CME From Filament Channel Eruption

   A CME (Coronal Mass Ejection) can be seen on STEREO A and B this evening. The source is a Filament Channel in the Northeast region of the solar disk. This filament became unstable earlier today and finally ejected this evening at around 23:24 UTC Feb 23, 2012.
Most of the ejected mater looks to be directed to the Northwest and not Earth directed. More data is needed to decide for sure. Please check back for updates

Update 18:57 UTC Feb 24, 2012 :
 In the most recent SDO images, it appears that the ejection of this filament, has caused a destabilization
around the filament's southern base.
This destabilization on the solar surface caused a solar tsunami and a CME.This event is ongoing.

More updates on the way!

What is on SDO? SDO Eclipse Feb 21, 2012

   What do we see on the SDO images today? That would be a Lunar eclipse of the SDO (Solar Dynamics Observatory) satellite that was expected to happen today, Feb 21, 2012

As reported by the SDO team:
On Tuesday, February 21, 2012 we will again watch a lunar transit from SDO. Here is a video showing the path of the Moon as seen by the SDO instruments
http://sdoisgo.blogspot.com/2012/02/lunar-transit-on-february-21-2012.html
(video at link)

New Fast Growing Sunspot

   Today, a new fast growing Earth directed sunspot emerged in the Northern region of the solar disk . This new sunspot region will put an end to the 6 day streak of no significant solar flares and the flatlined Xray flux. We should see this new region named sometime today. Any events from this region over the next few days will be Earth directed.

   Here we can see this sunspot region as it appears in the very early hours of today. When we compare this image to the most recent image, shown above, we can see the extreme fast growth of this new sunspot region

Update 17:45 UTC - Feb 20, 2012 :

This new sunspot region was named region 1422 and now holds a chance for M and X class events
We are keeping a close watch on the solar activity & will report immediately with any significant changes.
Keep checking back :)

Sudden G1 Geomagnetic Storm

   A unexpected G1 geomagnetic storm is underway. A coronal hole wind stream coming in from a coronal hole located in the southern region of the solar disk reached Earth At 00:42 UTC Feb 19, 2012. At that time, the CH winds connected with Earths magnetic field causing the onset of a G1 geomagnetic storm with the Kp levels remaining at the Kp4-Kp5 level. Watch for auroras in the northern US states






NOAA Alert:

Space Weather Message Code: WARK05
Serial Number: 747
Issue Time: 2012 Feb 19 0424 UTC
WARNING: Geomagnetic K-index of 5 expected
Valid From: 2012 Feb 19 0425 UTC
Valid To: 2012 Feb 19 0900 UTC
Warning Condition: Onset
NOAA Scale: G1 - Minor
Potential Impacts: Area of impact primarily poleward of 60 degrees
Geomagnetic Latitude.
Induced Currents - Weak power grid fluctuations can occur.
Spacecraft - Minor impact on satellite operations possible.
Aurora - Aurora may be visible at high latitudes, i.e., northern tier
of the U.S. such as northern Michigan and Maine.