October News

2010/10/31 02:07 SDO is down today so SOHO stepping in to fill the void. 1117 falling in size today but not as dramatic as yesterday, the pixel reading at 4104  (5473 ).

New NOAA spot 1120 measures 158 pixels (72). A new month starting tomorrow.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 85.7 (85.7) and a low of 81.1 (82.2), starting to drift low. The DSN value for today is 1997 with the previous at 2547. 

2010/10/30 08:00 1117 taking the biggest dive I have seen during SC24, the pixel reading has plummeted to 5473  (9242 ), the darkness ratio at 67% (69%). There is some new action rotating into view but only measures 72 pixels.

For those that missed it there was a cycle 23 spot/speck today. There can be no doubt, reversed polarity very close to the equator.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 85.7 (88.0) and a low of 82.2 (82.8), starting to drift low. The DSN value for today is 2547 with the previous at 4415 . A dramatic slump.

2010/10/29 08:00 1117 consolidating to 9242 pixels (10914), the darkness ratio at 69%(65%). There is a speck group to the east that measures 105 pixels. The magnetic formation is weak at present.

October has been a weird month, the flux numbers are still struggling to get beyond 90 as seen though the entire cycle of SC24.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 88.0 (87.8) and a low of 82.8 (83.0), little change. The DSN value for today is 4415 with the previous at 4902.  

2010/10/28 08:00 1117  now falling off slightly at 10914 pixels (11187), the darkness ratio at 65%(66%). The group looks to be heading towards 3 uniploar type spots with the bottom two connected as seen on the SDO 171 view.

Stereo Behind showing a possible lull in activity on the way.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 87.8 (87.4) and a low of 83.0 (84.5), a small drop overall. The DSN value for the today is 4902 with the previous at 5256.  

2010/10/27 08:00 1117  has shown a major burst of growth today. The pixel reading has climbed to 11187 (8315), darkness at 66%(62%)  The evolution of this group was interesting to watch on the magnetogram animation, the MMF activity very obvious. Both Locarno and Catania today splitting this group. 1117 now approaching the largest group of SC24. 1115 is just making the grade with the pixel reading now measuring 365 (1135). 

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 87.4 (85.2) and a low of 84.5 (84.2), the reading higher as the negative spots leave. The DSN value for the today is 5256 with the previous at 4209.  

2010/10/26 08:00 1117  moving up in size again today and now measuring 8315 pixels (5717). The darkness ratio measures 62% (61%) 1113 dropping back further to 184 pixels (565) and wont be counted today.

1119 measures 176 pixels (233) and will not be counted today. Stereo B is still looking weak right now, and may be an indication of things to come. Has 1117 sapped the energy of Sol or can he fight back?

2010/10/26 08:00 1115  is still preforming and will rotate off the face strongly. The pixel reading now measuring 1135  (1733). The darkness ratio measures a respectable 68% (72%).  

The solar wind on a reasonable high right now at arounf 600 kms.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 85.2 (83.2) and a low of 84.2 (80.2), 1117 having its influence now. The DSN value for the today is 4209 with the previous at 3595.  

2010/10/25 08:00 1117  growing again today in a big way and now measuring 5717 pixels (3667). The darkness ratio measures 61% (63%). There has been lots of growth but this region is still only half the area of regions recorded during the first 3 months of 2010. 1113 dropping back further to 565 pixels (879) and the darkness ratio at 59% (53%).

The overall activity as shown in the DSN number is increasing but the F10.7 levels are trying to drop below 80. The Negative sunspots are having a big impact on the flux levels and have made up 50% of the sunspots since July 1. Updated story HERE.

2010/10/25 08:00 1115  remaining strong and falling back mainly because of the viewing angle. The pixel reading now measuring 1733  (2373). The darkness ratio measures a strong 72% (67%).  

A new speck region (1119) measures 233 pixels and will not be counted today. Stereo B looking weak right now.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 83.2 (83.4) and a low of 80.2 (80.7), The DSN value for the today is 3595 with the previous at 3030.  

2010/10/24 08:00 1117  growing substantially in an unusual manner for a once unipolar region and now measuring 3667 pixels (2366). The darkness ratio measures 63% (60%). 1113 dropping back further to 879 (1140) and the darkness ratio at 53% (55%), 1115 slowing to 2373pixels (2916) and darkness at 67% (67%). The flux levels still remaining low.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 83.4 (83.0) and a low of 80.7(80.7), will we see a reading below 80 with 3 regions in place?. The DSN value for the today is 3030 with the previous at 2761.  

2010/10/23 08:00 1117  extending its boundaries today and now measuring 2366 pixels (1626). The darkness ratio measures 60% (58%). 1113 dropping back further to 1140 (1743) and the darkness rising to 55% (52%), 1115 slowing to 2916 pixels (3237) and darkness at 67% (71%). The flux levels still remaining low.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 83.0 (83.2) and a low of 80.7(81.0), will we see a reading below 80 with 3 regions in place?. The DSN value for the today is 2761 with the previous at 2806. This page broke through the 100,000 barrier (visits) a couple of days ago... I certainly appreciate the support.

2010/10/22 08:00 1115   dropping again slightly at 3237 pixels (3509). The darkness ratio measures 71% (71%). 3 unipolar regions dominate the landscape. 1113 dropping to 1743 (2185) and the darkness at 47% (52%), 1117 (CL063) growing to 1626 pixels (1233) and darkness at 58% (51%). The flux levels remaining low.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 83.2 (83.9) and a low of 81.0 (82.0), will we see a reading below 80 with 3 regions in place?. The DSN value for the today is 2806 with the previous at 2943 .

2010/10/21 08:00 1115   falling back to 3509 pixels (3521). The darkness ratio measures 71% (68%). 3 unipolar regions dominate the landscape. 1113 measures 2185 (2574) and the darkness at 52% (52%), 1117 measures 1233 pixels (716) and darkness at 51% (47%). The flux levels have dropped of dramatically as expected.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 83.9 (88.3) and a low of 82.0 (85.4), the unipolar spots becoming the new flavour in town. The DSN value for the today is 2943 with the previous at 2870 .

2010/10/20 08:00  1113 breaking up and shrinking back today. The pixel reading today is 2574 (3018) with the current darkness ratio at 52% (54%).

This area is most likely past its peak and should continue to diminish. Very little activity has been associated with this region.

2010/10/20 08:00 1115  has grown slightly and measures 3521 pixels (3479). The darkness ratio measures 68% (71%), a decline in darkness usually means the pixel area will flow the decline..

Some outlier specks were visible briefly today on the Wolfcam.

1112 and 1118 were way below the threshold today.

2010/10/20 08:00     1117 today makes the grade and measures 716 pixels. The darkness ratio measures a low 47%. Yet another unipolar region during this unusual solar cycle 24.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 88.3(90.5) and a low of 85.4 (86.5), a new group but still heading down. The DSN value for the today is 2870 with the previous at 3270 . The DSN showing the true story.

2010/10/19 08:00  SDO back to fully operational. 1113 remaining the same in area but losing some umbral strength. The pixel reading today is 3018 (2967) with the current darkness ratio at 54% (67%).

Some specks in its outskirts coming and going today as it spews magnetic material that ultimately becomes absorbed. The magnetogram showing this today.

2010/10/19 08:00 1115  has grown again and measures 3479 pixels (3115). The darkness ratio measures a strong 71% (71%).

Region 1112 continues to show flare activity which is driving the rise in Flux levels.

2010/10/19 08:00   1112  fading substantially with the current pixel reading is at 463 (1081). The darkness ratio measures 67% (63%).

Despite the shrinking area 1112 is providing most of the solar activity right now according to NOAA. There is a new region in the north that will make analysis more difficult but it might be interesting when 1112 leaves the face.

There are several specks on the face today that do not make the grade.

2010/10/19 08:00     A new region which looks like another unipolar region is rotating onto the northern face. I have been meaning to do a unipolar ratio statistic for the past few months which I will do soon.

This area is just outside the threshold at 329 pixels.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 90.5 (84.8) and a low of 86.5 (81.7), 1112 very surprising. The DSN value for the today is 3270 with the previous at 3430 .

2010/10/18 05:30   The SDO is back up but lagging behind in their normal updates. 1113 has steadied and working towards an umbral splitting. The pixel reading today is 2967 (3069) with the current darkness ratio at 67%.

Locarno today comes in with a raw reading of 70.

2010/10/18 05:30 1115  has grown again and measures 3115 pixels (2664). The darkness ratio measures a strong 71%

NOAA region 1116 measures 97 pixels and will not be counted today.

Region 1112 continues to be active with flare and prominence activity that is keeping the flux levels at a reasonable level. If there is no new activity we might see a major drop off in flux levels when 1112 leaves us.

2010/10/18 05:30   1112   dropping back today with the current pixel reading is at 1081 (1419). The darkness ratio measures 63%

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 84.8 (86.3) and a low of 81.7 (81.8), not a lot of change. The DSN value for the today is 3430 with the previous at 3823 .

2010/10/17 09:29   The SDO has been dead for 2 days, hopefully there is not a major problem, the backup satellite SOHO will be used for now. 1113   has increased in area by a factor of 2 over the last 2 days. The pixel reading today is 3069 (1784)

Both Catania and Locarno are a no show today.

2010/10/17 09:29 1115  has also grown substantially and measures   2664 pixels (1084). All 3 regions were clearly visible on the Wolfcam today.

There is another speck in the north that will not be counted today.

The flux values rising in conjunction with the rise in 1112, the magnetic structure is not small. The overall value should be higher and will most likely show a significant drop once 1112 leaves the face.

2010/10/17 09:29   1112   showing a lot more growth after looking dead in the water a few days ago. The current pixel reading is at 1419 (879). Today's pixel readings are factored up to match the SDO values.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 86.3 (80.6) and a low of 81.8 (78.1), the big swings most likely a result of recent 1112 flare activity. The DSN value for the today is 3823 with the previous at 2832 .

2010/10/17 01:00 There is some kind of outage at HMI with currently no SDO updates.

2010/10/15 08:00   1113 (CL141) has increased in area as it rotates further onto the face. The pixel reading today is 1784 (1073) with the darkness ratio measuring 69% (68%).

The activity is on the up, but there is some wild fluctuations in the official stations. Locarno has a raw count of 45, Catania at 72. Catania with better seeing but the level of detail rivals the SDO, there is something going on here.

2010/10/15 08:00  1115 (CL127) not looking quite as big today but measures 1084 pixels and a darkness ratio of 72% (very dark). The longitude may be to far away from 1108 (CL144) to be recurring.

We have 3 regions plus a speck area and lots of plage and yet the Flux reading is struggling to get over 80. The negative sunspots are taking their toll and will probably drive down the value in the near future.

The unipolar regions have been dominating since activity picked up in May.

2010/10/15 08:00   1112 (CL205) has made a comeback from the dead and resembles the southern cross formation. The pixel reading is at 879 and the darkness ratio stands at 73%!

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 80.6 (78.3) and a low of 78.1 (76.3), way too low. The DSN value for the today is 1841 with the previous at 737 .

2010/10/14 08:00   1113 has increased in area as it rotates further onto the face. The pixel reading today is 1073 with the darkness ratio measuring 68%.

The flux reading has increased probably due to the associated plage activity and the extra area's forming today. 1112 has dropped back to 266 pixels and wont be counted today.

There is another small region to the right of 1112 that measures 81 pixels.

2010/10/14 08:00  A new area which could be old area 1108 is just coming into view, the area looks substantial at this early stage. Tomorrow there will be a revival of activity (although the EUV signature for this area looks very weak). 

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 78.3 (75.0) and a low of 76.3 (74.2), many new developments in the pipeline. The DSN value for the today is 737 with the previous at 301 .

2010/10/13 08:00   1112 still falling back managing to make the grade at 357 pixels (424). The darkness ratio is measuring 66% (62%). There is another speck to the right of this area that has been measured as another group by Catania but not by Locarno. Normally it would be the other way around. Catania coming in at 35 raw (21), Locarno raw at 27 (16) and Wolf would have counted 22.This a rare day when the Wolf count is higher than the modern count.The original Wolf site plus Catania and Locarno are at around 500 mtrs above sea level. I have a new telescope coming that should technically see the specks we see today, I also have a rural site 20 minutes from me that is 600 mtrs above sea level. It will be an interesting test to come.

2010/10/13 08:00  A new area has appeared that could be another negative sunspot (the Stereo B EUV image looks weak). The flux level has not risen but it may be too early. The proportion of unipolar spots may be an issue as this cycle plays out. 

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 75.0 (75.5) and a low of 74.2 (73.5), tomorrow will be of interest, will it rise or drop? The DSN value for the today is 301 with the previous at 182 .

2010/10/12 08:00   1112 dropping back slightly to 424 pixels (458), which doesn't give a lot of confidence for further growth (a spot doing nothing grows as the rotation approaches the meridian). The darkness ratio is measuring 62% (67%). 1112 is the return of 1106 but is not worth adding to the recurring regions table. As Robert says the stuffing has been knocked out of the cycle right now. It's been a long time since we had a decent flare?

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 75.5 (76.1) and a low of 73.5 (74.9), yet another drop, the flux levels continuing to show the real strength of this cycle seen HERE. The DSN value for the today is 182 with the previous at 212 .

2010/10/11 08:00   1112 making the grade today and measuring 458  pixels (311). The darkness ratio is measuring 67%.

Catania counting a raw 14 today.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 76.1(76.7) and a low of 74.9 (74.6), the flux levels continuing to show the real strength of this cycle seen HERE. The DSN value for the today is 212 with the previous at 125 .

2010/10/10 08:00  Day six just scraping through. New region 1112 called by NOAA today comes in just under the threshold at 311 pixels.

Still no word from Catania or Locarno, the weather must be bad for them lately.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 76.7 (74.9) and a low of 74.6 (73.4), the flux levels continuing to show the real strength of this cycle seen HERE. The DSN value for the today is 125 with the previous at 2 .

2010/10/09 08:00  Day five of the current spotless run, which is a little unexpected, the plage area appearing in the south is large and has some faint specks.

No word from Catania or Locarno.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 74.9 (75.8) and a low of 73.4 (73.5, bumping along the bottom. The DSN value for the today is 2 with the previous at 1 .

2010/10/08 08:00  Day four of the current spotless run, a plage area appearing in the south with no activity so far.

Which way is this month going to head, hard to call right now.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 75.8 (75.3) and a low of 73.5 (72.9), bumping along the bottom. The DSN value for the today is 1 with the previous at 1 .

2010/10/07 08:00  Day three for the current spotless count clicks over. There is no response from Catania or Locarno today which are probably down due to weather.

We should see something rotate onto the face tomorrow.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 75.3 (75.4) and a low of 72.9 (74.3), still dropping, the Sun is a messy place right now. The DSN value for the today is 1 with the previous at 4 .

2010/10/06 08:00  Today was spotless again and even Locarno agrees. The Wolfcam also agreed and it will have a new partner in crime soon. I have ordered a larger hi tech telescope that will ride alongside the Wolfcam in an attempt to view the Sun as Locarno would. The count comparison graph updated with the F10.7 value, the LSC staying much closer than SIDC or NOAA, the negative sunspots probably helping. What could be old area 1106 may be returning very soon.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 75.4 (76.6) and a low of 74.3 (74.7), still dropping, the Sun is a messy place right now. The DSN value for the today is 4 with the previous at 18 .

2010/10/05 08:00  Today was spotless although Locarno managed to see two groups. The specks were tiny and would be on the fringe of visibility on the original Wolf 64x telescope on a perfect day.

What could be old area 1106 may be returning in the next two days.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 76.6 (81.4) and a low of 74.7 (78.8), unbelievably low. The DSN value for the today is 18 with the previous at 308 .

2010/10/04 08:00  1109 Just hanging in there. The pixel reading at 780 (2042). 1111 has not passed the 24 hour rule and measures 83 pixels and will not be counted. 

Most likely spotless tomorrow.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 81.4 (85.4) and a low of 78.8 (83.7), mammoth swings in the flux level recently...the sun is a messy place?  The DSN value for the today is 308 with the previous at 1088 .

2010/10/03 08:00  1109 will be gone tomorrow most likely. The pixel reading at 2042 (3630) with a darkness ratio of 65% (69%).

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 85.4 (87.7) and a low of 83.7 (84.9), the level falling back quickly from the spike just observed. The DSN value for the today is 1088 with the previous at 1770 .

2010/10/02 08:00  1109 on the downslide. The pixel reading at 3630 (4700) with a darkness ratio of 69% (71%). 1111 not making the grade today (125) and will not be counted.

Solar activity is still very much on track for a very reduced cycle, will we see a gradual ramp up to a weak maximum or perhaps a very choppy record that undercuts SC5 severely?

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 87.7 (90.2) and a low of 84.9 (87.9), the level falling back quickly from the spike just observed. The DSN value for the today is 1770  with the previous at 2330 .

2010/10/01 08:00  1109 visually smaller today. The pixel reading at 4700 (5976) with a darkness ratio of 71% (72%). Both 1110 & 1111 not making the grade today and will not be counted.

The monthly figures are in for SIDC. The September value is 25.2. Update: LSC monthly mean at 17.4, big difference this month.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures recorded a high of 90.2 (91.0) and a low of 87.9 (85.7) , the flux value rising sharply after the negative sunspot (1108) left the face, the power of the negative sunspot very surprising.. The DSN value for the today is 2330  with the previous at 3221 .

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