Sunspots visible for 2 Sept 2017

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around observations of sunspots and solar flares during early September 2017. Participants share photographic evidence, discuss the size and activity of sunspots, and report on solar flare events, including their classifications and implications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Participants share images of sunspots and speculate on their sizes, with some suggesting that a prominent sunspot may be larger than Earth.
  • There are discussions about the evolution of sunspots and the emergence of new spots, with references to specific dates and photographic techniques used.
  • Multiple participants report on solar flare activity, noting the occurrence of M and X class flares, with varying interpretations of their classifications and magnitudes.
  • One participant provides a link to a video related to the observed sunspots and flares, while others share links to external resources for further information.
  • Discrepancies arise regarding the classification of flare events, with some participants citing different sources that report varying magnitudes for the same events.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of agreement and disagreement regarding the sizes of sunspots and the classifications of solar flares. There is no consensus on the exact magnitudes of the flares, as different sources provide conflicting information.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific observational techniques and equipment, but there are unresolved questions regarding the accuracy of flare classifications and the implications of the observed solar activity.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to amateur astronomers, solar physicists, and those studying solar activity and its effects on space weather.

davenn
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A quick shot of the sun this morning
Nth lower left, East limb lower right

400mm telephoto = x2 teleconverter, 500th sec, f11

IMG_0941.jpg
 
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Very nice! I'm guessing that big sunspot is probably larger than the Earth?

davenn said:
Nth lower left

Nth = North?

davenn said:
400mm telephoto, 500th sec, f11

What kind of filter do you have on your camera?
 
Drakkith said:
I'm guessing that big sunspot is probably larger than the Earth?

I haven't seen any specific comments but would also guess about the same size to a bit bigger

Drakkith said:
Nth = North?

yup ... my usual abbreviation

nth, sth ... :smile:

Drakkith said:
What kind of filter do you have on your camera?

this ...

2015_03_14_3302sm.jpg


http://www.telescope.com/Accessorie...lescope-Solar-Filters/pc/-1/c/3/sc/48/e/4.uts

That's the 100 - 400 mm lens with a 2 x adaptor on it
 
A labeled image from about the same time that shows the scale of Earth and Jupiter.

mdi_sunspots.jpg
 
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The large group continues across the sun
there has been new spots appear to the east of this long string of spots plus a new set coming around the east limb

4th Sept 2017
400mm telephoto = x2 teleconverter, 500th sec, f11
rotation is from lower right to upper left ( as seen through my camera)

You can also see the smaller single spot up from the large spot chain has also evolved into a much more complex structure over the last 24 - 48 hrs
you can view this animation ( Note, the image source has corrected image orientation) ...

http://www.spaceweather.com/images2...anim.gif?PHPSESSID=0u7620108s1at1gnt6ilu816i5

There have so far been 3 M class flares recorded. Not sure which group they originated in ?
IMG_0946sm.jpg


Dave
 
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The Sun

4th Sept 2017
400mm telephoto = x2 teleconverter, 500th sec, f11
rotation is from upper right to lower left ( as seen through my camera)

The upper group continues to grow in size and complexity and it is also becoming more active

IMG_0947sm.jpg
Quite a number of solar flares have occurred over the last 24 - 36 hrs. Both spot numbers and flare count
is the highest it's been for many month

Approximate Flare Maximum: 04-09-2017 0549 UT at Flux M 1.3
Approximate Flare Maximum: 04-09-2017 1531 UT at Flux M 1.5
Approximate Flare Maximum: 04-09-2017 1822 UT at Flux M 1.0
Approximate Flare Maximum: 04-09-2017 2033 UT at Flux M 5.5
Approximate Flare Maximum: 05-09-2017 0108 UT at Flux M 4.2
Approximate Flare Maximum: 05-09-2017 0351 UT at Flux M 1.0
Approximate Flare Maximum: 05-09-2017 0453 UT at Flux M 3.2
Approximate Flare Maximum: 05-09-2017 0640 UT at Flux M 3.8cheers
Dave
 
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The Sun today -- 6 Sept 2017

2 large spot groups continue to dominate the solar disk

IMG_0953.jpg
 
The Sun has been quite active today- 2 X class flares since 0900UT.

goes-xray-flux-6-hour.gif


My reaction when I first saw this is unprintable here!
 
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websterling said:
The Sun has been quite active today- 2 X class flares since 0900UT.

View attachment 210473

My reaction when I first saw this is unprintable here!

Only one X class is listed, an X9.3 which is huge !

that other one after 0900 UT was a M7.7Dave
 
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  • #10
The plot indicates that the 0900UT event was in the X1 - X2 range.
 
  • #11
websterling said:
The plot indicates that the 0900UT event was in the X1 - X2 range.

it's been officially listed as a M7.7 :smile:
 
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  • #12
Excellent photography in this thread! Regarding the two dominant spot groups (AR2674 and 2673), here is an interesting short video:

Also, regarding the monster X-class flares (just today 6 Sept), here is another one:
 
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  • #13
Not trying to be contrary, but these 2 lines are from the Space Weather Prediction Center's Edited Events list for today- they show the events as x2.2 and X9.3

Code: 
#Event    Begin    Max       End  Obs  Q  Type  Loc/Frq   Particulars       Reg#
#-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7250       0857   0910      0917  G13  5   XRA  1-8A      X2.2    1.3E-01   2673

7340 +     1153   1202      1210  G15  5   XRA  1-8A      X9.3    5.7E-01   2673

The full file is available at - Edited Events for 2017 Sep 06
 
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  • #14
websterling said:
Not trying to be contrary, but these 2 lines are from the Space Weather Prediction Center's Edited Events list for today- they show the events as x2.2 and X9.3

And the videos from NASA initially mentioned X2.2 and X9.3 ... but that may have changed later (?) ...

Also, here comes the CME ... (announced just over an hour ago):
"Latest news
303-thumb.jpg

Wednesday, 6 September 2017 - 21:09 UTC
X9.3 earth-directed coronal mass ejection
More news"
 
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