Solar Observations: May 2019

For the month of May, 2019, though solar activity was once again was still very low, a few Sunspot groups did appear. A total of 24 observations were made with the remaining 7 days either cloud covered or rain. This included 12 days when no Sunspot activity could be seen.Summing up there was a total of two Sunspot groups in the north with a total of 6 Sunspots all in the north.The total average classification value was 16.8 and the relevant total Sunspot number was 9.

Due to bad weather no observations were made until the 4th May when a single Hsx spot was observed close to the NE limb with a latitude of plus 4° and longitude of 312° in AR (active region) 1240. This Sunspot became more active on the 5th showing some plage around it and omitting a Surge which lasted about 15 minutes before disappearing.

The following day on the 6th a new single Hsx spot was seen very close to the NE limb with a latitude of plus 6° and longitude of 275° in AR12741. The now leading Sunspot in AR 12740 showed some Plage and three very faint Filaments. On the 7th the group in AR12740 had grown to a CV of Cki and contained two spots within the Penumbra and one spot without. By the 11th the group in AR12741 had also grown much large to a CV of Dki (46) also with two spots within its Penumbra. On the 13th the spot in AR12740 had diminished in size to a CV of Axx (1) and by the 14th had faded away leaving only a single group on the Sun until the 17th.

From the 18th May to the 31st no further Sunspots could be seen.

PROMINENCES.

Most Prominences during May were small and faint, however on the 8th an Arch type Prominence reached an approximate height of 74,000km and on the 28th a Fork type Prominence reached a height of about 84,000km.

The only other significant Prominences were observed on the 30th as seen in the drawing above when one a Curved type column Prominence the NE limb reached a height of about 93,000km. On the SE limb a double Unconnected Arch Prominence reached an approximate height of 47,000km.

The Sun was clear of all activity on the 21st and 22nd of May and no Flares were observed.

Monty Leventhal OAM.