Sun Flare Report

BIG SUNSPOT: A very large sunspot is emerging over the sun's eastern limb. Numbered AR1654, it consists of two dark cores each 3 to 4 times wider than Earth. NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory took this picture during the early hours of Jan. 9th:

So far the sunspot is relatively quiet, producing only a smattering of low-level C-class solar flares. We will know more about AR1654's flare-producing potential in the days ahead as the sunspot turns toward Earth. A direct view will reveal what kind of magnetic field the sunspot posseses, which is a key requirement for flare forecasting. For now, NOAA forecasters are estimating a 35% chance of M-class flares and a 5% chance of X-flares during the next 24 hours. http://spaceweather.com/