Layman's Sunspot Count.

2010/02/08 22:24  1045 has sharply reduced in size over the last few hours. The pixel reading is 597 and the darkness ratio has also reduced to 61%, the amount of movement (both ways) in this group over the last 24 hours is surprising.

NOAA going all out with a sunspot count of 71 for today. Thankfully we have other methods more reliable for counting sunspots.    

The F10.7 flux high reading for today at 93. The solar wind so far not responding to the earlier coronal hole.

2010/02/08 22:24  1046 growing slightly to 43 pixels and a darkness ratio of 44%. The darkness ratio is certainly influenced by the overall area of a spot group.

 1047 has remained mostly unchanged but now reads 19 pixels

2010/02/08 09:18  1045 has slightly diminished with a pixel reading of 854 and a slight increase in darkness ratio to 69%. New group 1046 has a pixel rating of 26 but the magnetogram suggests some further growth.

Region 1 is displaying a very dominant force that perhaps will not allow other regions to flourish?

UPDATE: 2010/02/08 17:51 1045 is reducing in size and now comes in at 723 pixels and the darkness ratio falling to 63%. 1046 has risen slightly to 39 pixels.

2010/02/08 09:18  A new area that has been evident on Stereo Behind in the southern hemisphere has rotated onto the limb, but at this stage shows little promise. The pixel rating of 16 and weak magnetogram structure suggests little growth....lets see what happens.

UPDATE: Simon from NIA has noticed this region has cycle 23 polarity, the latitude is also quite low. NOAA has given it a number 1047. A small percentage of spots in a cycle can be spun around by the turbulence especially if the region is small...hopefully there will be some comment from the  professional sources.

2010/02/08 00:00  1045 rapidly moving up in size, now measuring 892 pixels and the darkness ratio remaining at 68%. The growth of 1045 has followed the same pattern as 1040 & 1035.

1045 is now the largest group of SC24 and also the widest group measured so far.

Preliminary PPA readings are suggesting a smaller area than 1040.

2010/02/08 00:00  1046 now beginning to show its form. This region looks to be a re birth of 1042 and should be a counter. Because of its current size it may not be worth comparing on the Recurring Regions Table.

2010/02/07 14:24  1045 now growing slowly and has risen slightly to 693 pixels with a darkness ratio of 68%. Region 1 is maintaining a steady flow of major groups that produce area's at or more than 700 pixels. We are currently about 25 days from the last Region 1 sunspot peak. The longevity and strength of Region 1 might have a strong impact on the shape of the sunspot curve as we approach cycle max. 

NOAA has numbered the new group 1046 (currently around 30 pixels) coming onto the east limb but is still ignoring the 2 specks to the right of 1045 that currently measure 6 pixels. F10.7 flux adjusted figures hitting a high of around 90 today.The solar wind is on a slight uptick.

2010/02/07 06:24  1045 is still on the rise measuring 642 pixels. The darkness ratio at 68% (falling back from 72% in the last few hours). The shape of the region looking very similar to the previous groups that belonged to Region 1.

A new group showing spots has now rotated onto the face and will be measurable in about 24 hours, this region could be 1042 returning. Other regions on Stereo Behind are also worth watching. SC24 record flare activity has been occurring and tomorrow's F10.7 flux figures should be interesting.The solar wind waiting for the next installment of star stuff.

2010/02/06 17:36  Region 1 is back with good strength (punch is back) and leaving no doubt with a pixel reading of 446 and a solid darkness ratio of 69%. All 3 spots from Region 1 have formed at a similar longitude,  pure coincidence or a hint of an internal fixed power source? The underlying magnetic field is reasonable but looking to be smaller than the past 2 occurrences. The future PPA reading should tell the story. NOAA have numbered the region 1045 but did not number another region that exceeded 1044 in area? 1043 has now shrunk to 8 pixels and will not be included in today's total. Another area is about to come onto the face (spots showing on GONG). F10.7 flux has low reading of 84 today and looking to increase. 

2010/02/06 01:36  Region 1 looks to be active for the 3rd successive rotation. The un numbered group (1045?) has a pixel area of 51 pixels and a low opening darkness ratio of 33%. This group will be added to the recurring regions table.

The underlying magnetic field is building on the magnetogram, so possible growth might be expected.

1043 has now shrunk to 14 pixels and will not be included in today's total.

2010/02/06 01:36  Another small group (1046) is forming between 1043 and (1045). This group measures just 11 pixels so far and at present does not have a strong magnetic structure.

The earlier group 1044 numbered by NOAA looks to have faded. It will not be counted unless there is a re appearance.

The level of activity looks to be spread thinly...but the landscape can change very quickly. Looking at whats coming, the majority of this current active latitude could be "lit up" in some manner.

2010/02/05 12:35  1043 hanging in there with a pixel reading of 25 and darkness ratio of 68%. Although small this region has surprised with its contrast figures. NOAA has labeled the associated speck number 1044 which measures a very low 2 pixels.

There has been some minor flare activity and the solar wind is around 350 km/s but expected to rise by the 7th. F10.7 flux min reading at 75.1.

Region 1 remains a large plage, but there does look to be 2 small specks appearing on its leading edge (GONG). Current Feb overall solar activity appears to be low, lacking the punch of last month....but its early. 

2010/02/04 20:53  1043 has now decreased in size and measures 31 pixels. The darkness ratio has also fallen to 54%, back from 73% in 2 days. There is a new small speck appearing close to 1043 (7 o'clock) that corresponds with a very small area on the magnetogram.

Region 1 at this stage looking broken up and not overly strong. There is another area just behind it that has some promise. The F10.7 flux may go under 71 today. Update: 70.7 the measured low.

The Layman's Count has been updated for January...see below.

2010/02/03 19:44  SOHO looks to be having update problems or perhaps they are putting us on rations. Looking at the ground based GONG images the magnetogram is showing a small area of unknown polarity just under the existing 1043 area which looks to be stagnant. So far there is no count from NOAA but 2 faint specks are observable from a few observatories. F10.7 flux is at a low reading of 71. The solar wind beginning to weaken but perhaps waiting for a recharge from the coronal hole in front of region 1 which is also weakening. Region 1 beginning to come into view and is a large plage at present.

The Layman's Count has been updated for January...see below.

2010/02/02 17:42   1043 still on the decline now measuring 86 pixels, the darkness ratio climbing to a whopping 73%. There is certainly no shortage of contrast as measured by our method. The solar wind still showing some activity but will not be considered on the increase until it can achieve consistent values over 700 km/s.

Yesterdays F10.7 Flux low reading at 72. Flare activity is low.

The Layman's Count has been updated for January...see below.

2010/02/01 08:22   1043 still on the decline now measuring 91 pixels, the darkness ratio rising back to 68% and the group is morphing rapidly. This region is a tad unorthodox, but perhaps this is the norm during a grand minimum? The solar wind has bounced strongly off the bottom and looking back over the last six days there looks to be no reason for the uptick. The solar wind certainly has elements unknown to science.UPDATE: SIDC figures in for January, 13.1 monthly mean compared to our count of 12.8. The official SIDC report showing 3 spotless days for January and the Layman's Count showing 4, I am not sure why anyone would folllow the NOAA figures these days. Full Layman's update tomorrow.

2010/01/31 22:29   1043 has shrunk slightly measuring 104 pixels as well as separating considerably. The darkness ratio has dropped back to 63%. Some of the big regions have grown from similar beginnings as 1043, the next few days will tell. The large plage area of 1041 getting close to leaving the face.

Another bright spot behind Region 1 is being watched on Stereo Behind which also shows a decent coronal hole in front. The solar wind dropping back to its low base again. F10.7 Flux had a low reading of 71 yesterday.

2010/01/31 05:49   A new region 1043 has appeared to end our very brief spotless period. This seems to be the recent trend. The magnetic region on the magnetogram showing a fairly intense formation that has good potential to grow. Currently the pixel reading is at 108 with an impressive opening to the darkness ratio of 69%. The contrast values according to the Layman's method are not showing a decline.

Region 1 continues to show potential with another small area directly under in the southern hemisphere that is also worth watching. The solar wind finally showing some response to last weeks spot activity. F10.7 Flux had a low reading of 72 yesterday.

2010/01/29 22:29   1041 no longer making the grade via the Layman's Count. The 30th & 31st will be spotless without any further new activity.

Stereo behind is showing a very large active area as Region 1 returns. There is so far no real flare activity and the "height" of the region looks low. Perhaps the region has collapsed into a plage...time will tell.

The solar wind is bumping along and so far has not been overly affected by the last 2 spots, there is a large coronal hole in front of Region 1 which might make a difference next week. F10.7 flux yesterday hit at a low of 69.

2010/01/26 16:32   1042 has left the visible face leaving 1041 which is continuing to slowly reduce with a reading of 110 pixels, the non zoomed image showing the wide extent of the 2nd generation group. The darkness ratio reducing dramatically to 53%.

Stereo Behind beginning to show Region 1 on the farside which at this point looks duller than previous rotations.

The solar wind remaining at a steady low but should pick up soon.

2010/01/25 06:19   1041 continuing to slowly reduce with a reading of 179 pixels. Darkness ratio at 70% which is significant for a low area sunspot group near the mid point on the face.

The solar wind staying at very low speeds. 

2010/01/25 06:19   The Continuum and Magnetogram images are experiencing difficulties and area 1042 is currently unable to be measured accurately. A general eyeball of the region suggests it is also shrinking as per 1041.

The SDO satellite is due for launch on Feb 9 which is eagerly awaited. The level of detail and availability of data will greatly enhance the Layman's Count.

2010/01/24 16:05   1041 slowly shrinking back to 199 pixels. Darkness ratio rising to 71% (at least L&P will have something to measure).The peak of 1041 may have passed, will wait a few more days before compiling the PPA results for region 2.

The solar wind staying at very low speeds.

2010/01/24 16:05   1042 also falling back in area, currently measuring 151 pixels with a darkness ratio rising to 66%.

Both regions failing to impress but we do have 2 regions.

Looking back at previous low cycles the SIDC figures for SC20 showed some remarkably high day counts (200+) which puts more perspective on the current situation.

2010/01/24 01:42   1041 slowly growing to 223 pixels. Darkness ratio remaining 67%. So far this group has not been very spectacular since coming onto the face. Flare activity is also low. Overall activity looking to perhaps be on the decline. The next showing of region 1 might tell the story.

The solar wind staying at very low speeds.

2010/01/24 01:42   1042 now developing into a reasonable group as expected and will make the grade. Currently measuring 168 pixels with a darkness ratio of 62%. The magnetogram showing the clear difference between a newly formed group as opposed to a 2nd generation group.

L&P scheduled for telescope time today....they may have missed the boat. 

UPDATE 2001/01/24 14:29: Both regions are on a decline, more details to follow.

2010/01/22 12:07   1041 rising slightly to 188 pixels probably due to the extra rotation bringing the group further onto the face. Darkness ratio rising to 67%.

The solar wind beginning to ease to very low speeds.

2010/01/22 12:07   A new region has appeared in the northern hemisphere measuring 25 pixels. Its a fresh area not originating from an existing active region. At present NOAA has not issued a number.The magnetogram for this area showing potential for further growth.

UPDATE: NOAA declaring this region with number 1042. SOHO has been sparse with updates, so the Layman's Count like the rest of us will need to wait.

2010/01/21 22:29   1041 region now showing its colors, perhaps less size than expected. Region currently measuring 155 pixels with a darkness ratio of 62%. The flare activity looking on the decline at present. The plage area is quite bright and the underlying magnetic area looks complex, the PPA area will be compared against 1039 in a few days. This is now the second recurring region (region 2) and suggests a new level of solar activity. F10.7 flux still quite low (78) and the solar wind experiencing a small spike that should fall back before rising moderately in a few days.

2010/01/20 08:00   The already called by some 1041 region appearing to show spot activity in its initial showing on the limb. I cant remember any other group showing this early potential. The area has also been very active displaying several M class flares recorded via Stereo Behind. Many will be watching the transition of this spot, the new PPA measure will also be of interest.

The solar wind showing a sudden uptick which is probably the result of coronal hole activity trailing behind 1040.

2010/01/19 03:59   With an almost blank Sun I thought it would be a good time to test the PPA measure as a benchmark. The 0-75 rating came in at 337 pixels and the 180-255 rating came in at 336 pixels. A total of 673 compared with 4058 (including spots)with the height of 1040. I think this will be a good measure of potential solar energy on a few fronts. Link here

Old area 1039 continues to show promise and may well be the next fully active region....the monthly values will be interesting this month.

2010/01/17 16:00   1040 about to leave the face, and is not worth measuring when so close to the edge although will still be counted via the SIDC numbers.To date this area has been the most spectacular and it will be interesting to see how it performs on the next rotation.

Meanwhile the solar wind is dropping back quickly preparing for a blank face. Old area 1039 is looking small but quite bright on the Stereo Behind Image.

2010/01/14 22:24   1040 now reducing to 645 pixels. Darkness ratio holding on with 71%. The non zoomed image showing the plage area starting to form around the group as the group makes its way to the west limb.

Old area 1039 beginning to show on the Stereo Behind link.

Solar wind remaining on the plateau, a small coronal hole trailing 1040 should maintain it for a little longer.

2010/01/14 00:00   1040 showing signs of reduction with a pixel count of 755. So far the maximum reading has been 814. The darkness ratio climbing to a SC24 high of 75%. The decent SOHO pics go back to Jan 2006 where there are many strong spots. The big ones have a darkness ratio of about 80.

I have a new solar metric that might prove interesting during this solar grand minimum...check out the main menu.

2010/01/13 00:00   1040 now the largest SC24 group at 801 pixels. Darkness ratio rising to 73% which is equal highest for SC24. The L&P theory not following measurements taken by the Layman's Count if comparing contrast with darkness ratio. The L&P decline currently showing more correlation with the solar wind measurements.

1040 at this stage not scheduled to be measured by L&P

2010/01/12 16:00   1040 now at 753 pixels. Darkness ratio remaining at 69%. This region responsible for 1035 and 1040 has similarities in timing and sunspot size but varies in other areas. The solar wind and F10.7 flux have both recorded substantially higher readings for 1040 than 1035. Magnetogram comparisons show a much more dispersed magnetic field for 1040.

The TSI reading will also be interesting to compare. Solar wind speed under 500 km/s still considered low overall.

2010/01/12 06:24    1040 continuing its upward path at 651 pixels...very reminiscent of its former incarnation. Darkness ratio rising still to 69%. The Solar wind now on a new plateau and looks to be a result of this region. There doesn't look to be any other form of activity from coronal holes etc in the last few days.  

Correction: There is a coronal hole in front of this region that would contribute to the solar wind.

2010/01/11 16:00     1040 now 477 pixels. Darkness ratio rising to 67%.

In my book this is the first serious region of SC24, managing to maintain its strength after a full revolution.

The solar wind showing a revival but still well below the average values recorded 2 years ago during the downslope of SC23.

2010/01/11 01:51  1040 rising to 285 pixels. Darkness ratio falling to 56% from 64%. 1040 which rose from the old 1035 area is much more scattered. Its unclear if this area maintained a spot for the entire revolution although it looked to be blank when first appearing on the East limb. (sunspot areas are generally lower than the surrounding photosphere) Solar wind continuing to remain low. UPDATE: Quite a large uptick in the solar wind.

2010/01/10 03:14   SOHO is back with us...1040 growing substantially with a pixel count of 199 which includes some outlier specks on the edge of the region (dead pixel not incl). Darkness ratio rising to 64%

This longitude has been very busy for the growth of many sunspots through SC24, leading us to ask...Does the Earth play any role in sunspot activity???

2010/01/08 16:00   Old area 1035 looking weak at the moment, but gaining a number from NOAA 1040. Area measurement at 11 pixels. Solar wind experiencing a very small bump over the last 24 hours, but continuing to show very low levels. Stereo Behind not showing any new areas. GONG Farside is clear. In the last 12 hours a brief SC23 speck was counted by some. UPDATE: SOHO going through another dryspell of no updates, looking at GONG images 1040 looks to be a counter.The last SOHO image came in at 26 pixels.

2010/01/07 22:24 The remains of 1035 and 1038 beginning to appear on the limb. Lots of plage activity with a new area forming counting 9 pixels and NOAA getting excited as usual, it did not look to be formed yesterday. The other solar indicies continuing to remain weak. Solar wind, Ap and TSI all at record lows. The last 7 days of solar wind showing a very small effect from 1039 which is surprising (struggling to achieve 350 km/s). Remember it takes 6 days for the solar wind to reach us at 300 km/s.

2010/01/06 00:06 The Sun is once again free of spots and as can be seen in this Stereo Behind image the old area of 1035 is beginning to weaken. With the renewed activity it is difficult to predict if this area will produce a plage (bright area without spots) or develop into a reformed spot group. The Solar Wind is still not showing any signs of the recent activity from 1039,  10.7 flux at around 70 (adjusted) UPDATE: The current Stereo Behind image showing more signs of activity.

2010/01/04 01:36  1039 now measuring 134 pixels. The darkness ratio not worth reading when the group is so close to the edge. The Solar wind speed is just edging up, and we should expect a further rise of sorts in the next 24 hours. (300 km/s solar wind speed takes 6 days to reach Earth).

Old area 1035 is showing on the Stereo Behind images, will this be the first group to complete a full revolution and be counted by the Layman's Count?

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