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
Farside Sunspot Rotates Into View
5/9/2026
Sun 2026-05-09
A large sunspot that recently hurled multiple coronal mass ejections (CMEs) while on the farside of the Sun has now rotated into view over the eastern limb. For the past 24 hours it has remained quiet, but its history of activity means observers should stay alert: if it reawakens, Earth could be in the direct path of solar storms.
The arrival of this active region (circled in red) offers an excellent opportunity for amateur solar observers to document its evolution. Careful monitoring of its magnetic complexity and flare output will help provide valuable context for both professional researchers and space weather forecasters. By tracking their growth and decay, ALPO members contribute to a long-term record of solar behavior while also helping the wider community anticipate auroral displays and potential impacts here on Earth.
Stay tuned for updates as this sunspot continues its transit across the solar disk. Observers are encouraged to submit images and reports to the Solar Section so we can build a comprehensive record of this region’s activity.

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.


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   Solar News Headlines
See the August 12 Solar Eclipse From the Moon’s Perspective
8/24/2026

TBD
South Korea’s Danuri lunar orbiter captured a unique vantage point of the August 12 total solar eclipse from lunar orbit. Positioned near the lunar south pole while transitioning from the far side to the near side, Danuri photographed an Earthrise showing the Moon’s dark shadow cast across the planet near Greenland. The spacecraft has been actively studying lunar terrain and topography since December 2022 and will continue operations through 2027.

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The Biggest Skywatching Day of 2026 Is Coming
8/4/2026

TBD
A sensational astronomical trifecta unfolds on August 12, 2026, delivering one of the most remarkable skywatching days of the decade. A total solar eclipse sweeps across Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain, while partial phases reach parts of North America and Europe. That same evening, Venus reaches dichotomy at 50% illumination, and the dark New Moon provides pristine conditions for the peak of the annual Perseid meteor shower under moonless, crystal-clear skies.

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More Solar News Headlines
Observation Spotlight
Featured Solar Section Image
image
Observer: Theo Ramakers
Equipment: tellarvue 90 (WL) and Coronado SolarMax-40 (Ha)
Here we see AR 4419, one of the larger sunspot regions captured on 2026-04-20 by long time solar observer Theo Ramakers of Oxford, GA. This is very typical of the larger groups being seen on the post-maximum Sun right now.
 
   Event Calendar

2026-09-26 00:42 UT
Carrington Rotation 2316 Begins

2026-10-23 07:35 UT
Carrington Rotation 2317 Begins

2026-11-19 14:50 UT
Carrington Rotation 2318 Begins

2026-12-16 22:30 UT
Carrington Rotation 2319 Begins


 WL Image from SpaceWeather.com