· ·

Massive sunspot complex on southern hemisphere indicates a possible double peaked solar maximum

massive-sunspot-complex-on-southern-hemisphere-indicates-a-possible-double-peaked-solar-maximum

A massive array of sunspots AR1785 – 1787 has rotated over the Sun's southeastern limb and will position itself directly facing Earth in the coming days. This sunspot complex is one of the largest in Solar Cycle 24 and is located in southern hemisphere, which is somewhat new for current cycle as the south has been lagging behind the north when it comes to number of active regions and flaring.

The leading Region of this complex, AR1785, has a 'beta-gama-delta' magnetic field today and harbors energy for powerful X-class solar flares. AR1787 is classified as "beta-gamma" and is capable of producing moderate M-class flares.

NOAA SWPC forecasters estimate a 55% chance for an M-class solar flare, and 10% chance for an X-class today. Should any CME occur from AR1785 – 1787 today it will not be Earth directed, which will change in the coming days as they rotate toward Earth.

1780 – Alpha
1781 – Alpha
1784 – Beta
1785 – Beta-Gamma-Delta
1787 – Beta-Gamma

Double peaked Solar Cycle 24

As forecasted, this solar cycle is proving to be weaker than the previous one, but according to Dean Pesnell, a solar physicist at the Goddard Space Flight Center, it might, again, be double peaked.

Sunspot counts jumped in 2011, dipped in 2012, and Pesnell expects them to rebound again in 2013: "I am comfortable in saying that another peak will happen in 2013 and possibly last into 2014," he predicts. "The last two solar maxima, around 1989 and 2001, had not one but two peaks. Solar activity went up, dipped, then resumed, performing a mini-cycle that lasted about two years."

The following video was made in March 2013:

YouTube video

June 2013 brought a surge in southern sunspots, and this trend is continuing in July.

Read more: Double peaked Solar Maximum suggested

Follow Sun's activity in real time – SWS

Featured image: SDO's HMI Intensitygram

Share:

Commenting rules and guidelines

We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules:

  • Treat others with kindness and respect.
  • Stay on topic and contribute to the conversation in a meaningful way.
  • Do not use abusive or hateful language.
  • Do not spam or promote unrelated products or services.
  • Do not post any personal information or content that is illegal, obscene, or otherwise inappropriate.

We reserve the right to remove any comments that violate these rules. By commenting on our website, you agree to abide by these guidelines. Thank you for helping to create a positive and welcoming environment for all.

One Comment

  1. JULY 7 – 9 Solar Factors: R5 7-9th Sudden increase in frontal activity and turbulence. Large deep organized low pressure – Derecho type event likely – over Great Lakes/Mid West. High pressure off East Coast. Deep low pressure Mexico. High pressure off British Columbia. Lower pressure likely West/SW off Vancouver/ Oregon. Large, extremely dangerous Derecho type storm system(s) from Central North parts – Great Lakes + Mid West to New England + NE parts with extreme thunder, giant hail, tornado swarms.

Leave a Reply to Pierce Corbyn Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *