Solar Observations: October 2018

For the month of October 2018 all Sunspot activity once again on the Sun remained extremely low.

A total of 16 Observations were made for the month with the remaining days being cloud covered or rain. This consisted of 14 days when the Sun was clear of Sunspot activity and 2 days with minor activity also 1 day when no observation was made.

Most Prominences observed once again were quiet faint and small. No CMEs or Flares were seen. The total average classification value was 0.6. The total Relevant Sunspot Number was 2.

On the 1st October UT a Small Cai group of Sunspots were observed in AR 12723, being the same group seen at the end of last month, as drawn below.

Due to bad weather no further observations were made until the 12th when a single Axx spot was observed in AR 12724. Once again bad weather prevented solar observations until the 15th when no further Sunspot activity was seen for the rest of the month and all other activity remained very low.

PROMINENCES.

Prominence activity remained constant, though mostly faint. On the 10th an active Arch type Prominence on the SW limb reached an approximate height of 74,000 km. and another on the 25th reached a similar height on the SE limb. The image below by NASA/GSFC/Solar Dynamics Observatory shows this prominence.

On the 18th & 26th the Solar disc was completely clear of all activity.

FLARES

No Flares were seen for the whole month of observations.

Monty Leventhal OAM.