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Sun news October 8: Two X flares. Auroras. Comet. Wow!

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Earthsky.org 
Sun news for October 7-8, 2024. A coronal mass ejection (CME) from an X2 flare is blasted from the sun as Comet A3 soars into view of the SOHO spacecraft’s LASCO C3 imager. Images via SOHO.

Sun news October 8: Two X flares. Auroras. Comet. Wow!

Today’s top story: It’s been a busy day of solar activity! Northern latitudes were treated to beautiful auroras last night, as sun-stuff launched by last week’s X9 flare brought up to G3 (strong) geomagnetic storming. And the sunspot region that produced that flare, AR3842, is still firing on all cylinders. It blasted an X2 flare last night, not long after another X flare from nearby region AR3844. The X2 released an impressive near-full halo coronal mass ejection (CME), which you can see above. And to top it off, you can also see Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS) soaring into view, looking stunningly bright. It’s being said this is the brightest comet the SOHO spacecraft’s LASCO C3 instrument has ever imaged. What a day!
Last 24 hours: The two X flares brought sun activity up to a high level. Flaring production increased during our observation period (11 UTC yesterday to 11 UTC today) from nine flares the previous day to 12 flares this time: two X flares, two Ms and eight C flares. The largest flare of the period was the X2.2, blasted out at 19:13 UTC on October 7 by AR3842. This region is now very close to the limb (edge) in the southwest. Here’s a breakdown of the X and M flares from the past 24 hours:

    • M1.3 at 18:38 UTC on October 7 from AR3842. R1 (minor) radio blackout in the Pacific Ocean over Galapagos.
    • X2.2 at 19:13 UTC on October 7 from AR3842. R2 (moderate) radio blackout over the Pacific Ocean off the west coast of Galapagos. The largest.
    • X1.0 at 21:02 UTC on October 7 from AR3844. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Pacific Ocean.
    • M1.2 at 8:51 UTC on October 8 from AR3842. R1 (minor) radio blackout over Madagascar.

Currently the sun has seven numbered sunspot regions on its Earth-facing side, including newcomer AR3852. Among the eye-catching active regions, AR3848 is showing potential with a beta-gamma magnetic complexity. AR3842 has lost its delta region, so it’s showing a beta-gamma configuration along with AR3849. The rest of the sunspot regions on the solar disk have simple alpha or beta configurations.
Next 24 hours: The chance for C flares is 99%. The chance for M flares is 75%. The chance for X flares is 30%.
Next expected CME: A coronal mass ejection (CME) was produced during the X2.2 flare but modeling and analysis are still ongoing to determine if any component is coming our way at Earth. We will bring you the info as soon as it is released. No additional CMEs were observed in the available coronagraph imagery.
Current geomagnetic activity: Earth’s magnetic field is very exited at the time of this writing (11 UTC on October 8). A  G2 (moderate) geomagnetic storming is ongoing at the time of this writing and the magnetic field has been disturbed all night reaching G1 (minor), G2 (moderate) and up to G3 (strong) levels. This is expected to continue early today, October 8, due to the glancing influence from the coronal mass ejection (CME) that left the sun early on October 4. The geomagnetic is anticipated to come down to quiet to unsettled levels late October 8 and October 9 as any lingering CME effects wane, coupled with fast solar wind from a coronal hole.

This image shows sun activity – with the most active regions labeled – as of 0 UTC on October 8, 2024. Original image, without labels, via NASA SDO. Courtesy of NASA/SDO and the AIA, EVE, and HMI science teams, with labeling by EarthSky. Today’s sun is posted by Armando Caussade. Why are east and west on the sun reversed?

Sun news October 7: Auroras overnight

Today’s top story: We didn’t receive the G2 (moderate) or G3 (strong) geomagnetic storms that had been forecast for last night, but Earth’s magnetic field was still disturbed enough for some beautiful auroral displays. The coronal mass ejection (CME) that left the sun early on October 4 after a huge X9 flare provided about six hours of G1 (minor) geomagnetic storming. The impact of the CME initially was a disappointment, but – possibly thanks to it being the equinox aurora season – amazing auroras were reported in Canada and Alaska, along with with some reports from other northern U.S. states. Did you catch a glimpse? Send us your photos!
Last 24 hours: Sun activity is moderate. During our observation period (11 UTC yesterday to 11 UTC today), the sun produced eight flares: four Ms and four C flares. The largest flare of the period was an M1.6 at 21:19 UTC on October 6 from AR3839. The most productive region was our recent X flare-producing AR3842, with five flares. This region is now moving close to the western limb (edge). Here’s the list of M flares from the past 24 hours:

  • M1.3 at 15:21 UTC on October 6 from AR3844. R1 (minor) radio blackout over South America.
  • M1.0 at 16:45 UTC on October 6 from AR3842. R1 (minor) radio blackout over South America.
  • M1.4 at 18:59 UTC on October 6 from AR3842. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Pacific Ocean.
  • M1.6 at 21:19 UTC on October 6 from AR3839. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Pacific Ocean. The largest.

The sun has six numbered sunspot regions on its Earth-facing side, including newcomer AR3850. AR3842 has a beta-gamma magnetic complexity. The remaining are simple alpha regions except for AR3841, which is a beta region.
Next 24 hours: The chance for C flares is 99%. The chance for M flares is 75%. The chance for X flares is 30%.
Next expected CME: Coronal mass ejection (CME) activity originating from the southwest limb was noted yesterday, but considering the source location, an Earth-directed component is unlikely. No new CMEs were observed in the available imagery.
Current geomagnetic activity: Earth’s magnetic field is quiet at the time of this writing (11 UTC on October 7). More G1 (minor) geomagnetic storming is expected early today, October 7, due to glancing influence from the coronal mass ejection (CME) that left the sun early on October 4. Unsettled to active levels are expected on October 8 as any lingering CME effects wane, coupled with fast solar wind from a coronal hole. Mostly quiet conditions are expected on October 9.

View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Steven Bellavia caught the aurora on the night of October 6 from Long Island, New York. Steven wrote: “The Northern Lights, from all the way ‘down’ on the eastern end of Long Island, NY.” Thank you, Steven!

Sun news October 6: Giant plasma stream waiting for auroras

Happy Sun Day! We are anticipating the arrival of one or more coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from two X flares and several M flares over the past week. The main driver of this activity was the large and magnetically complicated sunspot region, AR3842. The CME or combination of CMEs could reach Earth at any moment, but it is also possible that nothing happens. This is the challenge for predicting space weather. There are a lot of uncertainties. Sometimes analysts are spot on and sometimes not. Overall, they do a fantastic job and keep getting better, but they are still subject to the limitations of the data and our physics knowledge. Heliophysics is the study of the sun and its influence on everything in the solar system. This is the field that drives and expands our understanding of space weather and its impact on our society. As we await CMEs and possible auroras tonight or tomorrow, sun activity has been moderate. The past 24 hours has seen four small M flares. The most notable event is an amazing eruption of solar plasma off the southwest limb (edge). It sprayed out a distance of over 40+ Earths in length, and that was just the part we were able to see in the imagery. The event probably released a CME, though its location on the sun would indicate that the event was not Earth-directed. Auroras may be visible at latitudes like Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Oregon, and possibly further south. So get your cameras and maybe cold weather gear if necessary. Consider sharing your photos with EarthSky.
Last 24 hours: Sun activity is moderate. During our observation period (11 UTC yesterday to 11 UTC today), the sun produced 12 flares, four smaller M and eight large C flares. The largest flare of the period is an M2.4 at 23:20 UTC on October 5 from AR3842. The most productive region was AR3842 with five flares. The list of M flares:
M1.1 at 20:40 UTC on October 5 from AR3842. R1 (minor) radio blackout over Africa.
M2.4 at 23:20 UTC on October 5 from AR3842. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Pacific Ocean. The largest.
M1.0 at 00:18 UTC on October 6 from AR3842. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Pacific Ocean.
M1.1 at 01:47 UTC on October 6 from AR3844. R1 (minor) radio blackout over Indonesia and Australia.
The sun has eight numbered sunspot regions on its Earth-facing side. One active region has a beta-gamma-delta magnetic complexity, AR3842. AR3848 has a beta-delta complexity. Four regions have a beta-gamma complexity, AR3841, AR3843, AR3844, and AR3849.

Sun news for October 5-6, 2024. Sun activity has been moderate as we await the arrival of one or more CMEs from this week’s X flare activity. In the meantime, today the sun shot out a plasma stream 40+ Earths in length. The resulting CME was not Earth directed. Images via SDO and JHelioviewer.

Sun news October 5: Could it be an aurora weekend?

We are waiting on the sun or, more specifically, on multiple blobs of sun-stuff to reach Earth, bringing hope for auroras this weekend. This past week’s X7 and X9 flares, along with several M flares, have sent coronal mass ejections, aka CMEs heading our way. Staring with the X7 on Tuesday, and adding in the X9 flare on Thursday and a sprinkling of other moderate or M flares, several CMEs are heading to Earth. This means Earth’s magnetic field should be disturbed to the point of moderate-to-strong geomagnetic storms and auroras. The first of the CMEs are anticipated at any time, which will kick things off. The pileup of several CMEs either in transit or at Earth should bring the beginning of the aurora, peaking into tomorrow with a probably G3 storm and a possible G4 storm. The stronger the storm, the farther south they could be observed. The aurora forecast from NOAA in this post shows the extent of main auroral displays in the red region, while the red line shows an estimate of how far the aurora will be visible on the horizon. Auroras may be visible at latitudes like Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Oregon, and possibly further south. So get your cameras and maybe cold weather gear if necessary. Consider sharing your photos with EarthSky.
Last 24 hours: Sun activity is moderate. During our observation period (11 UTC yesterday to 11 UTC today), the sun produced 13 flares, five smaller M and eight large C flares. The largest flare of the period is an M1.7 at 8:40 UTC on October d from AR3836. The most productive region was AR3842 with five flares. The list of M flares:
M1.2 at 11:03 UTC on October 4 from AR3836. R1 (minor) radio blackout over Africa.
M1.1 at 21:04 UTC on October 4 from AR3844. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Pacific Ocean.
M1.2 at 22:11 UTC on October 4 from AR3845. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Pacific Ocean.
M1.0 at 00:12 UTC on October 5 from AR3842. R1 (minor) radio blackout over Indonesia and Australia.
M1.7 at 08:40 UTC on October 5 from Currently can’t determine. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Indian Ocean, west of Africa. The largest.
The sun has eight numbered sunspot regions on its Earth-facing side. Three active regions show a beta-gamma-delta magnetic complexity, AR3842 in the southwest, AR3844 in the southwest,f and AR3848 in the northeast limb (edge).

Wally Roth in British Columbia, Canada, caught this particularly bright and colorful aurora in late August, 2024. Thanks, Wally!

EarthSky’s Deborah Byrd and heliophysicist C. Alex Young of NASA Goddard Space Flight Center – co-author of this daily sun new post – round up the week’s most important sun news every Friday. On Friday, October 4, spoke about this week’s 2 big X flares, and more! It was fun. Watch the replay here.
Sun news for October 5-6, 2024. The NOAA aurora forecast for tomorrow night. There may be some activity tonight but the bulks of auroral displays will probably be tomorrow. The red region shows where aurora are most likely, and the red line shows where aurora should be visible on the horizon. Good luck, aurora hunters. Image via NOAA

Sun news October 4: BAM, X9 flare! Biggest of Solar Cycle 25 so far

What a week it’s been for solar flares! We had an X7 on Tuesday (October 1). Then, at 12:10 UTC yesterday (October 3), just minutes after the cut-off for our daily sun update, the sun released an X9 flare: the biggest flare of Solar Cycle 25 so far. It came from sunspot region AR3842, same region that fired the X7 flare on Tuesday. This region is currently in a geoeffective position on the sun, meaning any released materials will be capable of affecting Earth. So any sun-stuff ejected during this flare would likely be on a course for Earth. There’s already sun-stuff headed our way from the X7 flare on Tuesday. It could mean a great auroral display, starting late tonight or early tomorrow morning … through Saturday. The series of tweet below show the progression of events starting at the sun and ending with CMEs headed to Earth. Stay informed with this week’s Sun News of the Week livestream at 12:15 p.m. CDT (17:15 UTC) on Friday, October 4. Click here to join.
Last 24 hours: Sun activity is high! During our observation period (11 UTC yesterday to 11 UTC today), the sun reduced its flare production from 15 flares yesterday down to only five flares this time. But it was an X9 plus five M flares! There were no C flares. The background over the past day has been too high to have smaller flares. They were all overwhelmed by the big ones. The lead flare producers of the period – in terms of numbers of flares – are active regions AR3842 and AR3844, with two M flares each. The largest flare of the period and the largest X flare of Solar Cycle 25 so far was the X9 flare, at 12:18 UTC on October 3 from AR3842. The blast caused an  R3 (strong) radio blackout that affected an area over the Atlantic Ocean off the west coast of Africa.This is the list of the X and M flares:
X9 at 12:18 UTC on October 3 from AR3842. R3 (strong) radio blackout over the Atlantic Ocean off the west coast of Africa. The largest.
M1.5 at 17:21 UTC on October 3 from AR3844. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Pacific Ocean off the west coast of Ecuador.
M6.7 at 20:28 UTC on October 3 from AR3843. R2 (moderate) radio blackout over the Pacific Ocean west of Galapagos.
M2.3 at 21:41 UTC on October 3 from AR3844. R3 (strong) radio blackout in the middle of nowhere over the Pacific Ocean.
M1.2 at 00:17 UTC on October 4 from AR3841. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Pacific Ocean.
M4.0 at 04:43 UTC on October 4 from AR3842. R1 (minor) radio blackout over Indonesia.
The sun has eight numbered sunspot regions on its Earth-facing side. Three active regions show a beta-gamma-delta magnetic complexity, AR3842 in the southwest, AR3844 in the southwest and AR3848 in the northeast limb (edge). AR3843 kept its beta-delta configuration.

Sun news for October 3-4. Active region AR3842 released an X9 flare during the middle of the day on October 3. It along with the X7.1 flares, both had associated CMEs which are headed to Earth to cause auroras this weekend. Images via jhelioviewer and SDO

Sun news October 3: Auroras! Friday night lights?

Tuesday’s huge X7.1 solar flare sent a chunk of sun-stuff – a coronal mass ejection – toward Earth. It’s expected to glance our magnetic field sometime between late today and early Saturday, with an arrival tomorrow looking most likely. A G1 (minor) to G2 (moderate) geomagnetic storm is anticipated, with the possibility of G3 (strong) storming. And that could mean auroral displays well into the northern US states! Good luck, aurora hunters.
Last 24 hours: Seven M flares over the past day kept solar activity at high levels. Between 11 UTC yesterday and 11 UTC today we saw the sun produce a total of 15 flares: seven Ms and eight C flares. The largest was an M3.3 flare at 20:51 UTC on October 2 from AR3842. An R1 (minor) radio blackout affected an area in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Active regions AR3841 and AR3842 share the honors as lead flare producers with six flares each. This is the list of the M flares:
M3.2 at 13:38 UTC on October 2 from AR3842. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Atlantic Ocean.
M1.4 at 20:15 UTC on October 2 from AR3842. R1 (minor) radio blackout affecting an area in the middle of the Pacific Ocean west of the Galapagos.
M3.3 at 20:51 UTC on October 2 from AR3842. R1 (minor) radio blackout affecting an area in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
M1.1 at 2:34 UTC on October 3 from AR3841. R1 (minor) radio blackout over Papua Guinea.
M1.5 at 3:41 UTC on October 3 from AR3842. R1 (minor) radio blackout over Indonesia.
M1.5 at 8:28 UTC on October 3 from AR3841. R1 (minor) radio blackout over Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar.
M1.5 at 8:36 UTC on October 3 from AR3842. R1 (minor) radio blackout over Indian Ocean off the east coast of Africa.
The Earth-facing solar disk currently has 10 active regions. AR3842, the recent X flare-producer, is showing the potential for more big flaring with a beta-gamma-delta magnetic complexity. Three other active regions have a promising delta in their configurations: AR3841, AR3843, and AR3848. The rest of the sunspot regions show either alpha or beta configurations. There is a newcomer on the northeast limb (edge) labelled AR3848.

October 3, 2024 The coronal mass ejection (CME) produced during Tuesday’s X7.1 flare is headed our way at Earth, with an expected arrival tomorrow. It may bring conditions up to G3 (strong) geomagnetic storming. Image via NOAA.
October 3, 2024. Solar activity reached high levels with the production of 7 M flares, but this gorgeous prominence on the northeast limb (edge) has stolen our attention. AIA 304 171 angstrom. Image via Jhelioviewer.

Sun news October 2: Huge X flare! Snap, Crackle, Pow

Pow! A massive X7.15 flare erupted at 22:20 UTC last night from sunspot region AR3842 in the solar southeast. The region had been churning and building energy over recent days, popping off several M flares … then it released this X flare, the 26th biggest flare recorded since 1996! Early analysis shows an associated coronal mass ejection (CME) that is fast but relatively small. It is currently expected to reach Earth on October 4–5, but we await more detailed analysis. In all the X flare excitement, don’t forget there is an annular solar eclipse today. Join us for a watch party from 12:15 p.m. CDT (17:15 UTC).
Last 24 hours: Solar activity remains high thanks to the X7.1 flare on October 1 at 22:20 UTC from sunspot region AR3842. An R3 radio blackout occurred over the Pacific Ocean northeast of Micronesia. The flare had an associated Type II radio burst, which is associated with coronal mass ejections (CMEs). This provides a CME speed estimate of 1246 km/s, which is fast. We still await coronagraph imagery to fully analyze any CME activity, but there does appear to be a minor CME that will arrive around October 4. Region AR3842 is by far the largest and most complex of the ten regions currently on the Earth-facing sun, with a high-potential beta-gamma-delta magnetic complexity. It was the lead flare producer of the past day with nine flares: an X flare, three Ms and five C flares. M-class activity was also observed from AR3841, AR3843, and an unlabeled region in the northeast. Regions AR3841, AR3843, AR3844, and AR3848 all experienced moderate growth and are showing slightly complex beta-gamma and beta-delta regions. The rest of the regions are either stable or slightly decaying, with alpha or beta complexities. The sun produced 21 flares between 11 UTC yesterday and 11 UTC today: 1 X, 6 Ms, and 14 C flares. This list of X and M flares is:
M1.0 on October 1 at 14:52 from AR3843, R1 radio blackout over the north of Brazil.
M1.5 on October 1 at 19:17 from AR3842, R1 radio blackout over the Pacific Ocean off the southwest shore of Galapagos.
X7.1 on October 1 at 22:20 from AR3842, R3 radio blackout over the Pacific Ocean northeast of Micronesia.
M1.1 on October 1 at 01:52 from AR3842, R1 radio blackout over the Solomon Sea.
M1.3 on October 1 at 02:39 from AR3841, R1 radio blackout over Papua New Guinea.
M3.6 on October 2 at 05:38 from AR3842, R1 radio blackout over the Indian Sea off the west coast of Sumatra.
M1.1 on October 2 at 06:24 from the NE, R1 radio blackout over the Indian Ocean east of the Maldives.

Sun news for October 1-2, 2024. An X7.1 flare erupted from AR3842 at 22:20 on October 1. This video shows the flash in SDO’s 131 and 94 angstrom wavelengths. The event produced a small coronal mass ejection (CME) that is expected around October 5, but detailed analysis is still underway. Images via SDO and jhelioviewer
View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Jim Militello in Tucson, Arizona, captured this filtered image of the sun on October 1, 2024. Jim wrote: “This hydrogen-alpha image of the sun is showing active regions, sunspots, filaments, and prominences.” Thank you, Jim!

Sun news October 1: Flares and filaments raise activity

After a lull in solar activity, the sun has kicked it up a notch. We’ve seen a surge of activity over the past day, with an M7.7 flare and a lot of fiery filaments – ropes of solar material and magnetic fields – across the solar disk. Many of these filaments erupted into space, although none were fired our way. Several filaments hanging over the limb (edge) of the sun, which we call prominences, appear to be ready to erupt too. We’ll keep an eye on those, so stay tuned for more sun news.

Last 24 hours: Over the past day, sun activity was high, with an M7.7 flare fired at 23:59 UTC on September 30 by AR3842. An R1 radio blackout over Micronesia followed. The sun produced 16 flares between 11 UTC yesterday and 11 UTC today: 1 M and 15 C flares. AR3842 has maintained its high-potential beta-gamma-delta magnetic complexity. All other regions have simple alpha or beta magnetic complexities. The Earth-facing sun currently has nine sunspot regions.

Sun news for September 30 to October 1, 2024. Sunspot group AR3842, currently the only complex region on the Earth-facing sun, released an M7.7 flare at 23:59 UTC on September 30. Images via SDO.
We saw fiery filament activity in the southeast quadrant, while an exploding filament in the northern hemisphere hurled ejecta into space. There was also activity in the southwest, where a dark filament also released ejecta into space. Plus, it seems that more action is coming in the northeast. Images via SDO.

Sun news September 30: Happy perihelion, Parker Solar Probe!

Happy perihelion, Parker Solar Probe (PSP)! Today is near the central point in the period of the spacecraft’s last perihelion before its last Venus flyby, #7, on November 6, 2024, and its closest approach on December 24, 2024. In this perihelion, #21, PSP reaches a close approach at the same distance as its previous four. During perihelion #21, PSP is 7.9 million kilometers (4,908,832 miles) from the sun, traveling at 176 km/s (633,600 kph or 393,701 mph). In order to change its orbit to make a closer approach to the sun during a perihelion, PSP needs the assistance of the planet Venus, a gravity assist. Venus flyby #7 is the last assist that will enable PSP to reach its closest distance, perihelion #22, on December 24, 2024. The spacecraft will have additional perihelions, but they will not be any closer than #22. Go Parker Solar Probe. An amazing spacecraft that continues to provide a new and exciting picture of our star, the sun.

Last 24 hours: Solar activity is moderate with three M flares . Over the past day, the sun produced 11 flares, three M and eight C flares. Region AR3842 produced the strongest event of the period, an M1.8 flare on September 29 at 14:24 UTC. The region also produced a nearly concurrent M1.7 flare at 14:41 UTC. They created R1 radio blackouts over the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of South America. Region AR3843 produced an M1.0 flare at 12:53 UTC and also produced an R1 radio blackout over the Atlantic Ocean. AR3842 has beta-gamma-delta magnetic complexity. AR3836 has beta-gamma magnetic complexity. The remaining numbered active regions were either mostly stable or in gradual decay with beta magnetic complexity. The sun has eight sunspot regions.

Sun news for September 29-30, 2024. Today, Parker Solar Probe, makes its 21st and last perihelion before its final Venus flyby, #7, and its closest approach to the sun on December 24, 2024. Image via PSP.

The sun in recent days

This image shows sun activity, with the most active regions labeled, as of 2 UTC on October 7, 2024. Courtesy of NASA/SDO and the AIA, EVE, and HMI science teams, with labeling by EarthSky.
This image shows sun activity, with the most active regions labeled, as of 3 UTC on October 6, 2024. Courtesy of NASA/SDO and the AIA, EVE, and HMI science teams, with labeling by EarthSky.
This image shows sun activity, with the most active regions labeled, as of 1 UTC on October 5, 2024. Courtesy of NASA/SDO and the AIA, EVE, and HMI science teams, with labeling by EarthSky.
This image shows sun activity, with the most active regions labeled, as of 0 UTC on October 4, 2024. Courtesy of NASA/SDO and the AIA, EVE, and HMI science teams, with labeling by EarthSky.
This image shows sun activity, with the most active regions labeled, as of 0 UTC on October 3, 2024. Courtesy of NASA/SDO and the AIA, EVE, and HMI science teams, with labeling by EarthSky.
This image shows sun activity, with the most active regions labeled, as of 0 UTC on October 2, 2024. Courtesy of NASA/SDO and the AIA, EVE, and HMI science teams, with labeling by EarthSky.
This image shows sun activity, with the most active regions labeled, as of 0 UTC on October 1, 2024. Courtesy of NASA/SDO and the AIA, EVE, and HMI science teams, with labeling by EarthSky.

Sun images from our community

View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Mario Rana in Hampton, Virginia, captured this filtered image on October 7, 2024. Mario wrote: “Hydrogen-alpha image of the sun featuring active region AR3848 along with some nice filaments and prominences.” Thank you, Mario!
View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Patricio León in Santiago, Chile, captured this filtered image of the sun on October 7, 2024. Patricio wrote: “Huge AR3848 stands up isolated as a cyclops eye in the solar face. You need nothing more than your solar filter to see it.” Thank you, Patricio!
View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Jim Militello in Tucson, Arizona, captured this filtered image of the sun on October 6, 2024. Jim wrote: “This hydrogen-alpha image of the sun is showing active regions with huge sunspots, giant filaments, and nice prominences.” Thank you, Jim!
View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Steve Wilson in Salina, Kansas, captured this filtered image of the sun on October 5, 2024. Steve wrote: “Could not believe the number and size of the sunspots today. Got my camera out and took some photos using my 560 mm telescope with a 2x Barlow making it 1,120 mm focal length. ISO 640 at 1/800 second.” Thank you, Steve!
View at EarthSky Community Photos. | David Hawkes in Sheffield, United Kingdom, captured this filtered image of the sun on October 5, 2024. David wrote: “Another beautiful array of sunspots, AR3848 heading towards centre stage as the mega flare producer AR3842 heads for the west. Will the new region also be a producer of giant flares? Wait and see!” Thank you, David!
View at EarthSky Community Photos. | David Hoskin in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, captured this image of the sun on October 4, 2024. David wrote: “This filtered image shows sunspot group AR3842, which was the source of two consecutive X-class solar flares that birthed CMEs headed towards Earth!” Thank you, David!

Are you a fan of sun images? We invite you all to send us your beautiful recent photos of sunspots and auroras. We love receiving them and sharing them! And to those of you who’ve already posted a photo to our community page, thank you.

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Bottom line: Sun news update for October 8, 2024. Two X flares, lots of auroras, and a comet. Did you see any auroras? WOW! What a day!

The post Sun news October 8: Two X flares. Auroras. Comet. Wow! first appeared on EarthSky.