April 2011 News

2011/04/30  04:00 Overall solar activity continues to shrink, 1195 reducing more and measures 1440 pixels (2364) with a darkness ratio of 53% (57%). 1199 measures 1294 pixels (2192) with a darkness ratio of 60% (59%). 1203 measures 1234 pixels (510) with a darkness ratio of 52%. 1200 measures 339 pixels and just makes it today. All other specks not making the grade.

Are we seeing the start of another period of unipolar groups?

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures measured at 20:00 UTC was 111.2 (111.9).  The DSN value for today is 1778 with the previous measurement at 2061. 

2011/04/29  04:00 Overall solar activity continues to shrink, 1195 reducing more and measures 2364 pixels (3792) with a darkness ratio of 57% (60%). 1199 measures 2192 pixels (2288) with a darkness ratio of 59% (62%). New area 1203 measures 510 pixels. All other specks not making the grade.

Are we seeing the start of another period of unipolar groups?

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures measured at 20:00 UTC was 111.9 (109.3).  The DSN value for today is 2061 with the previous measurement at 2570. 

2011/04/28  04:00 Overall solar activity continues to shrink, 1195 reducing more and measures 3792 pixels (5122) with a darkness ratio of 60% (62%). 1199 measures 2288 pixels (1508) with a darkness ratio of 62% (68%) . All other specks not making the grade. The SIDC figures that the Layman's count works off are not available until the end of the month, but indications suggest a possible reduction this month. The Layman's darkness graph has been updated below.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures measured at 20:00 UTC was 109.3 (110.8).  The DSN value for today is 2570 with the previous measurement at 3069. 

2011/04/27  04:00 1195 reducing more and measures 5122 pixels (6652) with a darkness ratio of 62%(66%). New area 1199 measures 1508 pixels (359) with a darkness ratio of 68% . All other specks not making the grade. The Layman's darkness graph has been updated below.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures measured at 20:00 UTC was 110.8 (113.5).  The DSN value for today is 3069 with the previous measurement at 3356. 

2011/04/26  04:00 1195 reducing more and measures 6652 pixels (7860) with a darkness ratio of 66%(63%). A new area just making the grade but subject to the 24 hour rule measures 359 pixels. All other specks not making the grade. The magnetogram showing far more activity than observed spots?

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures measured at 20:00 UTC was 113.5 (118.5).  The DSN value for today is 3356 with the previous measurement at 3686. 

2011/04/25  04:00 Activity dropping off again today. 1193 almost gone and measures 509 pixels (1889) with a darkness ratio of 51% (56%). 1195 reducing more and measures 7860 pixels (8268) with a darkness ratio of 63%(61%). All other specks not making the grade. April is showing a decline in acitvity over March with the overall strength of cycle 24 still way under par for this stage of the cycle.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures measured at 20:00 UTC was 118.5 (124.4).  The DSN value for today is 3686 with the previous measurement at 4330. 

2011/04/24  04:00 Activity dropping off today. 1193 continuing to decrease and measures 1889 pixels (3304) with a darkness ratio of 56% (65%). 1195 starting to reduce and measures 8268 pixels (8841) with a darkness ratio of 61%(64%). New area 1196 not making the threshold today. All other specks not making the grade. April is showing a decline in acitvity over March with the overall strength of cycle 24 still way under par for this stage of the cycle.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures measured at 20:00 UTC was 120.4 (116.0).  The DSN value for today is 4330 with the previous measurement at 5606. 

2011/04/23  04:00 Another increase in area today. 1193 continuing to decrease and measures 3304 pixels (4458) with a darkness ratio of 65% (64%). 1195 growing rapidly again and measures 8841 pixels (4968) with a darkness ratio of 64%(66%). New area 1196 not doing much and measures 483 pixels (420) with a darkness ratio of 58% . All other specks not making the grade.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures measured at 20:00 UTC was 116.0 (114.1).  The DSN value for today is 5606 with the previous measurement at 4496. 

2011/04/22  04:00 An increase in area today. 1193 continuing to decrease and measures 4458 pixels (5640) with a darkness ratio of 64% (65%). New area 1195 growing rapidly and measures 4968 pixels (1951) with a darkness ratio of 66%(58%). New area 1196 measures 420 pixels. All other specks not making the grade.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures measured at 20:00 UTC was 114.1 (118.1).  The DSN value for today is 4496 with the previous measurement at 3487. 

2011/04/21  04:00 Another day of reduction with 1191 under the threshold today. 1193 continuing to decrease and measures 5640 pixels (7355) with a darkness ratio of 65% (66%). New area 1195 measures 1951 pixels (532) with a darkness ratio of 58%. All other specks not making the grade.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures measured at 20:00 UTC was 118.1 (111.9).  The DSN value for today is 3487 with the previous measurement at 3840. 

2011/04/20  04:00 A new group today but still a fair drop in overall activity with 1190 under the threshold today. 1191 just surviving and measures 406 pixels (973) with a darkness ratio of 69%(55%).  1193 now beginning to decrease and measures 7355 pixels (8806) with a darkness ratio of 66% (65%). New area 1195 measures 532 pixels. All other specks not making the grade.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures measured at 20:00 UTC was 111.9 (111.9).  The DSN value for today is 3840 with the previous measurement at 5028. 

2011/04/19  04:00  1190 decreasing again today and measures 1648 pixels (3000) with a darkness ratio of 61% (71%). 1191 measures 973 pixels (1376) with a darkness ratio of 55%(57%).  1193 still growing and measures 8806 pixels (8270) with a darkness ratio of 65% (63%). All other specks not making the grade.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures measured at 20:00 UTC was 111.9 (115.3).  The DSN value for today is 5028 with the previous measurement at 5663. 

2011/04/18  04:00  1190 decreasing again today and measures 3000 pixels (5287) with a darkness ratio of 71% (72%). 1191 measures 1376 pixels (1554) with a darkness ratio of 57%(61%).  1193 still growing and measures 8270 pixels (7579) with a darkness ratio of 63% (62%). All other specks not making the grade.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures measured at 20:00 UTC was 115.3 (120.0).  The DSN value for today is 5663 with the previous measurement at 6522. 

2011/04/17  04:00  1190 decreasing today and measures 5287 pixels (7032) with a darkness ratio of 72% (73%). 1191 beginning to shrink and measures 1554 pixels (1875) with a darkness ratio of 61%(61%).  1193 still growing and measures 7579 pixels (5613) with a darkness ratio of 62% (63%). All other specks not making the grade.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures measured at 20:00 UTC was 120.0 (130.2).  The DSN value for today is 6522 with the previous measurement at 6881. 

2011/04/16  04:00  1190 growing more and measures 7032 pixels (6829) with a darkness ratio of 73% (64%). 1191 increasing slowly and measures 1875 pixels (1745) with a darkness ratio of 61%(65%).  1193 growing more and measures 5613 pixels (4145) with a darkness ratio of 63% (59%). All other specks not making the grade.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures measured at 20:00 UTC was 130.2 (119.4).  The DSN value for today is 6881  with the previous measurement at 5723. 

2011/04/15  04:00  1190 growing more and measures 6829 pixels (5032) with a darkness ratio of 64% (63%). 1191 increasing slowly and measures 1745 pixels (1428) with a darkness ratio of 65%(63%).  1193 growing quickly and measures 4145 pixels (2068) with a darkness ratio of 59% (59%). All other specks not making the grade. I am away for the weekend, next update on Sunday.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures measured at 20:00 UTC was 119.4 (118.4).  The DSN value for today is 5723 with the previous measurement at 4288. 

2011/04/14  04:00 A big increase today .  1185 falling back and is now under the threshold. 1186 dropping off and measures 447 pixels (821) and a darkness ratio of 65% (55%). 1190 growing substantially and measures 5032 pixels(3368) with a darkness ratio of 63% (71%). 1191 measures 1428 pixels (922) with a darkness ratio of 63%(63%). 1192 just alive and measures 348 pixels (523) with a darkness ratio of  85% (81%)(very dark). New area 1193 measures 2068 pixels with a darkness ratio of 59%.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures measured at 20:00 UTC was 118.4 (110.8).  The DSN value for today is 4288 with the previous measurement at 2938. 

2011/04/13  04:00 Today will have a high sunspot count with extra tomorrow, the NH dominating .  1185 falling back again and measures 649 pixels (802) with a darkness ratio of 62% (61%). 1186 dropping off and measures 821 pixels (1330) and a darkness ratio of 55% (57%). 1190 measures 3368 pixels(1763) with a darkness ratio of 71% (70%). 1191 measures 922 pixels (380) with a darkness ratio of 63%. 1192 measures 523 pixels with a darkness ratio of 81%(very dark).

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures measured at 20:00 UTC was 110.8 (106.3).  The DSN value for today is 2938 with the previous measurement at 1922. 

2011/04/12  04:00 Some new activity today.  1185 falling back again and measures 802 pixels (1327) with a darkness ratio of 61% (63%). 1186 staying about the same and measures 1330 pixels (1349) and a darkness ratio of 57% (65%). New area 1190 measures 1763 pixels with a darkness ratio of 70%. Another group just rotating onto the face measures 380 pixels. Other specks not making the grade.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures measured at 20:00 UTC was 106.3 (105.2).  The DSN value for today is 1922 with the previous measurement at 1241. 

2011/04/11  04:00 A small rise in overall activity today.  1185 is on the rise again and measures 1327 pixels (698) with a darkness ratio of 63% (59%). 1186 growing again and measures 1349 pixels (989) and a darkness ratio of 65% (68%). The magnetic area of both groups showing some strength. Other specks not making the grade and Stereo Behind not showing a lot right now.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures measured at 20:00 UTC was 105.2 (105.3).  The DSN value for today is 1241 with the previous measurement at 807. 

2011/04/10  04:00 A further drop in overall activity today with several speck groups diminishing.  1185 is on the rise again and measures 698 pixels (383) with a darkness ratio of 59% (67%). 1186 growing again and measures 989 pixels  (527) and a darkness ratio of 68% (70%). Other specks not making the grade.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures measured at 20:00 UTC was 105.3 (112.5).  The DSN value for today is 807 with the previous measurement at 1082. 

2011/04/09  04:00 A further drop in activity today but it's speck city, but with only 3 counting.   1184 dropping back  and measures 849 pixels (1812) with a darkness ratio of 63% (60%). 1185 has been split and fails to make the grade, 1189 in its place falling back and measures 383 pixels (529) with a darkness ratio of 67% (63%). 1186 reducing and measures 527 pixels  (782) and a darkness ratio of 70% (64%). Other specks not making the grade, activity is somewhat subdued at present. Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures measured at 20:00 UTC was 112.5 (109.0). The NOAA flux figures compared to Canada are a lot lower last month, my own maths puts it around 115?..the erroneous figure on the 7th not excluded? The DSN value for today is 1082 with the previous measurement at 1529. 

2011/04/08  04:00 A further drop in activity today.   1184 dropping back  and measures 1812 pixels (2662) with a darkness ratio of 60% (64%). 1185 falling back and measures 529 pixels (643) with a darkness ratio of 63% (67%). New region 1186 measures 782 pixels  (347) and a darkness ratio of 64%. Other specks not making the grade, activity is somewhat subdued at present.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures measured at 20:00 UTC was 112.5 (117.2). The NOAA flux figures compared to Canada are a lot lower last month, my own maths puts it around 115?..the erroneous figure on the 7th not excluded? The DSN value for today is 1529 with the previous measurement at 1750.   

2011/04/07  04:00 Very minor growth today..  1183 has fallen below the threshold with 1184 dropping back marginally and measures 2662 pixels (2832) with a darkness ratio of 64% (65%). New region 1185 measures 643 pixels (441) with a darkness ratio of 67%. New region 1186 just scraping through with 347 pixels, activity is somewhat subdued at present.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures measured at 20:00 UTC was 117.2 (109.3). The NOAA flux figures compared to Canada are a lot lower last month, my own maths puts it around 115?..the erroneous figure on the 7th not excluded? The DSN value for today is 1750 with the previous measurement at 1667.   

2011/04/06  04:00  More reduction today..  1183 reducing more and measures 477 pixels (1134) and a darkness ratio of 59% (54%). 1184 dropping back quickly again and measures 2832 pixels (3381) with a darkness ratio of 65% (60%). New region 1185 making the grade today at 441 pixels (298). April activity so far on the decline.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures measured at 20:00 UTC was 109.3 (112.7). The NOAA flux figures compared to Canada are a lot lower last month, my own maths puts it around 115?..the erroneous figure on the 7th not excluded? The DSN value for today is 1667 with the previous measurement at 1967.   

2011/04/05  04:00  An overall reduction today..  1183 reducing more and measures 1134 pixels (1738) and a darkness ratio of 54% (53%). 1184 dropping back quickly and measures 3381 pixels (4277) with a darkness ratio of 60% (64%). New region 1185 not making the grade at 298 pixels.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures measured at 20:00 UTC was 112.7 (114.0). The NOAA flux figures compared to Canada are a lot lower last month, my own maths puts it around 115? The DSN value for today is 1967 with the previous measurement at 2666.   

2011/04/04  04:00    1183 reducing more and measures 1738 pixels (2789) and a darkness ratio of 53% (63%). 1184 moving up quickly and measures 4277 pixels (705) with a darkness ratio of 64% (66%). All other speck regions not passing the threshold.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures measured at 20:00 UTC was 114.0 (107.4). The NOAA flux figures compared to Canada are a lot lower last month, my own maths puts it around 115? The DSN value for today is 2666 with the previous measurement at 1630.   

2011/04/03  04:00   Area and darkness continues to reduce over the past week, 1183 reducing more and measures 2789 pixels (3708) and a darkness ratio of 63% (60%). A new region (or old 1184) measures 705 pixels with a darkness ratio of 66%. All other speck regions not passing the threshold.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures measured at 20:00 UTC was 107.4 (108.7). The NOAA flux figures compared to Canada are a lot lower last month, my own maths puts it around 115? The DSN value for today is 1630 with the previous measurement at 1945.   

2011/04/02  04:00 1176  measures 608 pixels (1791) with a darkness ratio of 55% (54%).  1183 reducing more and measures 3708 pixels (4255) and a darkness ratio of 60% (62%). All other speck regions not passing the threshold. SIDC results for March are showing an increase against the LSC and NOAA. The Waldmeier factor along with the splitting of groups and higher speck count taking its toll?

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures measured at 20:00 UTC was 108.7 (113.1). The NOAA flux figures a lot lower last month? The DSN value for today is 1945 with the previous measurement at 2690.  Update: LSC March at 38.6. SIDC at 56.2 with many many specks counted. SIDC a lot higher than NOAA this month.

2011/04/01  04:00 1176  measures 1791 pixels (3001) with a darkness ratio of 54% (58%).  1183 starting to reduce and measures 4255 pixels (4330) and a darkness ratio of 62% (56%). All other speck regions not passing the threshold. March looking to be stronger than February.

Yesterday's adjusted F10.7 flux figures measured at 20:00 UTC was 113.1 (117.3). The DSN value for today is 2690 with the previous measurement at 3111.  

Update: LSC March at 38.6. SIDC at 56.2 with many many specks counted. SIDC a lot higher than NOAA this month.