What I saw on the Sun today.

[Tropo-Bob]

January 5th, 8.10am.

New Region 2924 with one medium-sized spot has appeared in the Sol's South-Eastern Quarter.

[Tropo-Bob]

January 6th, 8.05am.

New Region 2925 with a medium, a small spot and faculae has appeared close to the Sun's Limb in South-East Quarter. It already looks like it will become an attractive Region to view.

Nearby Region 2924 has developed slightly with a new, small spot.

[Tropo-Bob]

January 7th, 8.10am.

Region 2924 has developed into a maze of approximately a dozen spots; two of which are medium sized. The others are a mixture of small and tiny spots.

Region 2925 is largely unchanged expect for the faculae being more visible. The Sun's photosphere in the Region also looks to be slightly darkened; a bit like slightly dirty water.

[Tropo-Bob]

January 8th, 7.35am.

Region 2924 has become an amazing sight with a huge number of tiny & small spots mostly in a semicircular line between two medium spots. I counted 23 spots in total.

Region 2925 is unchanged with one medium and one tiny spot along with some faculae.

[Tropo-Bob]

January 9th, 7.40am.

Two new Regions are visible today. Both have yet to be named on Space Weather.

One small spot with faculae is just in from the South Eastern Limb.

Another small spot has appeared in the north about half across the Sun.

Region 2924 is still putting on a fine show, although there are not as many spots as yesterday.

Region 2925 is dominated by just one medium spot and is largely unchanged from yesterday.

[Tropo-Bob]

January 13th, 7.00am.

Region 2924 is approaching the Western Limb, but still has the two largest sunspots. Most of the small spots have disappeared. Faculae can also be seen.

Nearby Region 2925 has just the one medium sized spot.

Region 2928 is near the Sun's center (although in the south). It consists of a pair of medium/small sized spots, which looked like they may break into smaller spots with more magnification. (I used 31x)

Region 2927 is in the South East and has just one medium spot.

Region 2926 is in the North-Western quarter. It has one small spot and three tiny spots. However, all the spots are enclosed by one large area of faculae.

Footnote: Its nice to see the Sun again. The passage of a cyclone just to the north and a monsoonal trough have literally damped things down.

[Tropo-Bob]

January 14th, 7.00am.

Two new Regions have appeared in the North towards the Center. Region 2930 has three small spots and the other Region is yet to be named, but has a pair of small spots.

Region 2926 is now approaching the Western Limb.

The Space Weather website also shows a Region 2929 in the North, however nothing was visible there to me.

The Southern Belt of Regions (2924, 25, 28 & 27) remain similar to yesterday's report.

[Tropo-Bob]

January 15th, 7.35am.

New Region 2931 has burst into view with a pair of striking sunspots.

Yesterday, I could not see Region 2929, but it also shows with even a more striking pair of spots.

Staying in the Northern 'Belt., Region 2930 has three small spots and is only slightly more obvious than yesterday.

In the Southern Belt, Region 2924 has partly crossed the Western Limb and has one large spot close to the Limb. Regions 2925 & 27 both have just one medium/large spot each.

Region 2928 is very difficult to view with my 80mm + solar filter and although I had seen the Region previously; I had to 'Spot' hop to find it.

[Lionheart]

These updates are awesome, Bob!

Do you have a picture to share for one of these days? No need to share daily. I’m just really curious to see what your descriptions look like.

Cheers

[Tropo-Bob]

Thanks Riyad!

To see an image, go left and click on "The Sun Now" image, then on the next page, click of the yellow image. These are daily images from the SDO, which are far superior to anything that I can provide.

[Tropo-Bob]

January 16th, 8.00am

There are 10 Regions visible on the Sun today, although 3 Regions have yet to be named.

Northern Region 2929 has blossomed into an interesting array of medium sized spots with a large area of umbra that covers the main spots and the otherwise vacant area between the spots.

The spots in nearby Region 2930 have become much larger and darker in the last 24 hours.

Region 2931 is largely unchanged from yesterday except that it is approaching the Western Limb.

New Region 2932 is on the North-Eastern Limb and features one small spot and a large area of faculae.

On the South-Eastern Limb, there is also faculae, but I could not see any spots. There are two small, lonely spots, which I expect to be named as Regions in the South-Eastern Quarter.

Regions 2924, 25 & 27 are visible in the South. The surviving spot from 2924 is very close to the Western Limb. I could not see anything of Region 2928.

[Lionheart]

Thanks for pointing me there, Bob! Beautiful pics. I’m sure looking through your eyepiece is an amazing experience nonetheless. There’s something magical about observing with your eyes.

What equipment do you use?

[Saturnine]

Thanks for your reports Troppo, they're always interesting and I admire your dedication.
Always check Spaceweather.com , Gong , SOHO every day to see what is happening on Sol, spots, faculae, filaments etc. It has been mostly cloudy down here for months and I'm getting too lazy to set up when it is clear enough to have a look.

[Tropo-Bob]

Thanks Guys,

Riyad, I use my little Vixen ED 80mm (F7.7), with solar filter as pictured.

I have not been consistent with my equipment and much of my early work was solar projection since I did not own a solar filter. However, in recent months, I have settled on using just this scope.

[Tropo-Bob]

January 17th, 8.15am.

The Sun is a strangle yellow today and I am wondering if this is ash from the Volcanic eruption near Tonga.

There were only 5 Regions visible today, but I did count 27 individual spots.

The best viewing is in the North Western Quarter with Regions 2929 & 30 each featuring a large number of spots. Near the Western Limb Region 2931 is just the one, fading spot.

In the south, newly-named Region 2933 is an attractive line of many small and tiny spots; yesterday, it was just one unnamed spot.

Region 2927 still only displays the one medium sized spot. This Region has been visible for 9 days now and has shown almost no change.

[Tropo-Bob]

January 18th, 7.50 am.

The colouring affect from the volcanic ash cloud was not as obvious today.

Regions 2927, 29, 30 & 33 still feature nicely.

My observations this morning always had cloud interfering. Unfortunately, I need to now go for an appointment now, so this is it for today.

[Tropo-Bob]

January 19th, 7.50am.

There are four Regions visible today.

Northern Regions 2929 & 30 both feature a pair of medium sized spots and some finer detail with ample umbra as they close in on the Western Limb.

The sole spot in Southern Region 2927 finally shows signs of fading, as it approaches the Western Limb.

Southern Region 2933 is favourably positioned well in from the Limb and has one fine, medium-sized surrounded by umbra and 3 small and 3 tiny spots that trial off to the East.

On this fine day, I could not see any signs of activity in the East or of any colouration from the Sulphuric gas cloud that was said to have passed over Northern Australia.

[Tropo-Bob]

January 20th, 7.50am.

There is a new, unnamed Region near the South-Eastern Limb with a small/medium sized spot and faculae. There is also another Region of faculae near the North-Eastern limb, but no accompanying spots were visible.

The two medium spots of each of Regions 2929 & 30 are now close to the North Western Limb.

The solo spot which is Region 2927 still features near the South Western Limb. Attractive Region 2933 has eight spots, three with umbra, one small and four are tiny.

[Averton]

Hi Bob,


We enjoy your consistent and detailed reporting of the sun's activities.



Clare & Peter

[Tropo-Bob]

Thanks!

Sadly, nothing to report today except for 100% cloud and some rain. :(

[Tropo-Bob]

January 22nd, 7.50am.

There are just two Regions and only two spots visible today.

In the South West, Region 2933 with a small/medium sized spot is near the Limb and faculae is visible.

Region 2934 in from the South-Eastern Limb has a medium/large spot surrounded by umbra and faculae is again visible.

[Tropo-Bob]

January 23rd, 7.55am.

There are still just the two Regions and two spots.

Region 2933 is now very close to the Western Limb. The spot is even more faded and faculae is visible.

The large spot in Region 2934 has a large umbra surrounding it. I did not notice faculae. I guess that it is too far in from the Limb for me to see that.

[Tropo-Bob]

January 24th, 7.55am.

There is only Region 2934 with its large spot surrounded by umbra.

[Tropo-Bob]

January 25th, 8.45am.

There are two new Regions today. An unnamed Region of 3 small spots with faculae has appeared on the Eastern Limb. Region 2935 also has small 3 spots and is located more centrally on the disc.

Region 2934 with its one splendid spot continues to feature.

[Tropo-Bob]

January 28th, 8.10am.

New Region 2936 has numerous small spots and full of fine detail. I found it memorising and hard to take my eyes of it to look elsewhere.

In another new Region 2937, I saw the one small spot. Nearby Region 2934 continues to feature the one large spot.

Today's observations were a bit desperate, as I was always viewing the Sun shining through cloud, so this report probably fails to report everything.

[Tropo-Bob]

January 30th, 7.50 am.

The Sun's appearance is dominated by northern Region 2936. It has a very large spot surrounded by umbra and a maze of detail and other spots that flow off to the East.

Region 2935 is near the North-Western limb. However, it is only a few tiny spots and a small amount of faculae.

Region 2937 only has the one lonely, but large spot and it is approaching the South-Western Limb. Faculae from Region 2934 is closer to the Limb. R2934 previously featured a fine spot, but it must of moved past the Limb.

[Tropo-Bob]

January 31st, 8.00am.

Region 2936 continues to feature awesome detail around two large spots. There are some great images that have been posted in the Solar System section, which I recommend for viewing.

Region 2934 is near the South-Western Limb and now shows a medium-sized spot.

New Region 2939 is close to the South-Eastern Limb and features 3 small spots and some faculae.

Similarly, there is unnamed Region with 3 spots and faculae close to the North-Eastern Limb.

[Tropo-Bob]

February 1st, 7.50am.

Region 2936 still looks awesome, although the detail between the two large spots has disappeared. The second and smaller, large spot is actually a collection of close spots surrounded by a common umbra.

New Region 2938 has appeared in the central northern area near R2936. However, it currently only has a few tiny spots.

In the North East, Region 2940 has grown and been named since yesterday. It has a collection of 7 or 8 small to medium sized spots and could become increasingly fascinating to watch in the next few days, as it moves away from the Limb.

Region 2939 in the South East still has just three spots, but one of those has grown significantly in size since yesterday.

The medium-sized spot of Region 2934 in about to pass over the South-Western Limb.

[Merlin66]

Thanks for the daily updates.
Down here on the Bellarine I haven't had any clear skies for the last week or so.

[Tropo-Bob]

February 5th, 8.05am.

There are five Regions and many spots visible.

There is a very large spot in Southern Region 2939 and it is accompanied by two small spots.

Regions 2936 & 2938 give the illusion of merging as they approach the North-Western Limb. R2936 is very close to the edge and has understandably lost much of its former glory.

The Northern-Central Region 2940 consists of numerous spots from one moderately sized to many tiny spots.

Region 2941 has three moderately-sized spots and a few small ones, which will show more clearly, as it continues to edge away from the North-Eastern Limb.



Unfortunately, I also had that problem for the last few days.

[Tropo-Bob]

February 7th, 8.05am.

Region 2939 still features the largest spot along with a four small spots. Also in the south is New Region 2942, which is close to the Western Limb and only has a few small spots.

In the Northern-Central area, Region 2940 is still prominent with 2 medium and an array of small/tiny sized spots.

Region 2941 has a pair of medium sized spots surrounded by a common umbra, which makes it look like a large spot. Also visible is another, more widely separated pair of medium spots plus a number of small spots.


I have edited this on February 8th, as I had an old-timer's lapse and mixed-up what was north and what was south.

[Averton]

Thanks for your ongoing updates.

We have been much luckier in Melbourne the last few days. We have been waking up to sunshine.

[Tropo-Bob]

February 8th, 8.10am.

Region 2940 has an interesting swarm of fine spots surrounding three medium-sized spots. I used a Green (56) filter, which allowed this feature to appear darker and be in good contrast with the Solar Disc.

Northern Region 2941, although interesting, appears similar to yesterday.

In the South West, a lone spot in Region 2942 is about to cross the Limb. Region 2939 still features a very-large spot with nearby minor spots.

There is some Faculae visible near the South Eastern Limb.

[Tropo-Bob]

February 9th, 8.05am.

Northern Region 2941 has developed into a chain of six spots, with large spots anchoring both ends. The other northern region, 2940 has lost its swarm of fine spots and now consists of a medium and a few small-sized spots. Interestingly, faculae is visible. I am surprised to see this as it seemed a little too far from the Limb for this to be seen.

Southern Region 2939 still boasts the largest spot, along with a few small spots.

New Region 2943 has appeared near the South-Eastern Limb. It has a small and three tiny spots. Yesterday, only faculae was visible, whereas today, I did not see any Faculae.

[Tropo-Bob]

February 10th, 7.50am.

Three Regions visible on the Sun today with Southern Region 2939 still having the largest spot. The SDO image on Space Weather also shows R2943 in the South, but I failed to notice it.

Northern Region 2941 continues to show change each day. Most of the spots have decreased in size except for one (second from the end) which has grown. Region 2940 has begun its approach to the Western Limb. It consists mainly of small spots that are surrounded by lots of Faculae.

[Tropo-Bob]

February 11th, 7.55am.

The large spot in Southern Region 2939 is now close to the Limb. A new Region, 2944 has been named close to the South-Western Limb. It has one small spot and Faculae.

I would have thought that this newly named Region was too close to Region 2939 to be deserving of a separate name, especially since I can see a large stream of Faculae connecting the two Regions without any interruption.

Region 2940, also with Faculae is about to cross the North-Western Limb.

The chain of spots between two moderately sized spots in Region 2941 continue to shrink in size, including the one the had yesterday increased in size.

[Tropo-Bob]

February 12th, 7.55am.

Northern Region 2941 continues to feature; two, well spaced, moderately-sized spots. There are still some small spots between them, but it has stopped giving the appearance of being a chain of spots.

There is a small amount of Faculae close to the North-Eastern Limb, but no spots were visible.

The large spot in Region 2939 now looks meek, as it is extremely close to the South-Western Limb.

New Region 2945 has only a few, scattered, small spots and is located in the South-Western Quarter.

Another new Region, 2946 has appeared close to the South-Eastern Limb. It has a moderate and a small spot that both seem to be surrounded by a common Faculae.

[Tropo-Bob]

February 13th, 7.40am.

There are three Region visible today, R2941 in the north, R2945 & 46 in the south.

Region 2941 still has two medium sized spots, with the eastern spot being accompanied by eight small/tiny spots.

Region 2945 with only a few small/tiny spots is approaching the South-Western Limb.

Region 2946 is still close to the South-Eastern Limb, so can not yet be seen in all it glory. It has one medium/large spot with umbra and two small spots nearby.

[Averton]

Thanks for the update Bob. Although it is clear here today it is blowing a gale so sun for us today :(

[Tropo-Bob]

February 14th, 8.40am.

Activity is a bit mellow today with South-Western Region 2945 gaining Faculae, but losing spots as it approaches the Western Limb. I could barely see two very tiny spots.

Northern Region 2941 bucks the 'mellow' trend. It is approaching the Western Limb. The Region continues to show change from day to day. It now looks like four medium sized spots in a row, however, the inner two spots are close doubles when viewed closely. The activity to now has all be in the 'chain of spots', but now a small spot has appeared located at a right angle well south off the chain.

Region 2946 in the South East now boasts the largest sunspot. It has a few tiny spots nearby.

[Tropo-Bob]

February 15th, 8.10am.

Northern Region 2941 is losing its luster as it approaches the Western Limb. The spot at right angles has been joined by another small spot, and to my surprise, it has been designated as Region 2747.

Region 2946 still has the largest spot visible today plus a nearby, small spot.

New Region 2948 has appeared in the South East near the Limb. It has a medium spot and three small spots in an arc.

Two spots have appeared in the central region in the South. They are a medium and a small/medium sized spots. This new Region is yet to be named.

Some distance from these are another two, very tiny spots. I am interested to see if they develop or just as quickly disappear without being named.

[Tropo-Bob]

February 16th, 8.10am.

There are six Regions visible today. Only four of these Regions are named.

Region 2941 straddles the North-Western Limb with only the last two spots being visible.

There is a new, unnamed Region in the Central-Northern area, which has a small spot and some tiny spots. It was difficult to see.

There is a small spot and faculae in another new, unnamed Region that is very close to the North-Eastern Limb.

Region 2943 is new to me, but the number is old. This number previously appeared against a grouping that I could not find on February 10th and its number disappeared from Space Weather until today. It has two small and a number of tiny spots.

Central Region 2946 is beginning to look odd because of its location close to the Sun's equatorial zone. Regions are normally in Northern or Southern belts. Its large spot has downsized to be a medium spot, which has two nearby spots.

South-Eastern Region 2948 has developed significantly overnight and now has two medium sized spots and numerous small spots.

[Tropo-Bob]

February 18th, 7.40am.

Region 2948 in the Southern-Central area has two close, small/medium sized spots, as well as a trial of small spots heading off to the East.

There is a small, unnamed spot, very close to the South-Eastern Limb. (Now named Region 2952- updated at 8.30am)

Region 2950 has a small spot and is located in from the North-Western Limb. Faculae is also visible near that Limb.

On the Space Weather SDO Image, there are three other Regions noted with faint spots. However, they must have faded further because I did not see any of those. (Regions 2946, 49 &51)


Update, 8.30am:

I had a further attempt at finding the missing Regions with the Sun higher in the sky and less cloud interfering.

New Region 2951 consists of one small and three tiny spots and is located in the South.

New Region 2949 has three, very tiny, difficult-to-see spots. It is in the North West.

I could still not see Region 2946.

[Tropo-Bob]

February 19th, 8.50am.

There is a large spot in Region 2948 and three tiny spots. It is in the Southern-Central area.

Region 2952 near the South-Eastern Limb has only one small spot.

There are two small spots near the North-Eastern Limb that are yet to be named.

Space Weather shows Region 2950 with small spots, a little further west than the above two spots, but I could not see them.

Most people having a quick look at the Sun today will probably only see the large spot in Region 2948. The other spots are small, somewhat lonely and difficult to find.

[Tropo-Bob]

February 20th, 7.50am.

It is a relatively quiet Sun today.

Southern Region 2948 has a medium and a tiny spot. South-Eastern Region 2952 has just one small spot.

Newly named, North-Eastern Region 2953 has just three tiny spots.

Region 2646 is shown on Space Weather, but I found nothing in that area.

[Tropo-Bob]

February 21st, 8.00am.

New Region 2954 has appeared next to the North-Eastern Limb with a medium sized spot and umbra.

Northern Region 2953 has developed two sets of 'twin' spots and now has six, tiny spots in total.

South-Eastern Region 2952 still has only one, small spot.

South-Western Region 2948 has two, close, small spots. Yesterday, I described this as a medium spot, so it has split (I deduce). There is a third, tiny spot nearby.

[Tropo-Bob]

February 22nd, 8.00am

New Region 2955 has a medium sized spot that is distorted into a long streak, as it is very close to the North-Eastern Limb.

Region 2954 is nearby, having appeared past the Limb a day earlier. With magnification (50x), I could see the 'Wilson effect' on the umbra of this medium-sized spot. This is when the umbra is smaller on the side closest to the Sun's Centre, compared with the umbra closest to the Limb. My understanding is that spot & umbra are depressions in the Photosphere and thus the umbra is viewed at different angles by observers.

I also looked for the Wilson effect in R2955, but could not see it.

In the Northern-Central area, Region 2953 is a collection of one small, and five tiny spots.

Southern Region 2952 still has just the one small spot.

[Tropo-Bob]

February 23rd, 8.15am.

Regions 2954 & 2955 both have a large spot with umbra. Both spots look larger and darker today, which I assume is mainly because they are a further from the Eastern Limb. Both spots show the 'Wilson Effect" today.

The lone spot in R2954 is showing signs of dividing into two separate spots. The spot in R2955 has some very tiny spots nearby.

Region 2953 is a line of some six spots. Today, the small spot looks a little darker and more easy to see. The other five spots are tiny.

[Tropo-Bob]

February 24th, 7.50am.

The large spot in Region 2954 has more internal structure today. It looked like three long spots, close together, lying in parallel with each other. I could again see the Wilson Effect.

The other large spot in Region 2955 also showed hints of structure. However, when I increased the magnification, I had problems with floaters within my eye. Nevertheless, the Wilson Effect was again observed.

Region 2953 is difficult to see. I only saw three tiny spots.

[Tropo-Bob]

February 25th, 5.55pm.

The large spots in Regions 2954 & 2955 appeared like "Gemini" twins against a boiling Sun. That's all I could see, but according to the SDO image, that is all there is to see.

It has been cloudy and raining most of the day here, so when I saw some late afternoon sunshine, I tried my luck. As indicated, the seeing was terrible.

[Tropo-Bob]

February 26th, 7.35am.

The Sun's appearance is still dominated by the two large Sunspots. Unfortunately, the seeing is still terrible. It is by far the worst that I have seen in the morning.

On this slow day, I wish to make an correction and apology for my ignorance. What I have been referring to as umbra around large sunspots is more correctly known as Penumbra. The Umbra is the very dark area in the center.

[Tropo-Bob]

February 27th, 9.15am.

Northern Regions 2954 & 2955 both feature one-large spot each and are have travelled halfway across the Sun' Disc. Both spots are surrounded by penumbra, however, the R2955's spot has the largest area of penumbra.


General Info: I was puzzled by the numbers given to the Regions. The numbering is often shortened , as the above are properly designated as AR12954 & AR12955. AR is an aberration for Active Region.

Region numbering started in the early Seventies and took decades to reach the 10,000 mark. It probably will not reach 20,000 till at least the 2040s.

[Tropo-Bob]

March 2nd, 8.00am.

There are five Regions visible today: four in the north and one in the south.

The large spots in Regions 2954 & 2955 are still the most obvious features on the disc. The spot in R2954 has shrunk leaving the spot in R2955 as being distinctly larger. Each of these Regions has only the one spot.

In the Northern-Central area, Region 2956 has one small and one spot. Similarly Region 2958 in the East has the same, but can be more easily seen.

Region 2947 in the South-East has two medium-sized spots and at least one tiny spot nearby. The seeing here today again limits me from seeing fine details.

[Tropo-Bob]

March 3rd, 8.05am.

Northern Regions 2954 & 2955 are now approaching the Western Limb and have accompanying faculae.

Southern Region has developed several spots overnight and they form a line of considerable length.

The Sun was again 'boiling' today, so I could not see fine detail.

An aside for bird lovers: They were a number of tiny birds (probably white-crested swallows) that were visible for many seconds as they flew at a great height in front of the Sun. At one stage, I counted six that were visible for about five seconds. I have never previously seen more than one bird flying across the Sun.

[Tropo-Bob]

March 4th, 8.20am.

New Region 2960 has appeared just in from the South-Eastern Limb. It already has three interesting looking spots.

Regions 2954 & 55 are close to the North-Western Limb and those two spots are accompanied by faculae.

The long line of spots that was designated as Region 2957, has now been broken up into Regions 2957, 59 & 61. Region 2957 has the largest spot on the disc.

Region 2958 is in the Northern-Central area according to the SDO image. However, I did not notice it or go back to look for it, as the seeing conditions are still bad today.

[Tropo-Bob]

March 5th, 8.10am.

Region 2954 has crossed the Western Limb and the formally large spot in Region 2955 is about to also cross.

In the Central area, Regions 2957 and 2961 form a long line of spots. Region 2957 is more distinctive, whereas Region 2961 forms a tighter line of much smaller spots.

Region 2960 in the South East has three spots, the largest of which is surrounded by a very large penumbra.

[Tropo-Bob]

March 6th, 7.50am.

A new, unnamed Region has appeared near the North-Eastern Limb. It has one small spot and faculae.

Regions 2957 has lots of fine detail and medium sized spots. Region 2961 with small/tiny spots was nearby yesterday, but I could not see it. However, the seeing was below average again today.

Region 2960 near the South-Eastern Limb also has fine detail as well as a very large spot surrounded by penumbra.

[Tropo-Bob]

March 7th, 8.25am.

R2960 in the South-East is today's standout Region. Between a huge spot and a medium-sized spot, there is a chain of three small spots.

Region 2957 in the South-West has two spots of note.

Region 2962 has been designated in the North-East, but is still only one small spot.

Seeing is again well-below par today, which I guess is to be expected given heat-wave conditions locally and flooding rains to the south.

[Tropo-Bob]

March 8th, 8.40am.

Region 2960 remains as the standout view with a very large spot and a wealth of detail between that and a medium-sized spot.

Region 2957 also has a medium-sized spot and several small spots.

Between the above two Regions is a line of small spots running in a North-South line. This will include Region 2963, but may also include a new Region. I await with interest as to how this will be classified.

The small/medium-sized spot in North-Eastern Region 2962 has been joined by a number of tiny spots.

[Averton]

Hi Bob,


We too find the classification and numbering of new regions very interesting. Also the demotion of Active Regions is good to follow. We look each day at this site https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/solar-synoptic-map

We find it particularly interesting, because as being a prediction, they often have the new regions labelled before the other sites and they also keep the demoted regions numbered in brackets. There is also a legend giving some detail to what you are seeing, like chances of a given region causing flares etc. Might be worth a look if you haven't already seen it.

[Tropo-Bob]

March 9th, 8.00am

Today, I put a towel over my head, and looked through my solar filter with my naked eye and spied the large spot in Region 2960. It is currently 'face-on' being near the center of the solar disc, so there will never be a better time to see it.

Besides the large spot, Region 2960 has a chain of small/tiny spots leading to a pair of small/medium spots of the far end. Though on the small size, they have a common penumbra.

As speculated yesterday, the new Region 2964 has been designated and yesterday's small spots are now medium sized. The nearby Region 2963 continues to only have small spots.

In the South-West, Region 2957 still has a medium-sized spot plus a large amount of faculae trailing off towards the Limb.

Northern Region 2962 has shrunk into just the one small spot.

However, on the North-Eastern Limb, an unnamed group of four sizable spots has appeared.




I did read that spots some ten degrees apart are normally, but not always designated as separate Regions. Thanks for your other info: I will check it out.

[Tropo-Bob]

March 10th, 8.25am.

In the North-East, newly named Region has a collection of six spots. Its definitely something to watch as it moves away from the Limb.

In the Northern-Central area, Region 2962 is still marked on the SDO image, but I could not see any sunspots. Yesterday, I could only see one small spot.

The formerly large spot in Region 2957 is approaching the Western Limb. It does not have as much faculae trialing off to the limb as yesterday.

Further from the Western Limb are Regions 2964 & 2966. At a casual glance, they seem to be really just the one Region, however, I notice that each region's chain of spots run in different directions; namely north-south and east-west. Yesterday, Region 2963 was in this area, but it has disappeared.

Last and most impressively, Region 2960 still has a very large spot plus a chain of spots heading off towards the East.

[Tropo-Bob]

March 11th, 8.45am.

Newly named Region 2965 has four medium sized spots plus some tiny spots. It already looks impressive and will only improve as it moves away from the North-Eastern Limb.

The large spot in Region 2960 is still very impressive.

That's all I will comment on today, as cloud prevented me from viewing the Sun properly.

[EpickCrom]

I'm enjoying your solar reports Bob. I am yet to observe the Sun as I don't want to risk my only telescope, a 10 inch dob. However I have a old pair of 20x80mm binoculars which I plan on using as my dedicated solar scope soon once I buy a tripod to mount it. I will be observing the Sun via projection. Cheers
Joe

[Tropo-Bob]

March 12th, 8.10am.

A new, small spot has appeared close to the North-Eastern Limb. It is currently unnamed.

The nearby Region 2965 has four medium spots and an array of smaller spots, which makes an impressive view.

Faculae has appeared next to the South-Eastern Limb, but no spots.

Southern Region 2960 with a large and a small spot is beginning its approach to the Western Limb.

Near the South-Western Limb, there are two medium-size spots, as well as smaller spots. This is Region 2964 and may include Region 2966.



Thanks Joe. I have been doing reports for a year now. The anniversary of my first report is tomorrow and the Thread has over 30,000 views. When U get started, I would love to see U add some reports to the Thread. Good luck!

[Tropo-Bob]

March 13th, 7.50am.

New named Region 2967 has one small spot and faculae close to the North-Eastern Limb.

Further from the Limb, Region 2965 has twenty-four small to tiny spots in a long, long, majestic chain. It is a good exemplar of how most chains run in and East-West direction. I rarely see a chain running North-South.

Near the South-Eastern Limb, there is one tiny spot and faculae.

Region 2960 is on approach to the South-Western Limb. It still features a very-large spot and one medium-sized spot.

I saw a diffuse looking spot on the SW Limb, which is probably the remnants of Region 2964.

[Tropo-Bob]

March 15th, 7.30am.

Region 2965 is a really long chain of spots that span the Northern-Central area of the Solar Disc. This is the longest chain of spots that I have seen during the last twelve months.

Region 2967 in the North-Eastern quarter has the one medium sized spot that has grown from being a small spot when I last viewed it two days ago.

The large spot in Region 2960 is very close to the Western Limb. This has been such a large, long lasting spot that I have hopes that I may be able to see it return in two weeks or so.

[Tropo-Bob]

March 17th, 7.40am.

Region 2965 is on approach to the North-Western Limb and the Region has lost some of its luster. Nevertheless, there are three medium-sized spots, as well as small spots, which in total forms a long chain.

The solitary, medium/small-sized spot of Region 2967 is in the Northern-Central area.

There is some Faculae near the North-Eastern Limb, but I could not see any spots.

[Tropo-Bob]

March 19th, 9.20am (Finally, a break in the clouds!)

Region 2965 is approaching the North-Western Limb, but except for one medium-sized set of twin spots; the spots in the Region are fading away at a rate that can not be by Limb darkening alone.

Region 2965 has an unusually large amount of Faculae. However, what interested me is that the solar disc in this area seems darker than what normally be expected. It is darker than other areas near the solar limb. I have never heard on this type of event, but have now seen it with several different Regions.... . . Hmm, maybe it is well known and I am just showing my ignorance. :shrug:

Regions 2967 still has just one small spot located in the Northern-Central area.

[Tropo-Bob]

March 20, 8.45am

I saw five Regions. Three of them have yet to be named. However, they all contained only small spots.

The one remaining spot in Region 2965 is very close to the North-Western Limb. There is lots of Faculae in the area.

New Region 2971 is the North-Eastern Quarter and only has one small spot.

On the North-Eastern Limb, there are a few tiny spots and a small amount of Faculae.

In the Southern Centre, there is one small spot. About half-way between it and the Limb, there is a compact trio of small spots.

[Tropo-Bob]

March 21st, 9.00am.

There was some Faculae near the North-Western Limb, which is the remnants of Region 2965.

There are six small spots in the Southern-Central area and this is new Region 2972.

I was always looking through cloud today, so some fine details may not have been visible to me.

[Tropo-Bob]

March 22nd, 9.00am.

Region 2972 with two pairs of twin spots is the most obvious feature and is in the Southern-Central area.

There is a new, unnamed Region on the South-Eastern Limb. It has two, small spots surrounded by umbra.

Region 2973 is a tiny spot in the North-Eastern quarter.

There is Facuale near the North-eastern Limb.

[Tropo-Bob]

March 23rd, 810am.

Region 2972 has one small and several tiny spots. The Solar Disc in that area looks darker than normal.

Newly named Region 2974 is just moving away from the South-Eastern Limb. It has two small and several tiny spots. The spots look to be islands in an atoll of Faculae.

An unnamed Region has appeared very close to the South-Western Limb, which is a very unusual occurrence. It has two tiny spots, some Faculae and some darkening of the Solar Disc.

[Tropo-Bob]

March 24th, 7.50am.

Today, there are two Regions, both near the Eastern Limb.

New named Region 2975 in the North has five spots of various sizes and they commence with a spot almost on the Limb.

Region 2974 in the South still only has a small spot and at least one tiny spot.

Yesterday, a spot appeared very close to the Western Limb and I thought this would be named as Region 2975. Now I am wondering if it received a name before rounding the Limb.

[Tropo-Bob]

March 25th, 8.00am.

North-Eastern Region 2975 has developed into an attractive chain of spots. One spot is very large, two are medium sized and there are several smaller spots.

Region 2974 in the South-East still has only two small spots.

New Region 2976 has been named near the North=Western Limb, but I did not see anything in the area.

[Tropo-Bob]

March 26th, 10.00am.

There is a new Region 2976, but to my mind, it is just part of the long chain of Region 2975. It appears much the same as yesterday with a very large spot, two medium/large spots and a number of small spots. There is Faculae in the area, which was not noticeable yesterday.

Region 2974 has a small and tiny spot. Yesterday, they were much more even in size, but not so today.

[EpickCrom]

Thanks for the great reports Bob! I have mounted my old beaten up pair of 20x80mm binoculars on a tripod and observed the sun for the first time via projection method (only one side of the binocular works). Saw that group of sunspots near the limb that you mentioned. Awesome! Not exactly high tech but this will be my dedicated solar "scope" from now on. Keep the great solar reports comming! Cheers

[Tropo-Bob]

March 28th, 7.25am.

A large spot has appeared on the South-Eastern Limb. I think this is the return of Region 2960, which did contain a very large, impressive spot. My understanding is that Solar Rotation is around 25 days, so the time elapsed of thirteen days fits ... maybe. Either way, the spot on the Limb will receive a new Regional number, because they never revive numbers after Regions cross the Western Limb.

Regions 2975 &76 now look quite different. R2975 is a collection of larger, but fewer spots. The largest spot shows much internal structure. R2976 is a larger collection of small and tiny spots. I counted eighteen. It is very impressive.

A little above and more to the Solar Centre from R2976 is a chain of six or more small spots, which I expect may receive its own Regional name.

Region 2974 continues to survive with only one small spot in the Southern-Central area.


PS: Thanks Joe. Keep up your solar projections.

[Tropo-Bob]

April 2nd, 8.05am.

Region 2978 in the central area has a very large sunspot. I decided to try and see it with my unaided eyes.

Using a full aperture solar filter suitable for an 80mm scope, I put a towel over my head and was able to keep both eyes open and successfully saw the spot. It was easier than I expect, though I did not see another large spot in Region 2976 which is close to the Western Limb.

There has been so much happening in the last few days that words literally failed me to describe the 'happenings'.

I have learnt much in the last year, but this has made me realise how much there is to understand. I am going to take a break from reporting these observation and hopefully, I will be able to catch up on some of the solar literature during this time.

I hope (perhaps vainly) to come back later with the knowledge to explain in more detail on the interesting things that I see.

[Averton]

Hi Bob,


We assume this means that your Solar Astronomy book from France has arrived.

While you are studying you may be interested in another book we have come across called "The Greatest Sun Spot Groups" by Peter Meadows. This time it is downloadable for free.
https://www.petermeadows.com/solarbook/GreatSunspotGroupsBook.pdf?fbclid=I wAR3aDQOeYioRTdjNT9lSRoQyrrvwnJlZTG wNCr451sL1owPmDeHqveCw-5c
It has some amazing images and information of past solar events of note.
Please return soon as we will miss your daily reports.
Hope you enjoy your sabbatical :)

[EpickCrom]

G'day Bob, we will all indeed miss your solar reports. Enjoy your well deserved break!

Joe

[DJT]

Hi Bob
I have been reading your observations daily for a while now and have been encouraged to observe the sun as a result.

Everybody has L plates and taking the time to understand more about what we observe on a day to day basis is such a cool thing to do.

Enjoy yourself and come back soon.

David