Report for 2/17/12

Early in the week, sunspot AR1402 returned after a two-week trip around the back of the Sun. This sunspot (which has since been renamed AR1419) was the source of a major X-class solar flare on Jan. 27, but has since significantly decreased in size; it gave off only B- and C-class flares this week.

A geomagnetic storm (Kp=5) began early on Feb. 15th and gave sky watchers as far south as Minnesota the chance to see auroras. The Sun remained quiet the rest of the week and remains that way today. Do you think that a space weather event will occur over the weekend? Submit your forecast and let us know!

Today's Sun is quiet, but is still amazing to look at!