From College Park, Maryland, the EarthSky Sun News team brings you the latest update on solar activity. As of January 12, 2024, the sun has been particularly active, with four M flares recorded on its path to Solar Max, the peak of the sun’s 11-year cycle expected in 2024.
Over the past 24 hours, the sun has displayed moderate activity, producing a total of 20 flares, including four Ms and 16 Cs. The largest flare, an M1.4 blast from departing active region AR3538, caused a minor radio blackout over the mid-South Atlantic Ocean. This was one of four M flares, with the others ranging between M1.1 and M1.5 and causing minor radio blackouts over various regions.
Looking ahead, the forecast for the next 24 hours indicates a 99% chance for C flares, a 45% chance for M flares, and a 5% chance for X flares. While no Earth-directed coronal mass ejections were identified in the available imagery, there is potential for an isolated unsettled condition caused by the nearby pass of a coronal mass ejection.
The Earth’s geomagnetic field is currently quiet, with chances for isolated unsettled conditions due to the nearby pass of a CME.
The recent surge in solar activity has led to more detailed observations of sunspots and flares. Notably, the east limb of the sun looks very active, and active regions from the far side will soon come into view as the sun continues to rotate.
In conclusion, the sun’s recent activity has been characterized by multiple M flares and increased prominence and filament activity. Stay tuned for further updates on solar activity as we continue to monitor the sun’s behavior.