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.
Solar News Headlines
Aurora Alert! Powerful Geomagnetic Storm Could Spark Northern Lights on 3/19
3/17/2026
A G2-level geomagnetic storm warning has been issued for March 19, 2026, following a coronal mass ejection from the sun. This solar event, enhanced by the Russell-McPherron effect near the spring equinox, could trigger vibrant northern lights. While typically visible in high-latitude regions, experts suggest the aurora may reach mid-latitudes, potentially appearing as far south as Illinois and Oregon if the storm intensifies to G3 levels. Observers are encouraged to monitor live space weather updates.
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The Solar Cycle Leaves Its Fingerprint on the Sun’s Interior
3/13/2026
Recent helioseismology data has revealed that the solar cycle significantly alters the Sun's internal structure far deeper than previously thought. By studying acoustic waves, astronomers have mapped how internal rotation and magnetic fields shift as the Sun reaches its maximum activity. This discovery provides a new "fingerprint" that helps scientists predict future solar cycles and understand the long-term behavior of our parent star's internal dynamo.
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Observation Spotlight
Featured Solar Section Image
Observer: David Visco
Equipment: RFR 140mm f/6.7, ASI462MM camera
Using a modest aperture David Viscio regularly produces these arc-second quality images of solar activity. Here we see a collection of three active regions responsible for 26 flares of C-class or larger from last December. Great work that any amateur astronomer can achieve with a little practice (and the right seeing!).
Equipment: RFR 140mm f/6.7, ASI462MM camera
Using a modest aperture David Viscio regularly produces these arc-second quality images of solar activity. Here we see a collection of three active regions responsible for 26 flares of C-class or larger from last December. Great work that any amateur astronomer can achieve with a little practice (and the right seeing!).
WL Image from SpaceWeather.com
