ASWAC Significant Solar Flare Activity

Date: July 23, 2024

The largest flare of Solar Cycle 25, an X14 flare, erupted from the sun's farside on July 23rd. This massive flare was detected by X-ray telescopes on Solar Orbiter (SolO) from the back side of the sun. The X-ray detectors on Europe's Solar Orbiter registered multiple significant solar flares, including two M1 and one M9 flare.

Key details:

  • X14 Flare Detection: Detected by SolO, the largest flare of the cycle so far.
  • Impact on Solar System: The flare sprayed energetic particles across the solar system. Earth, although not directly in the path, was hit by high-energy protons.
  • Particle Count Surge: Particle counts jumped almost a thousand-fold, indicating a significant space weather event.

Monitoring and Preparedness

Current Status: July 29, 2024

The Cannibal CME, observed by SOHO coronagraphs, is clearing the way for additional CMEs following behind it. A series of clouds were seen leaving the sun on July 28th, indicating continuous solar activity.

Monitoring Stations:

  • Locations: Yerevan, Burakan, Nor-Amberd, Aragats in Armenia, and the SEVAN Eastern Europe network.
  • Event Registration: Entering "Forbush week," these stations will take special care to register solar activities.

Early CME Impact

Date: July 30, 2024

A coronal mass ejection (CME) struck Earth's magnetic field on July 30th at 0030 UT, 12 to 18 hours earlier than the expected Cannibal CME. This impact is not attributed to the Cannibal CME, which is still en route. The initial strike was weak, posing a low risk of causing a strong geomagnetic storm.

As we continue to monitor these significant solar events, it is crucial to stay informed about potential impacts on Earth's magnetic field and the broader space environment. Our network of monitoring stations is actively recording and analyzing data to provide timely updates and ensure preparedness for any geomagnetic impacts.

The Recent Solar Flare From Sunspot AR3784


The latest update from the Aragats Space-Environmental Center, showcasing a recent solar flare from sunspot AR3784. This flare has hurled a faint CME directly toward Earth, with expected arrival between August 17th and 18th. The impact may cause a minor G1-class geomagnetic storm, and we’ll keep you posted on any developments.
Significant space weather event occurring between September 7 and 9, 2024.


The image shows a 5-minute data plot of the GOES Proton Flux, capturing a significant space weather event occurring between September 7 and 9, 2024. The chart tracks proton particle counts (measured in particles/cm²·s·sr) across different energy levels (≥10 MeV, ≥50 MeV, ≥100 MeV, and ≥500 MeV).

Two major phenomena are highlighted:

  1. A Puff of Dark Plasma Heading for Earth: A filament eruption on the sun is sending a coil of dark plasma toward Earth, expected to arrive by late September 10, 2024. According to NOAA models, this event could spark a G2-class geomagnetic storm, potentially causing visible auroras in northern-tier US states.

  2. Farside Explosion Causes Radiation Storm: An explosion on the sun's farside has triggered an S1-class solar radiation storm, with protons raining down on Earth following a significant coronal mass ejection (CME). The Earth's magnetic field has captured these particles, creating a shortwave radio blackout in the Arctic region.

The red line in the chart corresponds to the warning threshold for 10 MeV proton flux levels set by the SWPC, indicating an ongoing radiation storm.

An image from the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) showing the solar activity on September 9, 2024, is included in the top right, illustrating the coronal mass ejection.

This event highlights the increased solar activity and its impact on Earth's space environment, especially affecting communication and navigation systems.