August News

2010/08/31 08:00  1101 perhaps peaking out with a pixel reading of 3152 (3245), the darkness ratio also dropping back to 67% (69%). The magnetogram suggesting a change of polarity. There is a new discovery....the Negative Sunspot that possibly reduces F10.7 & EUV. Article HERE 

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 76.8 (75.4) and a low of 74.6 (74.6), 1102 starting to influence a small rise. The DSN value for the today is 1842 with the previous at 2067 . Updated DSN graphs HERE which now go back to March 1.

2010/08/31 08:00  1102 has fallen back and now measures 1046 pixels (1157), the darkness ratio dropping back to 53% (65%), this group showing signs of finishing. There is a big discrepancy between NOAA and Catania on this group in regard to the pore count.

I am suspicious of Catania's observing powers, the Wolf telescope replica of sorts that I am setting up might give a few clues.

UPDATE: NOAA & Catania now in agreement.

2010/08/30 08:00  1101 growing slightly with a pixel reading of 3245 (3151), the darkness ratio growing strongly to 69% (64%), the penumbral area visibly darker.  

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 75.4 (73.3) and a low of 74.6 (72.2), 1102 starting to influence a small rise. The DSN value for the today is 2067  with the previous at 1672 . Updated DSN graphs HERE which now go back to March 1.

I have all my Wolf telescope parts ordered and in process...

2010/08/30 08:00  1102(CL104) has grown and now measures 1157 pixels (559), the darkness ratio dropping back to 65% (72%). The magnetic region for this group on the magnetogram growing slightly. 

There is a new paradigm in town regarding sunspots that may only be observed during times of grand minima. Part one of a new article HERE with all the details.

2010/08/29 08:00  1101 growing  again today with a pixel reading of 3151 (2752), the darkness ratio dropping slightly to 64% (68%),  

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 73.3 (75.4) and a low of 72.2 (74.0), a substantial drop, something not right here. The DSN value for the today is 1672  with the previous at 1293 . Updated DSN graphs HERE which now go back to March 1.

I have all my Wolf telescope parts ordered and in process...

2010/08/29 08:00  A new area has emerged at the meridian. 1102 is small at this stage and measures 559 pixels, the darkness ratio is impressive at 72%. The magnetic region for this group on the magnetogram is not looking strong. 

There has been an overall slow upward trend in growth as seen in the DSN values over the past week. The F10.7 Flux values have shown negative growth over the same period, getting down to solar minimum levels. Check out Leif Svalgaard's graph HERE.

2010/08/28 08:00  1101 growing slowly again today with a pixel reading of 2752 (2303), the darkness ratio rising now to 68% (64%), remember the new daily darkness reading is lower than the old scale. Month end getting close, August not looking strong.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 75.4 (75.0) and a low of 74.0 (74.0), the flux value telling the story. The DSN value for the today is 1293  with the previous at 1018 . Updated DSN graphs HERE which now go back to March 1

2010/08/27 08:00  1101 growing again today partially due to approaching us more straight on. Today's pixel reading is 2303 (1607) with a darkness ratio rising now to 64% (57%) . 1100 in the south has just 6 pixels remaining (49). Yesterdays raw readings: Catania 33, NOAA 23, LSC 11. The specks providing the big differences. I am setting up a telescope to mimic Wolf's Pocket scope, I am just waiting on a vintage eyepiece...It should be interesting. 

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 75.0 (75.1) and a low of 74.0 (73.8), remaining very low. The DSN value for the today is 1018  with the previous at 650. Updated DSN graphs HERE which now go back to March 1

2010/08/26 08:00  1101 coming into view and showing the penumbral flux tubes, there is also a single speck still lingering above this region. Today's pixel reading is 1607 (965) with a darkness ratio of 57% (50%) . 1100 in the south has a few pixels remaining now at 49 (79) but once again this region and the speck above 1101 not seen by Wolf.. 

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 75.1 (75.3) and a low of 73.8 (74.4), still heading down, surprisingly. The DSN value for the today is 650  with the previous at 370. Updated DSN graphs HERE which now go back to March 1

2010/08/25 08:00  1101 and other single alpha spots seem to be setting a trend this month. Today's pixel reading is 965 (362) with a darkness ratio of 50% . There is a couple of faint pixels above this region that so far read zero. 1100 in the south has some small returned action at 79 pixels but will not be counted today. 

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 75.3 (76.5) and a low of 74.4(75.6), still heading down, surprisingly. The DSN value for the today is 370  with the previous at 133. Updated DSN graphs HERE which now go back to March 1

2010/08/24 08:00  A new upwelling has broken the spotless run. There was no warning on Stereo Behind of what will probably be numbered 1101 in the next 24 hours. The early pixel reading is 362. The solar wind picking up now to strong levels courtesy of a nice Earth facing coronal hole. 

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 76.5 (76.3) and a low of 75.6(75.3), very low but should pick up soon. The DSN value for the today is 133  with the previous at 29. Updated DSN graphs HERE which now go back to March 1

2010/08/23 08:00  Today is the 8th SPOTLESS day. Region 1100 has regained a few pixels (67) which is less than 5 pixels on the old scale, this will most likely be picked up by some observatories. A weak area on Stereo Behind now moving onto the northern face which is just plage at this stage. The solar wind still very low. 

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 76.3 (77.6) and a low of 75.3 (76.4), very low and still dropping. The DSN value for the today is 29  with the previous at 0. Updated DSN graphs HERE which now go back to March 1

2010/08/22 08:00 The SDO & SOHO not updating today, but GONG proving ever reliable, soon I will be able to add a reading from my own telescope to the mix (with Wolf values). Today is the 7th SPOTLESS day with a question mark on how long? The pipeline does not look loaded, this month still has a chance of being low. The solar wind just escaping the Sun's gravity for now.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 77.6 (78.9) and a low of 76.4 (77.8), getting back to solar minimum figures.. The DSN value for the today is 0  with the previous at ?. Updated DSN graphs HERE which now go back to March 1

2010/08/21 08:00 The flat SDO Continuum pics have not been updated today but all other sources are showing the 6th  SPOTLESS day. Catania counting 11 raw from a mystery 1 pixel speck in the south and NOAA at this stage counting spotless. Once again another example of the ridiculous state of affairs. 

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 78.9 (79.8) and a low of 77.8 (78.8), getting back to solar minimum figures.. The DSN value for the today is ?   with the previous at 8. Updated DSN graphs HERE which now go back to March 1

2010/08/20 08:00 Day 5 of our SPOTLESS run.  1100 in the south measures 34 pixels (41) which is just 2 pixels on the old scale.  Catania counting 2 areas today at 23 raw, NOAA counting 11, there is no doubt Wolf would have counted zero. I have just ordered a solar telescope hoping it might answer a few questions. A new upwelling might be required as there is nothing on the horizon right now.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 79.8 (82.5) and a low of 78.8 (82.5), here we go again. The DSN value for the today is 8 with the previous at 19. Updated DSN graphs HERE which now go back to March 1

2010/08/19 08:00  The lull does look to be happening as we have our 4th SPOTLESS day. 1098 has gone with 1100 in the south a minor speck at 41 pixels (109). There is another speck of 13 pixels in the same area. Catania counting a full spot today at 11 raw, NOAA still deciding. Update: NOAA falling into line and counting the speck as 11. Here is the SOHO image, what do you think, let me know.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures are not updated yet, only one value at 82.5. The DSN value for the today is 19 with the previous at 86. Updated DSN graphs HERE which now go back to March 1.

2010/08/18 08:00  As we rack up our 3rd  SPOTLESS day of August two small specks remain. 1098 has dropped further to 60 pixels (277) and 1100 in the south has grown slightly to 109 pixels (85).

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 84.8 (86.9) and a low of 82.2 (85.8) now starting to drop. The DSN value for the today is 86 with the previous at 176. Updated DSN graphs HERE which now go back to March 1.

2010/08/17 08:00   The returned region  1098 (CL302) has not passed the 24 hour rule, so today is the 2nd SPOTLESS day of August.The pixel reading has dropped to 277 (414) with the darkness ratio at 69% (77%).

Yesterday Catania (SIDC) had a raw reading of 62, which discounts to 37. NOAA measured one group less and arrived at 39 (unadjusted), the major institutions showing the weakness of counting specks. It is extremely likely Wolf would have measured zero like us.

Future activity is looking bleak right now.

2010/08/17 08:00    Newly NOAA labeled region 1100 (CL202) is the return of 1089 but not making the grade so far. This region will need to grow to make the Recurring Regions Table. Today the pixel reading was 85 with the darkness ratio at 75%.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 86.9 (87.8) and a low of 85.8(85.9) some plage about stopping the fall. The DSN value for the today is 176 with the previous at 338. Updated DSN graphs HERE which now go back to March 1.

2010/08/16 08:00  UPDATE: 1098 did not pass the 24 hour rule. Today is SPOTLESS . The visible face reduced to speck activity. A new region in the north that is weak measures 414 pixels and 77% on the darkness ratio, the 24 hour rule is in place. 1099 measures 164 pixels and the returning region 1089 looks weak so far at 60 pixels. There are some other minor pixels in the north that have been added to the DSN. 

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 87.8 (87.4) and a low of 85.9 (86.8) some plage about stopping the fall. The DSN value for the today is 338 with the previous at 552. Updated DSN graphs HERE which now go back to March 1.

2010/08/15 08:00   1093 has fallen to a very small group and will not be counted today. The pixel reading is at 252 pixels (876). The darkness ratio staying constant at 56% (56%).

There is some very minor speck activity around the meridian and the old region 1089 is so far not showing signs of spot activity in the south. There is a chance of a spotless day heading our way.

2010/08/15 08:00  1099(CL347) has grown very slightly to 1094 pixels (1054) The SDO images making this area appear larger, which we will get used to. The darkness ratio has taken a big dive back to 60% (71%). This group will score high because of the speck factor. A lot of the associated specks Wolf would not have counted.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 87.4 (86.1) and a low of 86.8 (86.0), overall a low reading. The DSN value for the today is 552 with the previous at 856. Updated DSN graphs HERE which now go back to March 1.

2010/08/14 08:00   1093 is breaking up and has reduced to 876 pixels (1586). The darkness ratio staying constant at 56% (56%).

In the south a plage region is rotating into view that should be old area 1089. Some are confusing this area as the recurring regions of 1078 & 1084 which have a Carrington Longitude some 60 deg different. The first half of August has been mixed with the activity in a different league compared to earlier this year (13,000 pixels on the new scale was not uncommon). I wouldn't be surprised if another lull was in store soon.

2010/08/14 08:00  1099 (we will run with NOAA for the time being) has grown to 1054 pixels which is just 73 pixels on the old scale. The darkness ratio measuring 71%.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 86.1 (86.0) and a low of 86.0 (84.1), overall a low reading. The DSN value for the today is 856 with the previous at 684. Updated DSN graphs HERE which now go back to March 1.

2010/08/13 08:00   1093 (image scaled) has reduced to 1586 pixels (2515) and in the process spawning some speck outliers. The darkness ratio dropping to 56% (57%).

There is only one counter today. The DSN measure over the past few days showing the real trend in opposition to the speck counters.

UPDATE: NOAA calling 1099, it will be interesting to see if SIDC splits this region. If the region is split, 1099 measures 199 pixels and currently is not a counter.

2010/08/13 08:00  1098 has fallen below the 333 pixel threshold and will not be counted today. The region showing a big drop and now measures 169 pixels (552) with a darkness ratio falling of dramatically to 60% (74%).

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 86.0 (88.1) and a low of 84.1 (86.4), overall a low reading. The DSN value for the today is 684 with the previous at 1314. Updated DSN graphs HERE which now go back to March 1.

2010/08/12 08:00   1093 now measuring 2515 pixels (2892) the darkness ratio dropping to 57% (60%). The single spot moving towards separation.

 1095 has now disappeared, 1097 measures 23 pixels(102), 1096(CL14) not growing as expected and measures 79 pixels (225). 

Yesterday there w as 5 regions counted by NOAA and most likely SIDC. Only 2 regions were available to the Layman's Count which is how Rudolf Wolf would have performed his count.

2010/08/12 08:00  1098 now measures 552 pixels (653) with a darkness ratio of 74% (73%). Future growth might be unlikely. At present every area is in shrinkage mode while we await the return of 1089 in the south.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 88.1 (86.8) and a low of 86.4 (85.8), overall a low reading. The DSN value for the today is 1314 with the previous at 1685. Updated DSN graphs HERE which now go back to March 1.

2010/08/11 16:30  SDO not updating 00:00 - 16:30 1093 now measuring 2892 pixels (3301) the darkness ratio dropping to 60% (68%). Lots of specks right now but only 2 spots counting, a great example of how specks skew the record in times like these.

 1095 is just with us and measures 66 pixels, 1097 is stagnant and measures 102 pixels, 1096(CL14) not growing as expected and measures 225 pixels. The current activity is up, but very different to what we saw in the first 3 months of 2010. Stereo Behind is showing some action coming in the south which is likely to be 1089 returning. 1097 does not look to be a return of 1091.

2010/08/11 16:30 New area 1098 has appeared and measures 653 pixels  with a darkness ratio of 73%.

The magnetic area is new and not overly large at this stage.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 86.8 (87.1) and a low of 85.8 (85.6), overall a low reading. The DSN value for the today is 1685 with the previous at 2267. Updated DSN graphs HERE which now go back to March 1.

2010/08/10 08:00   1093 now measuring 3301 pixels (3401) the darkness ratio dropping to 68% (74%).

The twin umbral centres clearly visible. The trend will be on the downslope most likely for this region from now on.

It will be interesting to see if the EUV values follow the F10.7 flux trend this week.

2010/08/10 08:00 1096 has made the grade and measures 1159 pixels (379)  with a darkness ratio of 69%.

The magnetic structure is growing and could provide more area tomorrow.

There is a new area rotating onto the northern face that currently measures 59 pixels. This could be the return of 1091, Carrington longitudes released tomorrow.

2010/08/10 08:00  1095 currently measures 249 pixels (281) and is a non counter at this stage.  

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 87.1 (84.9) and a low of 85.6 (83.8), on the up again. The DSN value for the today is 2267 with the previous at 2506. Updated DSN graphs HERE which now go back to March 1.

2010/08/09 08:00   1092 now measuring 987 pixels (2053) the darkness ratio dropping to 68% (75%).

The current activity is not strong as evident from the F10.7 Flux levels (the 93.1 anomaly from the 7th needs to be ignored). Two simple spots indispersed with nominal speck groups has been the pattern of the week. Activity has certainly increased but the questionable polarity of the northern groups may not be sending the necessary reversing flux towards the poles?

2010/08/09 08:00 1093  growing slowly now and measures 3401 pixels (3329)  with a darkness ratio rising to 74% (72%). Remember the SDO darkness ratio is at least 5% short on the SOHO scale, thus making this a strongly magnetic region showing no signs of disappearing around 2015.

The darker umbral center region splitting in two, perhaps like cell division compared with yesterday. The extra resolution showing the detail as not seen from SOHO.

2010/08/09 08:00  1096 called by NOAA is another speck group this week that doesn't look strong. It currently measures 379 pixels and is subject to the 24 hour rule. 1095 in the south has dropped off again and measures 281 pixels (306). The darkness ratio rising slightly to 72% (70%). The magnetic structure still looking weak.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 84.9 (93.1) and a low of 83.8 (83.0), light years from yesterdays high. The DSN value for the today is 2506 with the previous at 2868. Updated DSN graphs HERE which now go back to March 1.

2010/08/08 08:00   1092 reducing in size which is expected this close to the limb and now measuring 2053 pixels (2834) the darkness ratio staying strong at 75% (74%).The vast difference between the SOHO and SDO images makes it impossible to calibrate the darkness records accurately. The SDO records are more accurate I believe and need to be utilized but they are tending to be lower in the high range and higher in the low range compared with SOHO. This will balance out with the DSN values but not so for the SC24 darkness graph. The darkness graph will continue to use the SOHO images as long as available.

2010/08/08 08:00 1093 continues to grow and measures 3329 pixels (2647)  with a darkness ratio also rising to 72% (68%).

The northern hemisphere spots still appearing to be reversed polarity. Not a lot of discussion around on this.

2010/08/08 08:00  1095 in the south has dropped off and may not pass the 24 hour rule. The current reading is at 306 pixels (363). The darkness ratio falling to 70% (79%). The magnetic structure still looking weak.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 93.1 (86.9) and a low of 83.0 (83.2), the high reading possibly influenced by recent flare activity? The DSN value for the today is 2868 with the previous at 2924. Updated DSN graphs HERE which now go back to March 1.

2010/08/07 08:00   1092 falling off the perch and now reading 2834 pixels (4185) the darkness ratio falling back to 74% (75%).

 1094 which is almost gone is measuring 81 pixels and wont be counted.

Stereo Behind is showing one small area in the north approaching, the future outlook at this point not looking strong.

2010/08/07 08:00 1093 has grown very slightly and measures 2647 pixels (2467)  with a darkness ratio rising to 68% (64%).

This week will show how speck activity severely skews the record, most would agree we should be past weak speck activity and ramping up strongly, if this were a normal cycle.

On the Earth side the building La Nina continues to create interest, the low solar UV output perhaps driving it down further?.

2010/08/07 08:00  1095 in the south has risen and at this stage is just making the grade at 363 pixels (202), the 24 hour rule now in play. The darkness ratio rising to 79% (71%). The magnetic structure as far as extra growth is concerned is looking weak right now.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 86.9 (87.7) and a low of 83.2(83.9), starting to decline. The DSN value for the today is 2924 with the previous at 3445. Updated DSN graphs HERE which now go back to March 1.

2010/08/06 08:00 With SOHO down the time has come to move the Layman's Count to the new SDO Continuum images. The SDO images offer far more detail and accuracy along with several updates per hour. The calibration process has been completed and I invite comments and suggestions. 1092 has dropped back to 4185 pixels (4787) on the new scale which has a conversion factor of 6.91% which scales to 290 pixels on the old measure (331) and the darkness ratio falling back to 75% (78%).

The magnetogram is suggesting all 3 northern regions are reversed polarity!

2010/08/06 08:00 1093(CL348) has grown substantially and measures 2467 pixels (1406) on the new scale  with a darkness ratio of 64% (56%). The new threshold for counting spots is 333 pixels which calibrates to the old 23 pixel value.1093 in a different position to 1087.

The green channel measurement moves from 0-70 to 0-150. The darkness ratio is measured on the 0-132 range.

The Layman's count will use the 4096 x 4096 images which are about 5Mb in size.

2010/08/06 08:00  1094 now dropping to 185 pixels (547) and not making the grade. The darkness ratio at 71% (70%).

New area 1095 in the south measures 202 pixels.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 87.7 (83.9) and a low of 83.9 (83.2), a big jump. The DSN value for the today is 3445 with the previous at 3389. Updated DSN graphs HERE which now go back to March 1.

2010/08/05 08:00 With SOHO down the time has come to move the Layman's Count to the new SDO Continuum images. The SDO images offer far more detail and accuracy along with several updates per hour. The calibration process has been completed and I invite comments and suggestions. 1092 measures 4787 pixels on the new scale which has a conversion factor of 6.91% which scales to 331 pixels on the old measure (378) and the darkness ratio falling to 78% (83%).

The magnetogram is suggesting this region is reversed polarity!

2010/08/05 08:00 1093  measures 1406 pixels (30) on the new scale  with a darkness ratio of 56%. The new threshold for counting spots is 333 pixels which calibrates to the old 23 pixel value.

NOAA today counting a 4th region which is minor speck activity.

The green channel measurement moves from 0-70 to 0-150. The darkness ratio is measured on the 0-132 range.

The Layman's count will use the 4096 x 4096 images which are about 5Mb in size.

2010/08/05 08:00     A new region has appeared in the north that will be short lived as it approaches the west limb. The region measures 547 pixels and a darkness ratio of 70%.

August is starting with renewed growth but listening to the media and others one would think all hell is breaking loose.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 83.9 (83.9) and a low of 83.2 (82.6), the flux values representing reality. The DSN value for the today is 3389 with the previous at 3278.4. Updated DSN graphs HERE which now go back to March 1.

2010/08/04 01:52   1092 decreasing slightly to 378 pixels (386) and the darkness ratio also dropping back to 83% (85%). 1092 showing signs of passing its peak. Melbourne tonight showing a red sky as a result of the recent coronal mass ejection, which has been hyped in the media worldwide. 

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 83.9 (82.0) and a low of 82.6 (81.5). The DSN value for the today is 3278.4 with the previous at 3281. Updated DSN graphs HERE which now go back to March 1.

2010/08/04 01:52   A new area which is possibly a return of 1087 has rotated onto the face. At present it measures 30 pixels. There is also another new area in the south just below which is not showing spot activity as yet.The darkness ratio graph has been updated for July showing the magnetic trend for SC24. All spots that have made the grade have been included which shows an upward trend which continues to challenge the theory of L&P. Click on the graph for a full size view.

2010/08/03 09:09   1092 still growing slowly now at 386 pixels (363) and the darkness ratio rising slightly to a very strong 85% (84%). . This group showing more magnetic strength than 1084 which failed to be recurring. There are two groups coming onto the face showing possible promise.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 82.6 (83.0) and a low of 81.5 (81.5), not exactly high . The DSN value for the today is 3281 with the previous at 3049.2. Updated DSN graphs HERE which now go back to March 1.

2010/08/02 03:14   1092 (CL80) rising slowly to 363 pixels (346) and the darkness ratio remaining at a strong 84% (84%). There is no shortage of magnetic strength. The Layman's Count for July comes in at 12.9 showing a fair deviation from SIDC this month(16.1) because of the abundance of short lived specks. SC24 continuing to undercut SC5

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 83.0 (83.7) and a low of 81.6 (81.5) . The DSN value for the today is 3049.2 with the previous at 2906.4. Updated DSN graphs HERE which now go back to March 1.

2010/08/01 01:41  1092 (cyclops2) has risen substantially to 346 pixels (274) and the darkness ratio at a strong 84% (81%). There is no shortage of magnetic strength. Some controversy whether the specks are part of the group along with the magnetic signature that resembles 1084 with a possible polarity reversal....unusual times.  July won't be high with an update soon.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 83.7 (85.9) and a low of 81.5 (85.1) a huge drop considering. The DSN value for the today is 2906.4 with the previous at 2221.4. Updated DSN graphs HERE which now go back to March 1.