(Signs in the Sun) Solar Storm Watch: Two Large Holes in the Sun’s Atmosphere
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G1 (Minor) Geomagnetic Storm Warning Valid Jan. 27-28. A
G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storm warning is in effect for 27-28 Jan. due to
influence from the anticipated, positive-polarity coronal hole
high-speed stream. Solar Wind Speed: 617 km/sec. Solar Wind Magnetic Fields: Bt 4 nT, Bz -3 nT
Two Large Holes in the Sun’s Atmosphere. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory is now tracking two large holes in the sun’s atmosphere. One is now directly facing Earth, and the other is still turning toward us.
These
are “coronal holes” (CHs)–places in the sun’s atmosphere where the
sun’s magnetic field opens up and allows solar wind to escape. Coronal
holes turn the sun into a kind of gassy lighthouse. They strobe Earth
with streams of solar wind every 27 days, the rotation period of the
sun. Earth will encounter solar wind streams from both of these holes.
The
first is alreaADY HERE. The second, larger stream should reach our
planet on or about Feb 1st. Arctic sky watchers should be alert for
visible auroral displays.
Sunspot Genesis. A new sunspot group big enough to swallow Earth is bubbling up through the solar surface.
At
the time sunspot AR2629 poses no threat for strong solar flares; its
magnetic field is too stable for such explosions. However, this could
change if its development proceeds apace.
In
recent months sunspot numbers have plummeted as the solar cycle crashes
toward a new and deep Solar Minimum expected in 2019-2020.
So
what is this sunspot doing here? It’s a reminder that the sun can
produce spots at all phases of the solar cycle. Individual sunspots are
completely unpredictable and may appear without notice at any time.
Even
during the great Maunder Minimum of the 17th century, a handful of
sunspots were typically observed each year. This is important because
sunspots produce solar flares. As a result, occasionally Solar Minimum
explodes with solar flare activity.
