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Coronagraph Captures The Flares Of The Sun

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The first photographs of solar activity have been taken by NOAA’s Compact Coronagraph (CCOR-1), which is installed on the geostationary satellite GOES-19. It uses its novel occulting disk to view the solar corona and provides near-real-time data that is essential for tracking and predicting space weather events.

CCOR-1 Technical Specifications

In order to obscure the Sun’s bright surface light, the Compact Coronagraph (CCOR-1) uses a novel occulting disk, which appears as a dark blue circle in photographs. The instrument’s advanced design enables it to see the Sun’s outer atmosphere, or solar corona, which would otherwise be obscured by the intense light from the solar surface. CCOR-1, which was installed on NOAA’s most recent geostationary satellite, GOES-19, was tailored for its interfaces and orbital position. In order to measure the magnitude, velocity, and density of Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs), the instrument’s main purpose is to take white light imaging of the upper solar corona.

Capabilities Of Operations And Image Frequency

The CCOR-1 instrument offers previously unheard-of monitoring capabilities by taking pictures of the Sun every 15 minutes. With imagery delivered within 30 minutes of acquisition, this high-frequency imaging enables near-real-time tracking of solar activity, which is a major improvement over earlier systems that required up to 8 hours. The coronagraph, which is made to function during strong solar storms and flares, is capable of taking at least two pictures of every Coronal Mass Ejection (CME), allowing precise monitoring and analysis of these astronomical phenomena. For early warning systems, this quick imaging and data distribution capabilities is essential because it enables scientists to quickly identify and describe CMEs.

Current Solar Observations

The strongest solar flare seen in seven years, a spectacular X9.05, was detected by CCOR-1 on October 3, 2024. On October 7, a powerful X2.1 solar flare that originated from the same sunspot, AR 3842, followed this occurrence. Additionally, a distinct Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) outburst from the eastern border of the Sun was just detected by the instrument. These observations show how CCOR-1 can record and examine a range of solar events, such as:

Halo CMEs, which showed up in the pictures as round forms
Visible auroras brought on by disruptions in the Earth’s magnetosphere caused by the solar wind.
Several CMEs in the weeks that followed.
Solar flares with different intensity that are categorized as B-class to X-class.
On September 19, 2024, the coronagraph started its mission to observe the solar corona; it is anticipated to reach full operational status by the spring of 2025.

Effects Of Science On Space Weather Monitoring

Because CCOR-1 is not impacted by Earth’s atmospheric interference, which usually interferes with ground-based observations, it represents a major advancement in space weather monitoring. Solar phenomena can be seen more quickly and accurately because to this unhindered vision. For the Department of Defense and NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, the instrument’s data is essential because it provides early warnings about solar storms that may affect power grids, satellites, and communications networks. Our ability to predict and prepare for space weather occurrences is greatly improved by CCOR-1, which provides imagery within 30 minutes after acquisition, potentially reducing the impact of space weather events on Earth-based systems.