: 10 nT
Bt: 10 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? no
From here on I'm switching from 30 minute forecasts to night time forecasts showing the entire northern hemisphere.
Observation #: 9
Date: 8/30/2024
Local Time: 07:24 AM CDT
UTC Time: 12:24
Location: Basement
Reading: 14.4
Deviation (cm): -0.6
Deviation (degrees) -0.2
Kp at time of obs.: 3.0
Auroral activity: Unsettled
Solar Wind Speed: 379 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 0 p/cm3
Bz: -11 nT
Bt: 10 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? yes
From Solar Wind? yes
Observation #: 10
Date: 8/30/2024
Local Time: 06:00 PM CDT
UTC Time: 23:00
Location: Basement
Reading: 16.2
Deviation (cm): 1.2
Deviation (degrees) 0.5
Kp at time of obs.: 4.0
Auroral activity: Active
Solar Wind Speed: 476 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 0 p/cm3
Bz: -8 nT
Bt: 9 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? yes
From Solar Wind? yes, Canada
Observation #: 11
Date: 8/31/2024
Local Time: 08:00 AM CDT
UTC Time: 13:00
Location: Basement
Reading: 13.2
Deviation (cm): -1.8
Deviation (degrees) -0.7
Kp at time of obs.: 2.00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 392 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 0 p/cm3
Bz: -1 nT
Bt: 10 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? no
Solar activity is high. Three M-class flares were observed in region NOAA 13806 and one in a new region at S18 beyond the east limb. M-class flare likely in region NOAA 13807 and NOAA 13806.
NOAA 13807, S16 W16 (X= 253,Y=-372). Beta-gamma region. M-class flare likely.
NOAA 13806, S11 E34 (X=-524,Y=-278). Beta-gamma region. M-class flare likely.
Positions as of August 31, 2024 at 18:00 UT.
Observation #: 12
Date: 8/31/2024
Local Time: 06:00 PM CDT
UTC Time: 23:00
Location: Basement
Reading: 14.3
Deviation (cm): -0.7
Deviation (degrees) -0.3
Kp at time of obs.: 4.00
Auroral activity: Active
Solar Wind Speed: 381 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 4 p/cm3
Bz: -1 nT
Bt: 10 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? yes
From Solar Wind? no
Observation #: 13
Date: 9/1/2024
Local Time: 08:00 AM CDT
UTC Time: 13:00
Location: Basement
Reading: 18.5
Deviation (cm): 3.5
Deviation (degrees) 1.4
Kp at time of obs.: 3.0
Auroral activity: unsettled
Solar Wind Speed: 412 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 2 p/cm3
Bz: -6 nT
Bt: 6 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? yes
From Solar Wind? yes
Solar activity is high. A new region is beyond the east limb at S22 and has produced three M-class flares. This region is just coming onto the visible disk. M-class flare expected.
Unnumbered region, S20 E78 (X=-875,Y=-346). Beta region. M-class flares expected.
Position as of September 1, 2024 at 14:45 UT.
Observation #: 14
Date: 9/1/2024
Local Time: 05:00 PM CDT
UTC Time: 22:00
Location: Basement
Reading: 16.6
Deviation (cm): 1.60
Deviation (degrees) 0.6
Kp at time of obs.: 3.00
Auroral activity: unsettled
Solar Wind Speed: 420 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 3 p/cm3
Bz: 2 nT
Bt: 4 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? yes
From Solar Wind? no
Observation #: 15
Date: 9/2/2024
Local Time: 08:45 AM CDT
UTC Time: 13:45
Location: Basement
Reading: 15.8
Deviation (cm): 0.8
Deviation (degrees) 0.3
Kp at time of obs.: 2.00
Auroral activity: unsettled
Solar Wind Speed: 409 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 3 p/cm3
Bz: 0 nT
Bt: 4 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? no
Solar activity is high. A number of M-class events have been observed primarily from regions in the SE near the east limb at around S20. There may be a region beyond the east limb near S24. An M-class event was also observed from region NOAA 13807. M-class flares are likely from the new SE region and from region NOAA 13807.
NOAA 13807, S17 W42 (X= 611,Y=-362). Beta-gamma-delta region. M-class flare likely.
Unnumbered region, S21 E65 (X=-806,Y=-386). Beta-gamma-delta region. M-class flare likely.
Positions as of September 2, 2024 at 17:30 UT.
Observation #: 16
Date: 9/2/2024
Local Time: 06:15 PM CDT
UTC Time: 23:15
Location: Basement
Reading: 14.7
Deviation (cm): -0.3
Kp at time of obs.: 2.0
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 445 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 0 p/cm3
Bz: 6 nT
Bt: 8 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? no
Observation #: 17
Date: 9/3/2024
Local Time: 08:20 AM CDT
UTC Time: 13:20
Location: Basement
Reading: 16.2
Deviation (cm): 1.2
Deviation (degrees) 0.5
Kp at time of obs.: 2.00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 372 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 0 p/cm3
Bz: 7 nT
Bt: 8 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? no
Solar activity is high. Region NOAA 13813, the new region in the SE, has produced three M-class flares, including one taking place at this time. Region NOAA 13807 has produced two M-class events. These regions are likely to produce further M-class events.
NOAA 13807, S17 W54 (X= 738,Y=-344). Beta-gamma-delta region. M-class flare likely.
NOAA 13813, S22 E54 (X=-715,Y=-420). Beta-gamma region. M-class flare likely.
Positions as of September 3, 2024 at 16:45 UT.
Observation #: 18
Date: 9/3/2024
Local Time: 6:15 PM CDT
UTC Time: 23:15
Location: Basement
Reading: 15.5
Deviation (cm): 0.5
Deviation (degrees) 0.2
Kp at time of obs.: 1.00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 352 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 2 p/cm3
Bz: 6 nT
Bt: 8 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? no
Observation #: 19
Date: 9/4/2024
Local Time: 8:15 AM CDT
UTC Time: 13:15
Location: Basement
Reading: 15.3
Deviation (cm): 0.3
Deviation (degrees) 0.1
Kp at time of obs.: 4.00
Auroral activity: Active
Solar Wind Speed: 426 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 8 p/cm3
Bz: 6 nT
Bt: 10 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? yes
From Solar Wind? no
Solar activity is high. Three M-class flares have been observed from region NOAA 13813 and two from NOAA 13806. A new region has appeared on the NE limb. M-class flares continue likely from regions NOAA 13806 and NOAA 13813.
NOAA 13806, S12 W20 (X= 320,Y=-308). Beta-gamma-delta region. M-class flare likely.
AA 13813, S25 E48 (X=-643,Y=-473). Beta-gamma-delta region. M-class flare likely.
Observation #: 20
Date: 9/4/2024
Local Time: 6:20 PM CDT
UTC Time: 23:20
Location: Basement
Reading: 11.1
Deviation (cm): -3.9
Deviation (degrees) -1.54
Kp at time of obs.: 2
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 380 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 0 p/cm3
Bz: 7 nT
Bt: 10 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? no
Observation #: 21
Date: 9/5/2024
Local Time: 7:10 AM CDT
UTC Time: 12:10
Location: Basement
Reading: 11.2
Deviation (cm): -3.8
Deviation (degrees) -1.5
Kp at time of obs.: 2.0
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 378 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 1 p/cm3
Bz: 1 nT
Bt: 6 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? no
Solar activity is high. Five M-class flares have been observed from region NOAA 13807. Two M-class flares were observed from region NOAA 13813. M-class flares were also observed from regions NOAA 13806 and NOAA 13811. M-class flares likely from regions NOAA 13807, NOAA 13806, and NOAA 13813.
NOAA 13807, S17 W79 (X= 894,Y=-298). Beta-gamma region. M-class flare likely.
NOAA 13806, S12 W34 (X= 523,Y=-295). Beta-gamma-delta region. M-class flare likely.
NOAA 13813, S25 E36 (X=-509,Y=-489). Beta-gamma-delta region. M-class flare likely.
Positions as of September 5, 2024 at 16:30 UT.
Observation #: 22
Date: 9/5/2024
Local Time: 05:50 PM CDT
UTC Time: 22:50
Location: Basement
Reading: 13.1
Deviation (cm): -1.9
Deviation (degrees) -0.8
Kp at time of obs.: 1.0
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 357 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 1 p/cm3
Bz: -1 nT
Bt: 5 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? no
Observation #: 23
Date: 9/6/2024
Local Time: 8:45 AM CDT
UTC Time: 13:45
Location: Basement
Reading: 13.5
Deviation (cm): -1.5
Deviation (degrees) -0.6
Kp at time of obs.: 3.00
Auroral activity: unsettled
Solar Wind Speed: 374 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 1 p/cm3
Bz: 3 nT
Bt: 6 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? yes
From Solar Wind? no
Observation #: 24
Date: 9/6/2024
Local Time: 7:45 PM CDT
UTC Time: 0.03125
Location: Basement
Reading: 17.2
Deviation (cm): 2.2
Deviation (degrees) 0.9
Kp at time of obs.: 2.00
Auroral activity: unsettled
Solar Wind Speed: 385 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 2 p/cm3
Bz: 3 nT
Bt: 7 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? no
Observation #: 25
Date: 9/7/2024
Local Time: 9:00 AM CDT
UTC Time: 14:00
Location: Basement
Reading: 18.6
Deviation (cm): 3.6
Deviation (degrees) 1.4
Kp at time of obs.: 2.00
Auroral activity:
Solar Wind Speed: 394 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 0 p/cm3
Bz: 4 nT
Bt: 8 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? no
Observation #: 26
Date: 9/7/2024
Local Time: 6:55 PM CDT
UTC Time: 23:55
Location: Basement
Reading: 14.8
Deviation (cm): -0.2
Deviation (degrees) -0.1
Kp at time of obs.: 2.00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 377 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 1 p/cm3
Bz: -1 nT
Bt: 7 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? no
Observation #: 27
Date: 9/8/2024
Local Time: 8:00 AM CDT
UTC Time: 13:00
Location: Basement
Reading: 14.0
Deviation (cm): -1.0
Deviation (degrees) -0.4
Kp at time of obs.: 2.00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 351 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 2 p/cm3
Bz: 3 nT
Bt: 7 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? no
Observation #: 28
Date: 9/8/2024
Local Time: 7:20 PM CDT
UTC Time: 0:20
Location: Basement
Reading: 14.5
Deviation (cm): -0.5
Deviation (degrees) -0.2
Kp at time of obs.: 2.00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 361 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 3 p/cm3
Bz: -5 nT
Bt: 9 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? yes
Observation #: 29
Date: 9/9/2024
Local Time: 7:15 AM CDT
UTC Time: 12:15
Location: Basement
Reading: 12.8
Deviation (cm): -2.2
Deviation (degrees) -0.9
Kp at time of obs.: 2.00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 376 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 0 p/cm3
Bz: 10 nT
Bt: 10 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? no
Observation #: 30
Date: 9/9/2024
Local Time: 5:30 PM CDT
UTC Time: 17:30
Location: Basement
Reading: 12.1
Deviation (cm): -2.9
Deviation (degrees) -1.1
Kp at time of obs.: 2.00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 438 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 1 p/cm3
Bz: 2 nT
Bt: 8 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? yes
Observation #: 31
Date: 9/10/2024
Local Time: 7:45 AM CDT
UTC Time: 0.53125
Location: Basement
Reading: 12.2
Deviation (cm): -2.8
Deviation (degrees) -1.1
Kp at time of obs.: 2.00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 410 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 0 p/cm3
Bz: 3 nT
Bt: 6 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? no
Observation #: 32
Date: 9/10/2024
Local Time: 5:15 PM CDT
UTC Time: 22:15
Location: Basement
Reading: 12.7
Deviation (cm): -2.3
Deviation (degrees) -0.9
Kp at time of obs.: 3.00
Auroral activity: unsettled
Solar Wind Speed: 365 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 1 p/cm3
Bz: 0 nT
Bt: 4 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? yes
From Solar Wind? no
Observation #: 33
Date: 9/11/2024
Local Time: 7:20 AM CDT
UTC Time: 12:20
Location: Basement
Reading: 13.1
Deviation (cm): -1.9
Deviation (degrees) -0.8
Kp at time of obs.: 2.00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 360 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 2 p/cm3
Bz: -1 nT
Bt: 2 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? no
Observation #: 34
Date: 9/11/2024
Local Time: 6:15 PM CDT
UTC Time: 23:15
Location: Basement
Reading: 15.0
Deviation (cm): 0
Deviation (degrees) 0
Kp at time of obs.: 2.00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 379 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 1 p/cm3
Bz: -1 nT
Bt: 5 nT north
Note: Reset the magnetometer to 15.
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? no
Observation #: 35
Date: 9/12/2024
Local Time: 6:30 AM CDT
UTC Time: 11:30
Location: Basement
Reading: 16.1
Deviation (cm): 1.1
Deviation (degrees) 0.4
Kp at time of obs.: 5
Auroral activity: Minor storm
Solar Wind Speed: 549 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 4 p/cm3
Bz: 3 nT
Bt: 10 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? yes
Canada from Kp? yes
From Solar Wind? yes
Observation #: 36
Date: 9/12/2024
Local Time: 5:45 PM CDT
UTC Time: 22:45
Location: Basement
Reading: 11.6
Deviation (cm): -3.40
Deviation (degrees) -1.3
Kp at time of obs.: 5.00
Auroral activity: Minor storm
Solar Wind Speed: 489 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 0 p/cm3
Bz: -5 nT
Bt: 10 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? yes
Canada from Kp? yes
From Solar Wind? yes
Observation #: 37
Date: 9/13/2024
Local Time: 7:45 AM CDT
UTC Time: 12:45
Location: Basement
Reading: 12.2
Deviation (cm): -2.8
Deviation (degrees) -1.1
Kp at time of obs.: 4.00
Auroral activity: Active
Solar Wind Speed: 483 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 1 p/cm3
Bz: -3 nT
Bt: 6 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? yes
From Solar Wind? yes
Much activity!
Observation #: 38
Date: 9/13/2024
Local Time: 6:10 PM CDT
UTC Time: 23:10
Location: Basement
Reading: 12.0
Deviation (cm): -3.0
Deviation (degrees) -1.2
Kp at time of obs.: 4.00
Auroral activity: Active
Solar Wind Speed: 466 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 4 p/cm3
Bz: -6 nT
Bt: 7 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? yes
From Solar Wind? yes
Observation #: 39
Date: 9/14/2024
Local Time: 07:35 AM CDT
UTC Time: 12:35
Location: Basement
Reading: 13.2
Deviation (cm): -1.8
Deviation (degrees) -0.7
Kp at time of obs.: 4.00
Auroral activity: Active
Solar Wind Speed: 411 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 2 p/cm3
Bz: -1 nT
Bt: 8 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? yes
From Solar Wind? no
Observation #: 40
Date: 9/14/2024
Local Time: 6:50 PM CDT
UTC Time: 23:50
Location: Basement
Reading: 10.4
Deviation (cm): -4.6
Deviation (degrees) -1.8
Kp at time of obs.: 3.00
Auroral activity: unsettled
Solar Wind Speed: 480 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 1 p/cm3
Bz: 2 nT
Bt: 8 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? yes
From Solar Wind? yes
Observation #: 41
Date: 9/15/2024
Local Time: 8:23 AM CDT
UTC Time: 13:23
Location: Basement
Reading: 13.3
Deviation (cm): -1.7
Deviation (degrees) -0.7
Kp at time of obs.: 3.00
Auroral activity: unsettled
Solar Wind Speed: 454 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 2 p/cm3
Bz: -3 nT
Bt: 7 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? yes
From Solar Wind? yes
Observation #: 42
Date: 9/15/2024
Local Time: 6:33 PM CDT
UTC Time: 23:33
Location: Basement
Reading: 8.7
Deviation (cm): -6.3
Deviation (degrees) -2.7
Kp at time of obs.: 3.00
Auroral activity: unsettled
Solar Wind Speed: 457 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 2 p/cm3
Bz: 0 nT
Bt: 7 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? yes
From Solar Wind? yes
Observation #: 43
Date: 9/16/2024
Local Time: 9:15 AM CDT
UTC Time: 14:15
Location: Basement
Reading: 12.1
Deviation (cm): -2.9
Deviation (degrees) -1.1
Kp at time of obs.: 4.00
Auroral activity: Active
Solar Wind Speed: 439 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 3 p/cm3
Bz: 0 nT
Bt: 8 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? yes
From Solar Wind? yes
Observation #: 44
Date: 9/16/2024
Local Time: 7:00 PM CDT
UTC Time: 12:00
Location: Basement
Reading: 12.6
Deviation (cm): -2.4
Deviation (degrees) -0.9
Kp at time of obs.: 4.00
Auroral activity: Active
Solar Wind Speed: 489 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 1 p/cm3
Bz: -12 nT
Bt: 10 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? yes
From Solar Wind? yes
Observation #: 45
Date: 9/17/2024
Local Time: 7:15 AM CDT
UTC Time: 12:15
Location: Basement
Reading: 15.2
Deviation (cm): 0.2
Deviation (degrees) 0.1
Kp at time of obs.: 6.00
Auroral activity: Moderate storm
Solar Wind Speed: 525 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 4 p/cm3
Bz: -6 nT
Bt: 10 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? yes
Canada from Kp? yes
From Solar Wind? yes
Observation #: 46
Date: 9/17/2024
Local Time: 5:50 PM XST
UTC Time: 17:50
Location: Basement
Reading: 16.7
Deviation (cm): 1.7
Deviation (degrees) 0.7
Kp at time of obs.: 4.00
Auroral activity: Active
Solar Wind Speed: 495 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 0 p/cm3
Bz: -2 nT
Bt: 7 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? yes
From Solar Wind? yes
Observation #: 47
Date: 9/18/2024
Local Time: 7:00 AM CDT
UTC Time: 12:00
Location: Basement
Reading: 18.7
Deviation (cm): 3.7
Deviation (degrees) 1.5
Kp at time of obs.: 2.00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 423 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 0 p/cm3
Bz: -1 nT
Bt: 7 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? no
Observation #: 48
Date: 9/18/2024
Local Time: 6:20 PM CDT
UTC Time: 23:20
Location: Basement
Reading: 15.6
Deviation (cm): 0.6
Deviation (degrees) 0.2
Kp at time of obs.: 1.00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 477 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 0 p/cm3
Bz: -8 nT
Bt: 7 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? yes
Observation #: 49
Date: 9/19/2024
Local Time: 8:25 AM CDT
UTC Time: 13:25
Location: Basement
Reading: 17.3
Deviation (cm): 2.3
Deviation (degrees) 0.9
Kp at time of obs.: 3.00
Auroral activity: unsettled
Solar Wind Speed: 421 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 0 p/cm3
Bz: -8 nT
Bt: 8 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? yes
From Solar Wind? yes
Observation #: 50
Date: 9/19/2024
Local Time: 6:15 PM CDT
UTC Time: 0.96875
Location: Basement
Reading: 15.0
Deviation (cm): 0.0
Deviation (degrees) 0.0
Kp at time of obs.: 3.00
Auroral activity: unsettled
Solar Wind Speed: 389 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 0 p/cm3
Bz: 1 nT
Bt: 7 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? yes
From Solar Wind? no
The Solar Maximum Challenge, with two observations per day, has been completed. The remaining 75 needed daily observations for the Space Weather Observing Program are below.
Observation #: 51
Date: 9/20/2024
Local Time: 5:55 PM CDT
UTC Time: 22:55
Location: Basement
Reading: 10.5
Deviation (cm): -4.5
Deviation (degrees) -1.8
Kp at time of obs.: 1.0
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 389 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 0 p/cm3
Bz: -2 nT
Bt: 5 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? no
Observation #: 52
Date: 9/21/2024
Local Time: 5:45 PM CDT
UTC Time: 22:45
Location: Basement
Reading: 12.4
Deviation (cm): -2.6
Deviation (degrees) -1.0
Kp at time of obs.: 2
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 430 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 0 p/cm3
Bz: 3 nT
Bt: 6 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? no
Observation #: 53
Date: 9/22/2024
Local Time: 05:55 PM CDT
UTC Time: 22:55
Location: Basement
Reading: 9.6
Deviation (cm): -5.4
Deviation (degrees) -2.1
Kp at time of obs.: 2,00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 362 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 2 p/cm3
Bz: -1 nT
Bt: 7 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? no
Observation #: 54
Date: 9/23/2024
Local Time: 5:55 PM CDT
UTC Time: 22:55
Location: Basement
Reading: 7.4
Deviation (cm): -7.5
Deviation (degrees) -3.0
Kp at time of obs.: 2.00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 454 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 10 p/cm3
Bz: 7 nT
Bt: 7 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? no
Observation #: 55
Date: 9/24/2024
Local Time: 6:00 PM CDT
UTC Time: 23:00
Location: Basement
Reading: 11.2
Deviation (cm): -3.8
Deviation (degrees) -1.5
Kp at time of obs.: 3.00
Auroral activity: unsettled
Solar Wind Speed: 430 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 10 p/cm3
Bz: 6 nT
Bt: 8 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? yes
Observation #: 56
Date: 9/25/2024
Local Time: 5:55 PM CDT
UTC Time: 22:55
Location: Basement
Reading: 11.7
Deviation (cm): -3.3
Deviation (degrees) -1.3
Kp at time of obs.: 4.00
Auroral activity: Active
Solar Wind Speed: 493 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 10 p/cm3
Bz: -4 nT
Bt: 6 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? yes
From Solar Wind? yes
Observation #: 57
Date: 9/26/2024
Local Time: 5:55 PM CDT
UTC Time: 22:55
Location: Basement
Reading: 16.7
Deviation (cm): 1.7
Deviation (degrees) 0.7
Kp at time of obs.: 2.00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 360 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 3 p/cm3
Bz: -2 nT
Bt: 5 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? no
Observation #: 58
Date: 9/27/2024
Local Time: 5:00 PM CDT
UTC Time: 22:00
Location: Basement
Reading: 14.5
Deviation (cm): -0.5
Deviation (degrees) -0.2
Kp at time of obs.: 1.00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 307 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 1 p/cm3
Bz: 3 nT
Bt: 5 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? no
Observation #: 59
Date: 9/28/2024
Local Time: 5:15 PM CDT
UTC Time: 22:15
Location: Basement
Reading: 13.7
Deviation (cm): -1.3
Deviation (degrees) -0.5
Kp at time of obs.: 2.00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 321 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 3 p/cm3
Bz: -5 nT
Bt: 6 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? no
Observation #: 60
Date: 9/30/2024
Local Time: 7:40 PM CDT
UTC Time: 00:40
Location: Basement
Reading: 10.4
Deviation (cm): -4.6
Deviation (degrees) -1.8
Kp at time of obs.: 3.0
Auroral activity: unsettled
Solar Wind Speed: 487 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 2 p/cm3
Bz: -5 nT
Bt: 10 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? yes
From Solar Wind? yes
Observation #: 61
Date: 9/30/2024
Local Time: 6:10 PM CDT
UTC Time: 23:10
Location: Basement
Reading: 9.8
Deviation (cm): -5.2
Deviation (degrees) -2.1
Kp at time of obs.: 3.00
Auroral activity: unsettled
Solar Wind Speed: 404 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 1 p/cm3
Bz: 3 nT
Bt: 6 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? yes
From Solar Wind? no
Observation #: 62
Date: 10/1/2024
Local Time: 5:55 PM CDT
UTC Time: 22:55
Location: Basement
Reading: 16.2
Deviation (cm): 1.2
Deviation (degrees) 0.5
Kp at time of obs.: 2.00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 403 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 0 p/cm3
Bz: 2 nT
Bt: 4 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? no
Observation #: 63
Date: 10/2/2024
Local Time: 9:30 PM CDT
UTC Time: 02:30
Location: Basement
Reading: 15.3
Deviation (cm): 0.3
Deviation (degrees) 0.1
Kp at time of obs.: 1.00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 351 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 2 p/cm3
Bz: 2 nT
Bt: 6 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? no
Observation #: 64
Date: 10/3/2024
Local Time: 6:00 PM CDT
UTC Time: 23:00
Location: Basement
Reading: 16.2
Deviation (cm): 1.2
Deviation (degrees) 0.5
Kp at time of obs.: 2.00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 367 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 0 p/cm3
Bz: -1 nT
Bt: 6 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? no
Observation #: 65
Date: 10/4/2024
Local Time: 6:10 PM CDT
UTC Time: 23:10
Location: Basement
Reading: 14.3
Deviation (cm): -0.7
Deviation (degrees) -0.3
Kp at time of obs.: 2.00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 406 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 0 p/cm3
Bz: -4 nT
Bt: 7 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? yes
Observation #: 66
Date: 10/5/2024
Local Time: 3:44 PM CDT
UTC Time: 20:44
Location: Basement
Reading: 12.4
Deviation (cm): -2.56
Deviation (degrees) -1.0
Kp at time of obs.: 1.00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 390 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 0 p/cm3
Bz: -1 nT
Bt: 7 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? no
Observation #: 67
Date: 10/6/2024
Local Time: 6:15:00 PM CDT
UTC Time: 23:15
Location: Basement
Reading: 16.7
Deviation (cm): 1.7
Deviation (degrees) 0.7
Kp at time of obs.: 4
Auroral activity: Active
Solar Wind Speed: 463 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 0 p/cm3
Bz: -9 nT
Bt: 10 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? yes
Canada from Kp? yes
From Solar Wind? yes
Observation #: 68
Date: 10/7/2024
Local Time: 06:05 PM CDT
UTC Time: 23:05
Location: Basement
Reading: 16.5
Deviation (cm): 1.5
Deviation (degrees) 0.6
Kp at time of obs.: 6
Auroral activity: Moderate storm
Solar Wind Speed: 379 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 0 p/cm3
Bz: -11 nT
Bt: 10 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? yes
Canada from Kp? yes
From Solar Wind? yes
Observation #: 69
Date: 10/8/2024
Local Time: 06:10 PM CDT
UTC Time: 23:10
Location: Basement
Reading: 16.6
Deviation (cm): 1.6
Deviation (degrees) 0.6
Kp at time of obs.: 4,00
Auroral activity: Active
Solar Wind Speed: 446 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 0 p/cm3
Bz: -7 nT
Bt: 9 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? yes
From Solar Wind? yes
Solar activity is very high. Two X-class flares have been observed in the last 24 hours, one from region NOAA 13842 and one from region NOAA 13844. An M-class event has also been observed from region NOAA 13842. Region NOAA 13844 is now beyond the west limb. M-class flares likely from regions NOAA 13842 and NOAA 13849. X-class flare possible from region NOAA 13842.
NOAA 13842, S15 W71 (X= 879,Y=-281). Beta-gamma-delta region. M-class flare likely. X-class flare possible.
NOAA 13849, S06 E19 (X=-312,Y=-200). Beta-gamma-delta region. M-class flare likely.
Positions as of October 8, 2024 at 16:45 UT.
Observation #: 70
Date: 10/9/2024
Local Time: 06:10 PM CDT
UTC Time: 23:10
Location: Basement
Reading: 16.6
Deviation (cm): 1.6
Deviation (degrees) 0.6
Kp at time of obs.: 2.00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 440 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 5 p/cm3
Bz: -3 nT
Bt: 5 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? yes
From Solar Wind? yes
Solar activity is very high. An X1.8 flare was observed in region NOAA 13848 at 01:25 UT today. An M1.6 flare was observed from region NOAA 13849 at 05:41 UT today. Region NOAA 13842 remained quiet. Further M-class flares likely from region NOAA 13848. An X-class flare is possible.
NOAA 13848, N14 W19 (X= 305,Y= 136). Beta-gamma-delta region. Small negative spot in the penumbra of the large positive spot. M-class flare likely. X-class flare possible.
Position as of October 9, 2024 at 16:00 UT.
Observation #: 71
Date: 10/10/2024
Local Time: 6:30 PM CDT
UTC Time: 23:30
Location: Basement
Reading: 17.0
Deviation (cm): 2.00
Deviation (degrees) 0.8 Kp at time of obs.: 8
Auroral activity: Severe storm
Solar Wind Speed: 704 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 1 p/cm3
Bz: -20 nT
Bt: 10 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? yes
US from Kp? yes
Canada from Kp? yes
From Solar Wind? yes
Local news says aurora tonight.
Dan Crowson had trouble imaging from his driveway...the sky was too red!
Observation #: 72
Date: 10/11/2024
Local Time: 06:55 PM CDT
UTC Time: 23:55
Location: Basement
Reading: 14.7
Deviation (cm): -0.3
Deviation (degrees) -0.1
Kp at time of obs.: 3.00
Auroral activity: unsettled
Solar Wind Speed: 675 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 1 p/cm3
Bz: 8 nT
Bt: 10 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? yes
From Solar Wind? yes
Solar activity is moderate. An M3.0 flare was observed in region NOAA 13844 at 21:54 UT yesterday. An M1.0 flare was observed at 16:51 UT yesterday from beyond the west limb at about S07. Complexity in region NOAA 13848 has increased slightly. M-class flare likely in region NOAA 13848. C-class flare likely in region NOAA 13852.
NOAA 13848, N15 W45 (X= 659,Y= 178). Beta-gamma-delta region. M-class flare likely.
Position as of October 11, 2024 at 15:30 UT.
Observation #: 73
Date: 10/12/2024
Local Time: 06:45 PM CDT
UTC Time: 23:45
Location: Basement
Reading: 11.9
Deviation (cm): -3.1
Deviation (degrees) -1.2
Kp at time of obs.: 4.00
Auroral activity: Active
Solar Wind Speed: 519 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 0 p/cm3
Bz: 4 nT
Bt: 0 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? yes
From Solar Wind? yes
Solar activity is high. Two M-class events were observed in region NOAA 13854 yesterday and one beyond the west limb at S20. M-class flare likely in region NOAA 13854.
NOAA 13854, S05 E13 (X=-217,Y=-182). Beta region. M-class flare likely.
Position as of October 12, 2024 at 16:15 UT.
Observation #: 74
Date: 10/13/2024
Local Time: 06:50 PM CDT
UTC Time: 23:50
Location: Basement
Reading: 17.5
Deviation (cm): 2.5
Deviation (degrees) 1.0
Kp at time of obs.: 1.00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 448 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 1 p/cm3
Bz: 1 nT
Bt: 3 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? yes
Observation #: 75
Date: 10/14/2024
Local Time: 06:35 PM CDT
UTC Time: 23:35
Location: Basement
Reading: 14.8
Deviation (cm): -0.2
Deviation (degrees) -0.1
Kp at time of obs.: 2.00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 405 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 1 p/cm3
Bz: -4 nT
Bt: 8 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? yes
From Solar Wind? yes
Observation #: 76
Date: 10/15/2024
Local Time: 06:10 PM CDT
UTC Time: 23:10
Location: Basement
Reading: 16.1
Deviation (cm): 1.1
Deviation (degrees) 0.43
Kp at time of obs.: 2
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 387 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 2 p/cm3
Bz: -2 nT
Bt: 8 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? no
Solar activity is high. Three M-class flares have been observed in region NOAA 13854 since the last report. This region has also produced a large number of C-class events. Further M-class events are likely from this region.
NOAA 13854, S07 W28 (X= 450,Y=-203). Beta-gamma region. M-class flare likely.
Position as of October 15, 2024 at 18:15 UT
Observation #: 77
Date: 10/16/2024
Local Time: 05:465 PM CDT
UTC Time: 22:45
Location: Basement
Reading: 15.1
Deviation (cm): 0.1
Deviation (degrees) 0.04
Kp at time of obs.: 3.00
Auroral activity: unsettled
Solar Wind Speed: 446 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 1 p/cm3
Bz: -4 nT
Bt: 5 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? yes
From Solar Wind? yes
Solar activity is high. Several M-class flares have been observed in region NOAA 13854 since the last report. An M-class event was also observed from beyond the west limb at 18:00 UT yesterday. Region NOAA 13854 has become more complex. Further M-class flares are likely in this region and an X-class flare is possible.
NOAA 13854, S05 W42 (X= 644,Y=-155). Beta-gamma-delta region. M-class flare likely. X-class flare possible.
Position as of October 16, 2024 at 16:30 UT.
Observation #: 78
Date: 10/17/2024
Local Time: 05:45 PM CDT
UTC Time: 22:45
Location: Basement
Reading: 15.4
Deviation (cm): 0.4
Deviation (degrees) 0.2
Kp at time of obs.: 2.00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 379 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 1 p/cm3
Bz: 1 nT
Bt: 6 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? no
Solar activity is high. Two M-class events have been observed since the last report. One was in region NOAA 13856 and one in region NOAA 13854. At this time region NOAA 13856 appears more likely to produce significant flares than region NOAA 13854. Region NOAA 13857 has also grown and a new region has emerged ahead of it. M-class flare likely in region NOAA 13856 and an X-class flare is possible.
NOAA 13856, N10 W17 (X= 279,Y= 77). Beta-gamma-delta region. M-class flare likely. X-class flare possible.
Position as of October 17, 2024 at 16:15 UT.
Observation #: 79
Date: 10/18/2024
Local Time: 06:25 PM CDT
UTC Time: 23:25
Location: Basement
Reading: 14.1
Deviation (cm): -0.9
Deviation (degrees) -0.4
Kp at time of obs.: 3.00
Auroral activity: unsettled
Solar Wind Speed: 403 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 5 p/cm3
Bz: -5 nT
Bt: 9 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? yes
From Solar Wind? yes
Something new...a 24/7 magnetometer graph using a three-axis QMC5883I magnetometer and a Raspberry Pi to collect data from my house.
A QMC5883I is about as sensitive and precise as what is found in a typical cell phone. Most Google search results are directed towards an HP HMC5883 which has slightly different registers so most online software suggestions won't work for a JMC3558.
Please have a look at the bottom of this page for more info on the Pi Magnetometer.
Note that there is a small rise in the middle of the "red" curve during the day showing a small increase in Bt.
Hopefully, a major storm will graph better.
Observation #: 80
Date: 10/19/2024
Local Time: 05:40 PM CDT
UTC Time: 22:40
Location: Basement
Reading: 13.6
Deviation (cm): -1.4
Deviation (degrees) -0.6
Kp at time of obs.: 4
Auroral activity: Active
Solar Wind Speed: 444 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 1 p/cm3
Bz: -2 nT
Bt: 5 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? yes
From Solar Wind? yes
Solar activity is high. Region NOAA 13854 has produced five M-class events since the last report. This region is now passing over the west limb. M-class flares likely from this region.
NOAA 13854, S06 W76 (X= 931,Y=-123). Alpha region. M-class flare likely.
Position as of October 19, 2024 at 16:00 UT.
Observation #: 81
Date: 10/21/2024
Local Time: 08:35 PM CDT
UTC Time: 1:35
Location: Basement
Reading: 13.5
Deviation (cm): -1.5
Deviation (degrees) -0.6
Kp at time of obs.: 2.00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 354 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 1 p/cm3
Bz: 1 nT
Bt: 3 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? no
Observation #: 82
Date: 10/21/2024
Local Time: 06:05 PM CDT
UTC Time: 23:05
Location: Basement
Reading: 13.7
Deviation (cm): -1.3
Deviation (degrees) -0.5
Kp at time of obs.: 1.00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 317 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 6 p/cm3
Bz: -3 nT
Bt: 3 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? no
Observation #: 83
Date: 10/22/2024
Local Time: 06:05 PM CDT
UTC Time: 23:05
Location: Basement
Reading: 11.6
Deviation (cm): -3.3
Deviation (degrees) -1.3
Kp at time of obs.: 2.00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 313 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 10 p/cm3
Bz: 3 nT
Bt: 6 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? no
Observation #: 84
Date: 10/23/2024
Local Time: 06:10 PM CDT
UTC Time: 23:10
Location: Basement
Reading: 14
Deviation (cm): -1.0
Deviation (degrees) -0.4
Kp at time of obs.: 2.00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 392 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 6 p/cm3
Bz: -3 nT
Bt: 7 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? yes
Solar activity is moderate. C-class flares were observed in regions NOAA 13866, NOAA 13860, and NOAA 13868 since the last report. C-class events were also observed in a new region on the east limb. M-class flare likely in the new region at S17 E70.
Unnumbered region, S17 E70 (X=-868,Y=-310). Beta-gamma-delta region. M-class flare likely.
Position as of October 23, 2024 at 16:15 UT.
The heading moved enough to see!!
Observation #: 85
Date: 10/24/2024
Local Time: 06:50 PM CDT
UTC Time: 23:50
Location: Basement
Reading: 14.4
Deviation (cm): -0.6
Deviation (degrees) -0.2
Kp at time of obs.: 2.00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 334 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 2 p/cm3
Bz: 1 nT
Bt: 3 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? no
Solar activity is high. Region NOAA 13869 produced an X3.3 flare at 03:30 UT today. An M1.2 flare was also produced by this region at 10:22 UT today. M-class flare likely in region NOAA 13869 and an X-class flare is possible.
NOAA 13869, S16 E62 (X=-821,Y=-304). Beta-gamma-delta region. M-class flare likely. X-class flare possible.
Position as of October 24, 2024 at 16:00 UT.
The data collection script crashed early today and only restarted late in the UT afternoon..
Observation #: 86
Date: 10/25/2024
Local Time: 05:55 PM CDT
UTC Time: 22:55
Location: Basement
Reading: 14.0
Deviation (cm): -1.0
Deviation (degrees) -0.4
Kp at time of obs.: 1.00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 332 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 5 p/cm3
Bz: 4 nT
Bt: 6 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? no
Observation #: 87
Date: 10/26/2024
Local Time: 06:00 PM CDT
UTC Time: 23:00
Location: Basement
Reading: 15.6
Deviation (cm): 0.6
Deviation (degrees) 0.2
Kp at time of obs.: 4.00
Auroral activity: Active
Solar Wind Speed: 452 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 8 p/cm3
Bz: -4 nT
Bt: 10 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? yes
Canada from Kp? yes
From Solar Wind? yes
Observation #: 88
Date: 10/27/2024
Local Time: 06:00 PM CDT
UTC Time: 23:00
Location: Basement
Reading: 15.5
Deviation (cm): 0.5
Deviation (degrees) 0.2
Kp at time of obs.: 3.00
Auroral activity: unsettled
Solar Wind Speed: 432 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 10 p/cm3
Bz: 1 nT
Bt: 6 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? yes
From Solar Wind? yes
Observation #: 89
Date: 10/28/2024
Local Time: 07:45 PM CDT
UTC Time: 0:45
Location: Basement
Reading: 11.6
Deviation (cm): -3.4
Deviation (degrees) -1.3
Kp at time of obs.: 2.00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 501 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 2 p/cm3
Bz: 2 nT
Bt: 7 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? yes
From Solar Wind? yes
Observation #: 90
Date: 10/29/2024
Local Time: 8:05 PM CDT
UTC Time: 1:05
Location: Basement
Reading: 14.9
Deviation (cm): -.1
Deviation (degrees) -.004
Kp at time of obs.: 3.00
Auroral activity: unsettled
Solar Wind Speed: 514 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 1 p/cm3
Bz: 1 nT
Bt: 6 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? yes
From Solar Wind? yes
Observation #: 91
Date: 10/30/2024
Local Time: 6:15 PM CDT
UTC Time: 23:15
Location: Basement
Reading: 12.7
Deviation (cm): -2.3
Deviation (degrees) -0.9
Kp at time of obs.: 2.00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 503 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 0 p/cm3
Bz: 1 nT
Bt: 7 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? yes
No graph today...the sensor returned errors.
Observation #: 92
Date: 10/31/2024
Local Time: 8:05 PM CDT
UTC Time: 1:05
Location: Basement
Reading: 16
Deviation (cm): 1
Deviation (degrees) 0.4
Kp at time of obs.: 4.00
Auroral activity: Active
Solar Wind Speed: 443 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 0 p/cm3
Bz: 0 nT
Bt: 9 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? yes
From Solar Wind? no
Solar activity is high. An M7.2 flare was observed in region NOAA 13878, along with two smaller M-class events. An M2.4 flare was also observed in region NOAA 13875. M-class flare likely in region NOAA 13875 and region NOAA 13878.
NOAA 13875, N27 W36 (X= 508,Y= 386). Beta-gamma-delta region. M-class flare likely.
NOAA 13878, N16 E25 (X=-394,Y= 202). Beta-delta region. M-class flare likely.
Positions as of October 31, 2024 at 16:45 UT.
Observation #: 93
Date: 11/1/2024
Local Time: 8:45 PM CDT
UTC Time: 1:45
Location: Basement
Reading: 16.1
Deviation (cm): 1.1
Deviation (degrees) 0.43
Kp at time of obs.: 0
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 438 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 1 p/cm3
Bz: 4 nT
Bt: 8 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? no
Solar activity is high. An X2.0 flare was observed in region NOAA 13878 at 21:12 UT yesterday. Several M-class flares have been observed in region NOAA 13876 since the last report as well. M-class flares remain likely in these regions and X-class flares are also possible.
NOAA 13876, S04 W57 (X= 811,Y=-107). Beta-gamma-delta region. M-class flare likely. X-class flare possible.
NOAA 13878, N16 E13 (X=-210,Y= 199). Beta-gamma-delta region. M-class flare likely. X-class flare possible.
Positions as of November 1, 2024 at 16:45 UT.
Observation #: 94
Date: 11/2/2024
Local Time: 08:00 PM CDT
UTC Time: 1:00
Location: Basement
Reading: 15.4
Deviation (cm): 0.4
Deviation (degrees) 0.2
Kp at time of obs.: 3.00
Auroral activity: unsettled
Solar Wind Speed: 437 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 0 p/cm3
Bz: 10 nT
Bt: 10 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? yes
From Solar Wind? no
Observation #: 95
Date: 11/03/2024
Local Time: 09:30 PM CST
UTC Time: 03:30
Location: Basement
Reading: 13.7
Deviation (cm): 1.3
Deviation (degrees): 1.3
Kp at time of obs: 4.00
Auroral activity: Active
Solar Wind Speed: 432 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 10 p/cm3
Bz: -4 not
Bt: 5 nt north
Auroral prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? yes
From Solar Wind? yes
Solar activity is high. M-class events have been observed in aNOAA 13884 and NOAA 13878 since the last report, and an M-class is occurring now in region NOAA 13883. M-class flares likely in regions NOAA 13881, NOAA 13883, and the region at S04 E78.
NOAA 13881, S09 E04 (X= -67,Y=-220). Beta-gamma-delta region. M-class flare likely.
NOAA 13883, S06 E54 (X=-781,Y=-142). Beta-gamma-delta region. M-class flare likely.
Unnumbered region, S04 E78 (X=-945,Y= -82). Beta region. M-class flare likely.
Positions as of November 3, 2024 at 15:45 UT.
Observation #: 96
Date: 11/4/2024
Local Time: 05:50 PM CST
UTC Time: 22:55
Location: Basement
Reading: 12.5
Deviation (cm): -2.5
Deviation (degrees) -0.1
Kp at time of obs.: 1.00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 437 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 3 p/cm3
Bz: 0 nT
Bt: 7 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? no
Observation #: 97
Date: 11/5/2024
Local Time: 06:45 PM CST
UTC Time: 23:45
Location: Basement
Reading: 13.6
Deviation (cm): -1.4
Deviation (degrees) -0.6
Kp at time of obs.: 3.00
Auroral activity: unsettled
Solar Wind Speed: 460 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 5 p/cm3
Bz: -2 nT
Bt: 6 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? yes
From Solar Wind? yes
Solar activity is high. A number of M-class flares have been observed since the last report, mainly in region NOAA 13883. M-class flares likely to continue from this region and an X-class flare is possible.
NOAA 13883, S06 E24 (X=-393,Y=-161). Beta?-gamma-delta region. M-class flare likely. X-class flare possible.
Position as of November 5, 2024 at 17:30 UT.
No graph today...sensor problems.
Observation #: 98
Date: 11/6/2024
Local Time: 08:00 PM CST
UTC Time: 1:00
Location: Basement
Reading: 16.9
Deviation (cm): 1.9
Deviation (degrees) 0.8
Kp at time of obs.: 2.00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 396 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 3 p/cm3
Bz: -1 nT
Bt: 3 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? yes
Observation #: 99
Date: 11/7/2024
Local Time: 7:30 PM CST
UTC Time: 00:30
Location: Basement
Reading: 15.8
Deviation (cm): 0.8
Deviation (degrees) 0.3
Kp at time of obs.: 3.00
Auroral activity: unsettled
Solar Wind Speed: 360 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 10 p/cm3
Bz: 2 nT
Bt: 3 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? yes
From Solar Wind? no
Solar activity is very high. An X2.3 flare was observed in region NOAA 13883 at 13:24 UT yesterday. Frequent M-class events have been observed from this region and a new region at about S10 on the east limb. Further M-class flares are expected from these regions and an X-class flare is possible from region NOAA 13883.
NOAA 13883, S06 W04 (X=. 68,Y=-163). Beta-gamma-delta region. M-class flare likely. X-class flare possible.
Unnumbered region, S09 E71 (X=-906,Y=-171). Beta-gamma region. M-class flare likely.
Positions as of November 7, 2024 at 16:45 UT.
Observation #: 100
Date: 11/8/2024
Local Time: 06:00 PM CST
UTC Time: 23:00
Location: Basement
Reading: 15.4
Deviation (cm): 0.4
Deviation (degrees) 0.2
Kp at time of obs.: 4.00
Auroral activity: Active
Solar Wind Speed: 391 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 10 p/cm3
Bz: -4 nT
Bt: 10 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? yes
Canada from Kp? yes
From Solar Wind? yes
Date: 11/09/2024
Local Time: 05:00 PM CST
Out of town.
Observation #: 101
Date: 11/10/2024
Local Time: 05:00 PM CST
UTC Time: 22:00
Location: Basement
Reading: 15.7
Deviation (cm): 0.7
Deviation (degrees) 0.3
Kp at time of obs.: 5.00
Auroral activity: Minor Storm
Solar Wind Speed: 409 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 3 p/cm3
Bz: 3 nT
Bt: 5 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? yes
Canada from Kp? yes
From Solar Wind? no
Solar activity is high. An M9.4 flare was observed in region NOAA 13889 at 11:51 UT today. This region has grown in the last two days and is now beta-gamma-delta class. Two areas of strong magnetic gradients exist, one in the leading portion of the region and one in the trailing portion. An X-class flare is likely in this region.
NOAA 13889, S10 E28 (X=-450,Y=-218). Beta-gamma-delta region. X-class flare likely.
Positon as of November 10, 2024 at 15:00 UT.
Observation #: 102
Date: 11/11/2024
Local Time: 05:35 PM CST
UTC Time: 22:35
Location: Basement
Reading: 15.8
Deviation (cm): 0.8
Deviation (degrees) 0.3
Kp at time of obs.: 2.00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 379 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 4 p/cm3
Bz: -2 nT
Bt: 5 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? no
Solar activity is high. Three M-class flares have been observed since the last report in region NOAA 13889. Further M-class flares likely in region NOAA 13889.
NOAA 13889, S10 E19 (X=-312,Y=-219). Beta-gamma-delta region. M-class flare likely.
Position as of November 11, 2024 at 17:15 UT.
Observation #: 103
Date: 11/12/2024
Local Time: 05:55 PM CST
UTC Time: 22:55
Location: Basement
Reading: 15.9
Deviation (cm): 0.9
Deviation (degrees) 0.4
Kp at time of obs.: 1.00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 350 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 0 p/cm3
Bz: -5 nT
Bt: 5 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? yes
Observation #: 104
Date: 11/13/2024
Local Time: 05:55 PM CST
UTC Time: 11:55
Location: Basement
Reading: 15.0
Deviation (cm): 0
Deviation (degrees) 0
Kp at time of obs.: 2.00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 318 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 3 p/cm3
Bz: -3 nT
Bt: 7 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? no
Observation #: 105
Date: 11/14/2024
Local Time: 05:50 PM CST
UTC Time: 23:50
Location: Basement
Reading: 15.2
Deviation (cm): 0.2
Deviation (degrees) .1
Kp at time of obs.: 3.00
Auroral activity: unsettled
Solar Wind Speed: 394 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 0 p/cm3
Bz: -5 nT
Bt: 10 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? yes
From Solar Wind? yes
Observation #: 106
Date: 11/15/2024
Local Time: 05:50 PM CST
UTC Time: 23:50
Location: Basement
Reading: 15.4
Deviation (cm): 0.4
Deviation (degrees) 0.2
Kp at time of obs.: 2.00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 361 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 0 p/cm3
Bz: -4 nT
Bt: 7 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? no
Observation #: 107
Date: 11/16/2024
Local Time: 05:30 PM CST
UTC Time: 23:30
Location: Basement
Reading: 16.2
Deviation (cm): 1.2
Deviation (degrees) 0.5
Kp at time of obs.: 0.00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 386 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 6 p/cm3
Bz: 1 nT
Bt: 5 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? no
Observation #: 108
Date: 11/17/2024
Local Time: 05:55 PM CST
UTC Time: 23:55
Location: Basement
Reading: 15.0
Deviation (cm): 0.0
Deviation (degrees) 0.0
Kp at time of obs.: 1.00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 329 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 0 p/cm3
Bz: 0 nT
Bt: 7 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? no
Observation #: 109
Date: 11/18/2024
Local Time: 05:55 PM CST
UTC Time: 23:55
Location: Basement
Reading: 13.3
Deviation (cm): -1.7
Deviation (degrees) -0.7
Kp at time of obs.: 1
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 393 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 2 p/cm3
Bz: -2 nT
Bt: 6 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? no
Solar activity is high. A new rapidly growing region has rotated onto the disk in the SE. This region has produced several M-class events since the last report. Two M-class events have also been observed today from region NOAA 13897. This region is also growing rapidly. M-class flares likely in the new SE region and in region NOAA 13897.
NOAA 13897, S12 W57 (X= 799,Y=-224). Beta region. Growing. M-class flare likely.
Unnumbered region, S07 E68 (X=-895,Y=-133). Beta-delta region. Growing. M-class flare likely. X-class flare possible.
Positions as of November 18, 2024 at 18:00 UT.
No graph for today.
Observation #: 110
Date: 11/19/2024
Local Time: 05:55 PM CST
UTC Time: 23:55
Location: Basement
Reading: 15.2
Deviation (cm): 0.2
Deviation (degrees) 0.8
Kp at time of obs.: 3.00
Auroral activity: unsettled
Solar Wind Speed: 381 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 4 p/cm3
Bz: 2 nT
Bt: 9 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? yes
From Solar Wind? no
The battery in the laser pointer died. It took five days to find a replacement. The battery change probably caused a change in orientation.
Observation #: 111
Date: 11/24/2024
Local Time: 05:15 PM CST
UTC Time: 0.96875
Location: Basement
Reading: 12.2
Deviation (cm): -2.
Deviation (degrees) -1.1
Kp at time of obs.: 2.00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 432 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 6 p/cm3
Bz: -4 nT
Bt: 8 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? yes
From Solar Wind? yes
Observation #: 112
Date: 11/25/2024
Local Time: 5:55 PM CST
UTC Time: 23:55
Location: Basement
Reading: 15.0
Deviation (cm): 0.0
Deviation (degrees) 0.0
Kp at time of obs.: 2.0
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 401 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 3 p/cm3
Bz: -3 nT
Bt: 4 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? yes
Solar activity is high. Six M-class flares have been observed since the last report. Four were from region NOAA 13906 and two, including the largest an M9.4, from a new region at the east limb at N18. M-class flare likely from region NOAA 13906 and the new NE region. An X-class flare is possible from the new NE region at N18.
NOAA 13906, S15 E37 (X=-567,Y=-272). Beta-delta region. Growing. M-class flare likely.
Unnumbered region, N18 E84 (X=-920,Y= 298). Beta region. Reversed polarity. M-class flare likely. X-class flare possible
Observation #: 113
Date: 11/26/2024
Local Time: 5:55 PM CST
UTC Time: 23:55
Location: Basement
Reading: 16.8
Deviation (cm): 1.8
Deviation (degrees) 0.7
Kp at time of obs.: 2.00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 355 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 1 p/cm3
Bz: -1 nT
Bt: 6 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? no
Observation #: 114
Date: 11/27/2024
Local Time: 05:50 PM CST
UTC Time: 23:50
Location: Basement
Reading: 15.9
Deviation (cm): 0.9
Deviation (degrees) 0.4
Kp at time of obs.: 1.00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 339 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 2 p/cm3
Bz: 0 nT
Bt: 5 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? no
Observation #: 115
Date: 11/28/2024
Local Time: 12:15 PM CST
UTC Time: 18.15
Location: Basement
Reading: 17.4
Deviation (cm): 2.4
Deviation (degrees) 0.9
Kp at time of obs.: 1.00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 347 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 4 p/cm3
Bz: 3 nT
Bt: 7 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? no
Observation #: 116
Date: 11/29/2024
Local Time: 5:15 PM CDT
UTC Time: 23:15
Location: Basement
Reading: 14.2
Deviation (cm): -0.81
Deviation (degrees) -0.3
Kp at time of obs.: 3.00
Auroral activity: unsettled
Solar Wind Speed: 397 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 7 p/cm3
Bz: -8 nT
Bt: 8 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? yes
From Solar Wind? yes
Observation #: 117
Date: 11/30/2024
Local Time: 5:45 PM CDT
UTC Time: 23:45
Location: Basement
Reading: 14.0
Deviation (cm): -1.0
Deviation (degrees) -0.4
Kp at time of obs.: 1.00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 416 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 10 p/cm3
Bz: 6 nT
Bt: 7 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? no
NOTICE: There is an image outage of the Sunspot images due to a cooling water line burst in the Joint Science Operations Center (JSOC) at Stanford University on 2024-11-26.
I'm switching over to SpaceWeather.com.
Observation #: 118
Date: 12/1/2024
Local Time: 5:20 PM CST
UTC Time: 23:20
Location: Basement
Reading: 15.1
Deviation (cm): .1
Deviation (degrees) 0
Kp at time of obs.: 2.00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 403 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 6 p/cm3
Bz: -3 nT
Bt: 6 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? yes
Observation #: 119
Date: 12/2/2024
Local Time: 5:45 PM CST
UTC Time: 23:45
Location: Basement
Reading: 15.2
Deviation (cm): 0.2
Deviation (degrees) 0
Kp at time of obs.: 2.00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 390 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 0 p/cm3
Bz: 2 nT
Bt: 10 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? no
Observation #: 120
Date: 12/3/2024
Local Time: 5:20 PM CST
UTC Time: 23:20
Location: Basement
Reading: 14.1
Deviation (cm): -0.9
Deviation (degrees) -0.4
Kp at time of obs.: 3.00
Auroral activity: unsettled
Solar Wind Speed: 497 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 3 p/cm3
Bz: 0 nT
Bt: 10 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? yes
From Solar Wind? yes
Observation #: 121
Date: 12/4/2024
Local Time: 05:45 PM CST
UTC Time: 23:45
Location: Basement
Reading: 12.5
Deviation (cm): -2.5
Deviation (degrees) -0.1
Kp at time of obs.: 2.00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 458 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 2 p/cm3
Bz: -3 nT
Bt: 6 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? yes
No graph today. For some unknown reason the script to collect data didn't run.
Observation #: 122
Date: 12/5/2024
Local Time: 05:35 PM CST`
UTC Time: 23:35
Location: Basement
Reading: 12.9
Deviation (cm): -2.1
Deviation (degrees) -0.8
Kp at time of obs.: 1.00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 414 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 3 p/cm3
Bz: 3 nT
Bt: 5 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? no
Observation #: 123
Date: 12/6/2024
Local Time: 05:30 PM CST
UTC Time: 23:30
Location: Basement
Reading: 12.5
Deviation (cm): -2.5
Deviation (degrees) -01.0
Kp at time of obs.: 1.00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 378 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 5 p/cm3
Bz: -1 nT
Bt: 6 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? no
Observation #: 124
Date: 12/7/2024
Local Time: 07:10 PM CST
UTC Time: 01:10 (12/8/2024)
Location: Basement
Reading: 11.1
Deviation (cm): -3.9
Deviation (degrees) -1.5
Kp at time of obs.: 2.00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 375 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 6 p/cm3
Bz: -1 nT
Bt: 9 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? no
Observation #: 125
Date: 12/8/2024
Local Time: 04:05 PM CST
UTC Time: 22:05
Location: Basement
Reading: 9.4
Deviation (cm): -5.6
Deviation (degrees) -2.2
Kp at time of obs.: 2.00
Auroral activity: quiet
Solar Wind Speed: 408 km/sec
Solar Wind Density: 3 p/cm3
Bz: 1 nT
Bt: 10 nT north
Aurora prediction:
Locally from Kp? no
US from Kp? no
Canada from Kp? no
From Solar Wind? no
Solar activity is very high. An X2 flare was observed in region NOAA 13912 at 09:00 UT today. An M3.2 flare was also observed in region NOAA 13917 at 21:53 UT yesterday. Region NOAA 13917 also produced a number of C-class events. Region NOAA 13912 may be a delta spot; GONG magnetogram resolution not sufficient to tell. C-class flares expected and X-class flare possible in region NOAA 13912. C-class flare likely in region NOAA 13917.
NOAA 13912, S07 W56 (X= 804,Y=-118). Beta-gamma region. May be a delta region. C-class flare expected, X-class flare possible.
NOAA 13917, S07 E15 (X=-251,Y=-117). Beta-delta region. C-class flare likely. M-class flare possible.
Positions as of December 8, 2024 at 15:00 UT.
Predicted Solar Wind Graphs
Animations like the one for 8/22 to 8/29 should give a good idea as to when a CME is directed towards Earth. For other dates select the gif in the directory.
Compare your observed activity with observations from NASA
It seems to me the best way to compare my observations vs. the Kp at the time of the observations is with a graph.
There doesn't seem to be much correlation.
Three Day Solar Flare Data
My Magnetometer
The magnetometer I made is a bit different than the provided soda bottle directions outline. I used an old clear glass flower vase rather than a plastic soda bottle. I needed to get the magnet and mirror perpendicular to each other so I pasted the mirror onto a piece of thin 1" x6" aluminum stock and put seven small Neodymium magnets on each side (14 total). The magnets, mirror and stock are suspended by a thread from a soda straw that goes across the top of the vase. Books are used to raise the apparatus such that the beam from a laser pointer hits the center of the mirror. The printed ruler is 58 inches away from the center of the mirror to the right in the picture. Magnetic north is towards the lower right in the pictures.
After spending two weeks trying to find a location and way to minimize the vibrations cause by just walking around the house, I ended up putting the magnetometer in the basement. Other than rebar in the foundation walls there are no iron objects within three feet.
The spot from the laser shows no drift when I power it on.
Data for the Observing Program in table form.
My Raspberry Pi Magnetometer
I got the idea for making a magnetometer after reading Sten Odenwald's Exploring Space Weather with DIY Magnetometers. The one I built isn't covered in the book, but the inspiration is there.
After doing a bit of Googling I ran into a page called Interfacing HMC5883L Magnetometer with Raspberry Pi. I had several Pis around the house sitting around so all it took was the purchase of a 3 for $8 sensor from Amazon. It was easy to hook one up following the Magnetometer page's directions. I ran the "i2cdetect -y 1" in the directions and got a 0d instead of 1e. I had a QMC5883L, not a HMC5883L. The layout is the same, but the registers are different so the rest of the software on the page would run, but not give real results. Most Google search results are directed toward an HP HMC5883 so most online magnetometer software suggestions won't work for a JMC3558. A bit more searching led me to drivers for the QMC5883L on GitHub. The driver made everything else pretty easy.
I ended up with two Python scripts. One runs 24/7 to collect the data from the sensor. My Pi averages 5 readings taken 2 seconds apart. After saving the data to a daily timestamped file it waits two minutes and repeats. A second program reads the time-stamped file and uses pyplot to create and save the graph. In operation, three processes are run via cron. The logging program is killed and restarted at 00:01 UT. The graphing script does the graph at 00:05 UT.
A link to the data collection Python script is here.
A link to the pyplot plotting script is here.
A link to a short shell script that kills the data collection script is here.
Lines added to crontab:
1 19 * * * /home/sboerner/magnetometer/working/py-qmc5883l/kill-mag.sh #(kills data collection at 00:01 UT)
2 19 * * * /home/sboerner/magnetometer/working/py-qmc5883l/magnetometer.py & #(starts data collection at 00:02 UT in the background)
5 19 * * * /home/sboerner/magnetometer/working/py-qmc5883l/better-plot-today.py #(runs the graphing program at 00:05 UT)
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