Solar
The Association of Lunar and Planetary – Solar Section was formed in 1982 at the request of the founder and then Director, Walter Haas. We defined our observational goals then as being the coordination of optical observations of solar morphology. We do not count sunspots but use such statistics from several international sources all of whom do a far better job of it than we could. Our first 40 years have been highly successful with contributions from a number of countries filling our files today. Whatever telescope you have, with proper safe filtration, can make useful contributions to the work of the Section. So join the Solar Section get observing and as you observe you will learn about other instruments, techniques and filters from other more experienced observers.
   Solar Blog
Summary for Carrrington Rotations CR2280 to CR2282 Available
11/1/2024

ALPO Solar Assistant Coordinator Kim Hay has generated a brief summary report for Carrington Rotations 2280 through 2282. It is available at the following  link for your review.

Summary for Carrrington Rotations CR2277 to CR2279 Available
5/10/2024

ALPO Solar Assistant Coordinator Kim Hay has generated a brief summary report for Carrington Rotations 2277 through 2279. It is available at the following  link for your review.

Summary for Carrrington Rotations CR2273 to CR2276 Available
12/12/2023

ALPO Solar Assistant Coordinator Kim Hay has generated a brief summary report for Carrington Rotations 2273 through 2276. It is available at the following  link for your review.

View all Solar Section Blogs
   Solar News Headlines
Strongest Solar Flare of 2025 Sparks Radio Blackouts Across Africa and Europe
11/11/2025

TBD
The X5.1-class eruption from sunspot AR4274 is this year's most powerful solar flare and Earth is currently in the firing line. The eruption sparked radio blackouts across parts of Africa and Europe, disrupting high-frequency communications. This significant activity, along with recent coronal mass ejections (CMEs), has prompted a geomagnetic storm watch for the coming days as the plasma cloud heads towards Earth.

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Northern Lights May Be Visible in 21 U.S. States Tonight
11/11/2025

TBD
The Northern Lights are expected to be visible over 21 US states from Alaska to Indiana on the night of November 11-12, following the arrival of two Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs). The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts a strong G3 geomagnetic storm, with the best viewing window predicted between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m. EST. Skywatchers should seek out dark, north-facing locations and check their local aurora forecast apps for the best chance to witness the auroras.

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More Solar News Headlines
Observation Spotlight
Featured Solar Section Image
image
Observer: Christian Viladrich
Equipment: Takahashi 150, Basler 1920-155 Camera
A huge promience breaks free from the Sun's grasp and launches into space in this stunning image.
   Event Calendar

2022-04-30 UT
Partial Solar Eclipse (tip S.A.)

2023-04-20 10:48 UT
Start of Carrington Rotation 2270

2023-05-17 16:28 UT
Start of Carrington Rotation 2271

2023-06-13 21:23 UT
Start of Carrington Rotation 2272

2023-07-11 02:08 UT
Start of Carrington Rotation 2273

2023-08-07 07:15 UT
Start of Carrington Rotation 2274

Full Solar Section Calendar