September News

2010/09/30 08:00  1109 decaying slowly with the current pixel reading at 5976 (6613) with a darkness ratio of 72% (73%).1110 has not passed the 24 hour rule and measures 189 pixels. The new 1111 speck is measuring 84 pixels and looking weak.

Locarno & Catania both counting 48 raw today.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 91.0 (86.1) and a low of 85.7 (80.8) ,a massive rise which does not look correct. The DSN value for the today is 3221  with the previous at 3558 .

2010/09/29 08:00  1109 decaying slowly with the current pixel reading at 6613 (7373) with a darkness ratio of 73% (72%).1110  measures 773 pixels and is subject to the 24 hr rule. The new 1111 speck is measuring 101 pixels and looking weak.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 86.1 (84.5) and a low of 80.8 (80.9) ,a small rise. The DSN value for the today is 3558  with the previous at 4273 .

2010/09/28 08:00  1108 edging its way to the limb.The current pixel reading has dropped to 1005. There is some speck activity nearby which has been missed by the speck counters.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 84.8 (85.8) and a low of 80.9 (82.1) , the overall level low and should fall sharply. The DSN value for the today is 4273 with the previous at 5373 .

2010/09/28 08:00  1109  beginning to show signs of reaching it's peak today. The pixel reading at  7373 (8731) and the darkness ratio at 72% (69%). The speck area ahead numbered 1110 today and measures 148 pixels. Another speck area also counted by SIDC.

Locarno today with a raw count of 73, with Catania at 61. Catania having better viewing and picking up many more specks which is the norm. Locarno and Catania are the main stations for the SIDC.

The official SIDC count for today will be interesting to compare with Locarno's count.

2010/09/28 03:00 Some good viewing today, and we threw everything at the 64x Wolfcam in an attempt to see the specks seen by Catania and Locarno today. Only superman could have seen them with the basic equipment we have that replicates the original Wolf 64x telescope (our equipment should be better). I think Wolf would have counted around 30 for today.

Click on the pic for a full size view of what we saw today.

2010/09/27 08:00  1108 edging its way to the limb.The current pixel reading has dropped to 2074 with the darkness ratio falling to 73%. Stereo Behind is looking blank today.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 85.8 (85.8) and a low of 82.1 (80.8) ,too low for the current activity?. The DSN value for the today is 5373 with the previous at 4872 .

2010/09/27 08:00  1109  growing strongly again today. The pixel reading at 8731 and the darkness ratio at 69%. A lot of growth but the flux value not really going anywhere. There is some speck activity just ahead of this group.

Locarno today with a raw 55, Catania offline. Update: Locarno doing another reading 4 hours later now at 67 raw so that a new group/speck can be included. This is unusual for them to change their viewing time. Drawing here showing how they weight sunspots and split groups. The Wolfcam had no chance today with 100% thick cloud again.

2010/09/25 08:00  1108 now forming into the familiar "cyclops"  shape that is common recently.The current pixel reading has dropped to 4118 (5063) with the darkness ratio rising again to 80% (76%). This is 84% on the old scale...no shortage of magnetic strength for those following the L&P theory.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 85.0 (87.4) and a low of 81.5 (82.0) ,the negative spots lowering the count with the DSN heading in the other direction. The DSN value for the today is 5167 with the previous at 4372 .

2010/09/25 08:00  1109 (CL67) growing strongly today. The pixel reading at 5893 (4063) and the darkness ratio also growing strong at  71% (61%). The current darkness typical of recent times.

Catania today with a raw 56, Locarno offline.

The magnetogram is showing a lot of moving magnetic features streaming out of both of the main spots today, the expected drop happening. A trend is developing.

2010/09/25 05:30  A few hours of reasonable viewing today, The 64x Wolfcam picking up the main spots but missing the extra 20-30 spots/specks that Catania picked up today. The Wolfcam today is using modern optics with good atmosphere today but still fails to see the detail.

There is a big story building, I dont think we have been told all the truth. My gut feel tells me the original Wolf telescope may not have been the only telescope used to record the Waldmeier, Brunner, Wolfer record.

2010/09/24 08:00  1108 Merging closer again today, technically this region became unipolar a couple of days ago.The current pixel reading has dropped to 5063 (5450) with the darkness ratio dropping slightly to 76% (77%).

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 87.4 (86.9) and a low of 82.0 (82.5) ,a bit each way. The DSN value for the today is 4372 with the previous at 3772 .

2010/09/24 08:00  1109 (CL67) growing more today. The pixel reading at 4063(2208) and the darkness ratio at  61% (57%).

No Reading from Locarno and Catania today as yet.

The magnetogram is showing a lot of moving magnetic features streaming out of both of the main spots today, perhaps a drop in F10.7 Flux in store tomorrow.

2010/09/23 08:00  1108 consolidating again and possibly moving towards a single umbra. The current pixel reading is 5450 (5686) with the darkness ratio rising sharply to a very dark 77% (70%).The signs are good for a unipolar configuration in the near future.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 86.9 (86.9) and a low of 82.5 (83.1) dropping slightly?  The DSN value for the today is 3772 with the previous at 3133 .

2010/09/23 08:00  1109 growing today and adding several smaller spots. The pixel reading at 2208(867) and the darkness ratio at 57%.

Today Locarno came in with a raw daily sunspot number of 52. Catania ended the day with a raw figure of 45.

Catania picking up extra specks compared with Locarno that had better visibility. The records are 1 hour apart.

2010/09/22 22:00  The Sun came out for the first time in a few days today. I managed to get some good pics early this morning my time.

Today's image is a good representation of what I saw through the lens.

Click on the pic for a full sized view.

2010/09/22 08:00  1108 breaking up in the umbral area and remaining bi-polar. The current pixel reading is 5686 (5827) with the darkness ratio stabilizing at 70% (71%).

Sadly Melbourne has been covered in grey skies for days. I have new equipment waiting to be tested.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 86.9 (85.0) and a low of 83.1 (83.3). The DSN value for the today is 3133 with the previous at 2901 .

2010/09/22 08:00  1109 was called by NOAA today. The associated area on Stereo B is not showing high activity. It will be interesting to see how this group develops along with 1108. The pixel reading at 867. Today Locarno came in with a raw daily sunspot number of 57. Catania ended the day with a raw figure of 36.

Some new data has come to hand on the evolution of the sunspot record, this data proving that the original Wolf 64x telescope is not capable of the same resolution as the modern telescope. Read the updated history of the sunspot record below.

2010/09/21 08:00  1108 consolidating and perhaps moving towards a unipolar configuration. The current pixel reading is 5827 (5493) with the darkness ratio rising big time to 71% (64%). Unipolar sunspots are always dark, if it forms expect some major flux movement.

Stereo B showing some action in the north.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 85.0 (83.5) and a low of 83.3 (81.5), quite a rise, but this may be the peak for now. The DSN value for the today is 2901 with the previous at 2544 .  The increase in darkness again helping..

2010/09/20 08:00  1108 growing slowly today. The current pixel reading is 5493 (5033) with the darkness ratio rising to 64% (61%).  1106 has dropped below the threshold and is not counted today. Today's pixel count is 251 (730). This area falling away sharply.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 83.5 (83.7) and a low of 81.5 (81.9), dropping slightly The DSN value for the today is 2544 with the previous at 2446 . On the up.... just, the increase in darkness helping..

2010/09/19 08:00  1108 growing as the region rotates. The current pixel reading is 5033 (3941) with the darkness ratio at 61% (60%). There is not a lot of activity outside the spot size for this group. 1106 dropping again today. Today's pixel count is 730 (1283) and the darkness ratio rising sightly to 56% (54%). This region has not many days left.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 83.7 (83.6) and a low of 81.9 (82.6), it should be rising? The DSN value for the today is 2446 with the previous at 2113 . On the up.

2010/09/18 08:00  1108 growing as the region rotates. The current pixel reading is 3941 (2192) with the darkness ratio at 60% (62%). A recurring region is always important to follow, they were prevalent during the strong early months of 2010. 1106 dropping again today with the specks fading. Today's pixel count is 1283 (1628) and the darkness ratio dropping to 54% (60%). This region may be way past its peak.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 83.6 (83.6) and a low of 82.6 (82.6), no change, negative sunspots having influence? The DSN value for the today is 1614 with the previous at 2113 . On the up.

2010/09/18 05:00   Today was poor viewing again, the next 7 days looking the same. But there was a 30 minute window that revealed results. Today the specks disappeared on SDO, so the Wolfcam was aligned as specks are not observed.

Click on the image for a full sized view.

2010/09/17 08:00  1106  dropping slightly, the trailing spots more visible today. Today's pixel count is 1628 (1668) and the darkness ratio at 60% (56%)

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 83.6 (83.3) and a low of 82.6 (80.2), still not much happening. The DSN value for the today is 1614 with the previous at 995 . On the up.

2010/09/17 08:00  1108 (CL144) has moved on with some gusto. The structure looks a bit more complex than its last appearance as 1084 and before that 1078. This group will be added to the recurring regions table. The pixel reading is 2192 (950) with the darkness ratio measuring 62%.

I am looking forward to the high res SDO magnetogram images as it gets side on.

2010/09/17 04:30    Today was a poor day for viewing. Only 5 minutes were available and that was shot through cloud. Even so the main activity is clearly visible. But even on a clear day the 64x Wolfcam would not see the multitude of specks on the face right now.

Click on the image for a full sized view.

2010/09/16 08:00  1106 reversing yesterday's trend and growing slightly. Today's pixel count is 1668 (1340) and darkness at 56%(56%) NOAA is still calling this one region and as can be seen lower Wolf would have done the same.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 83.3 (82.0) and a low of 80.2 (81.0), not much happening. The DSN value for the today is 995 with the previous at 519. On the up.

2010/09/16 08:00  A new massive region that I must have missed today on the Wolfcam by 30 minutes has rotated onto the face. The polarity looks normal at this stage but the SDO image along with the weak Stereo Behind image is suggesting another unipolar (negative) sunspot forming. The approx pixel reading is 950.

The following dark area might change how this region will play out, interesting times right now.

Update: 1108 is the return of 1084 & 1078 (region 4)

2010/09/16 06:00   Today is the first day for the 64x Wolfcam. I still have some work to do but the result is very close. I think this is very close to what Wolf and Keller would see through the original 64x scope. It is becoming obvious that the modern sunspot count was first inflated by Waldmeier and then continued by better technology to where today we are some distance from what Wolf would have counted.

Click on the image for a full sized view.

2010/09/15 08:00  1106 slowing a fraction today. There are trailing specks beyond today's pic that the top counters are deciding whether to count as a separate region. Today's pixel count is 1340 (1396) and darkness at 56%(58%) The main spot today showing subdued signs of unipolar activity on the SDO magnetogram animation. The Wolfcam 40x gained a brief 5 min window today.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 82.0 (81.7) and a low of 81.0 (79.3), not much happening. The DSN value for the today is 519 with the previous at 559. Very low.

2010/09/14 08:00  1106 providing controversy today. Yesterday NOAA counting as one region with the SIDC divided. It doesn't matter here, no specks are counted. The area measurement has risen to 1396 pixels and a darkness ratio of 58% (54%). The leading spot is trying to form a unipolar region but not quite there yet. There are a couple of specks forming behind this region.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 81.7 (81.4) and a low of 79.3 (79.1), not much happening. The DSN value for the today is 559 with the previous at 408. Very low.

2010/09/14 08:00  Today there was good viewing. Today's pic (click on pic) shows very closely how Wolf would have observed with the smaller scope. But once I dropped in a modern lens of half the magnification 3 spots were quite clear, but nothing else was visible  even if exceeding 100x.  The modern upgrades explaining how Catania and Locarno can see the detail they have penciled today.

The SIDC say Locarno and Catania have better resolution than SOHO, and yet both Wolf scopes dont come close?...There will be an ongoing investigation into the modern advantages over the Wolf telescope.
 

2010/09/13 08:00  1106 (CL209) was clearly visible today via the Wolfcam and some good pics were taken...see HERE how Wolf would have seen today through his pocket scope. The area measurement has risen to 1094 pixels (647) and a darkness ratio of 54% (57%). There is total confusion with NOAA calling 1107 in the north which is so small it is not counted by Locarno & Catania. Region 1106 has been split into 3 groups by Catania and 2 groups by Locarno. Catania has a raw count of 48 which discounts back to 29. Wolf I think would have counted 11. A further example of how the Wolfer .6 correction factor fails the current system. Update NOAA so far only counting 1 group for today.

2010/09/13 08:00  Robert Bateman produces amazing compilation images from SDO.1106 has what appears to be a unipolar region amongst plentiful plage and other spots. Robert's image shows the EUV and other activity is occurring behind the main spot. With all the associated activity it will be hard to isolate the unipolar region outputs at this stage.1106 is the return of 1100 & 1089. Click on the image for a fantastic full size view.

 Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 81.4 (79.4) and a low of 79.1 (77.7), on the up again slightly. The DSN value for the today is 408 with the previous at 264.

2010/09/12 08:00  1106 was clearly visible today via the Wolfcam but for very short periods due to heavy cloud. The area measurement has risen to 647 pixels and a darkness ratio of 57%. It is unclear how this region will evolve, but there is potential for another unipolar region (although the magnetogram suggests otherwise). There are some specks in the north that remain very small at present (23 pixels).

  Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 79.4 (77.7) and a low of 77.7 (75.9), on the up again slightly. The DSN value for the today is 264 with the previous at 131 .

2010/09/11 08:00  Today is technically the fourth spotless day as the new region measures just under the threshold at 300 pixels. Locarno has counted 13 with Catania at 12, I am struggling to see how they arrived at the extras. The Wolfcam has been observing all day and barely makes out this new region through the solar filter. An attempt at projecting delivered zero. The new region looks like another unipolar region, but the magnetogram which is huge suggests otherwise. Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 76.7 (77.3) and a low of 75.9 (75.7), moving the wrong way again. The DSN value for the today is 131 with the previous at 18 .

2010/09/10 08:00  Today is the third spotless day, there are 2 specks with Catania of course counting both for a raw total of 22. The Wolfcam was totally clear. The new region in the south about to rotate onto the face is just showing plage activity so far.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 77.3 (77.0) and a low of 75.7 (76.4), getting down real low. The DSN value for the today is 18 with the previous at 1 . Updated DSN graphs HERE which now go back to March 1.

2010/09/09 08:00  A quiet day on the solar front. There is one small speck that measures .3 of a pixel on the old scale that has been ignored by Catania but waiting on NOAA. Tomorrow there might be a new region with us and a further chance to test the "Wolfcam".

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 77.0 (79.1) and a low of 76.4 (76.4), getting down real low. The DSN value for the today is 1 with the previous at 21 . Updated DSN graphs HERE which now go back to March 1.

2010/09/08 08:00  The face of the Sun is blank with a only a few signs of plage, and a few specks that some will count. There is some activity on Stereo Behind that looks like old 1100 (which was small last time) The spotless image was taken today via "Wolfcam" using a Sony Cybershot with Carl Zeiss lens, click the image for more.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 79.1 (82.5) and a low of 76.4 (79.7), getting down real low. The DSN value for the today is 21 with the previous at 121 . Updated DSN graphs HERE which now go back to March 1.

2010/09/07 08:00  1105 dying off as it leaves the visible face, today this region just scrapes in and measures 342 pixels (985), the darkness ratio also dropping back to 51% (61%). A good chance for a spotless day tomorrow. I am in the middle of preparing an exciting animation of a little know sunspot phenomena....might be ready tomorrow.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 82.5 (84.4) and a low of 79.7 (82.3), once again under 80. The DSN value for the today is 121  with the previous at 415 . Updated DSN graphs HERE which now go back to March 1.

2010/09/07 03:45   This is the first pic from the "Wolf pocket scope" which is a stop gap measure until a few more parts arrive. This was taken with my high tech camera phone with the unsharp mask applied after. The image is reasonably close to what I saw, but my other camera should show more detail. As it happened the main spot in 1105 at the time of viewing was just above the threshold (352 pixels), as can be seen the threshold is on the verge of being observed which further backs up the Layman's method. I think Wolf set his threshold using his pocket scope.

Click on the image for a full size view.

2010/09/06 08:00  1105(CL49) reducing in size now measures 985 pixels (1552), the darkness ratio also dropping back at 61% (66%). My equipment arrived today and I had a chance to view this spot at 40x as Wolf would have with his pocket scope. It was there but not exactly clear, the Layman's threshold I think will come pretty close to what Wolf could see with the pocket scope. Actual pictures from this scope available soon.

SC24 still looking good against SC5.

2010/09/06 08:00  This speck today was counted by Locarno which is the SIDC reference site. It gets a raw value of 11, amazing what the modern scopes can see these days.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 84.4 (83.6) and a low of 82.3 (81.9) 1105 having no trouble raising the flux values unlike 1101. The DSN value for the today is 415 with the previous at 849 . Updated DSN graphs HERE which now go back to March 1.

2010/09/05 08:00  1101 just hanging in there before rotating off the limb and now measures 417 pixels (1003), the darkness ratio at 49% (50%).This unipolar spot has been interesting, possibly having a negative affect on solar output. This type of Hale violating spot is not seen on Stereo Behind because of the low or negative EUV output, how many more negative spots are in the near pipeline?

SC24 still looking good against SC5.

The controversial possible SC23/SC24 maximum type speck has gone, questions not answered with this one.

2010/09/05 08:00    1105 has not improved from yesterday and measures 1552 pixels (1521) , the darkness ratio declining to 66% (72%). The current outlook is beginning to weaken again.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 83.6 (79.0) and a low of 81.9 (78.4) 1105 having no trouble raising the flux values unlike 1101. The DSN value for the today is 849 with the previous at 1137 . Updated DSN graphs HERE which now go back to March 1.

2010/09/04 08:00  1101(CL84) is running out of stream and has reduced to 1003 pixels (1924), by tomorrow it might be struggling to make the grade. The darkness ratio at 50% (54%).

SC24 still looking good against SC5.

There are a few specks around making counts in other places with one of two near the equator that look like SC23 specks. It seems the cycle is not ready to lay down yet.

2010/09/04 08:00   New area 1105 has strengthened greatly from yesterday and measures 1521 pixels (820) , the darkness ratio at 72% (63%). 1102, 1103 & 1104 will not be counted today.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 79.0 (78.6) and a low of 78.4 (76.8). The DSN value for the today is 1137 with the previous at 1180 . Updated DSN graphs HERE which now go back to March 1.

2010/09/03 08:00  1101 today in heavy decay mode and in the process spawning new outlier specks forming from a build up of positive zones. Negative zones on both sides now as seen on the magnetogram. The pixel reading at 1924 (2605), the darkness ratio crumbling back to 54% (66%).

SIDC releasing their monthly mean at last, they must have been embarrassed at their count of 19.6, NOAA at 28.3 (prelim) but adjusted would be 17. The LSC is way lower at 11.3 with the speck counting going mad this month. Their values are way overstated compared with how Wolf counted. Many specks this month.

2010/09/03 08:00   New area 1105 labeled by NOAA and measures   820 pixels , the darkness ratio at 63%, not looking strong at this point. 1102, 1103 & 1104 will not be counted today.

 Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 78.6 (78.0) and a low of 76.8 (77.1). The DSN value for the today is 1137 with the previous at 1490 . Updated DSN graphs HERE which now go back to March 1.

2010/09/02 08:00  1101 has been in decay mode today shrinking down to 2605 pixels (2967), the darkness ratio moving back to 66% (64%). Today this unipolar spot has been bleeding off magnetic material to its right where the negative polarity areas have dominated. This is a peculiar trait of unipolar spots, which ejects magnetic material which is consumed by magnetic flux cancellation as it moves to its opposite polarity area.

The SDO produces a daily animation where this process can be viewed, the links are at the bottom of the article found HERE.

2010/09/02 08:00  1102 has fallen back sharply and wont be counted today. The area measures 281 pixels (1042), the darkness ratio remaining the same at 52%  (52%). Two new regions named by NOAA 1103 & 1104 that don't meet the threshold. There will be a big discrepancy in counting methods today. No word from the SIDC on August figures yet.

 Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 78.0 (76.9) and a low of 77.1 (74.0), the specks being more powerful than 1101. The DSN value for the today is 1490 with the previous at 1686 . Updated DSN graphs HERE which now go back to March 1.

2010/09/01 08:00  1101 falling back slowly with a pixel reading of 2967 (3152), the darkness ratio also dropping back to 64% (67%). Solar activity remains quiet.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 76.9 (76.8) and a low of 74.0 (74.6), not much happening. The DSN value for the today is 1686 with the previous at 1842 . Updated DSN graphs HERE which now go back to March 1.

2010/09/01 08:00  1102 remaining about the same and now measures 1042 pixels (1046), the darkness ratio dropping slightly to 52 (53%), The evolution of this group suggesting a move towards a unipolar outcome. Time is running out but maybe on the next rotation a result might follow.

Some extra research into the Negative Sunspot today showing encouraging signs, extra updates available HERE.

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