Sun Activity
Real-time sunspot numbers, solar activity levels, and live images from SOHO/SDO spacecraft.
Sunspot Number (SSN)
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Activity Level
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Solar Cycle 25
Smoothed SSN
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13-month moving average
F10.7 Solar Flux
...sfu
10.7 cm radio emission
Live Solar Images
Real-time images from SOHO and SDO spacecraft. Click to view full size.
Source: SOHO / SDO — NASA / ESA
What are Sunspots?
Sunspots are temporary dark areas on the Sun's photosphere caused by intense magnetic activity. They appear darker because they are cooler (~3,700°C) than the surrounding surface (~5,500°C).
The Sunspot Number (SSN) is a standardized count that tracks solar activity. Higher numbers indicate more active conditions, which can trigger solar flares, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), and enhanced aurora activity.
Solar Cycle 25
The Sun follows an approximately 11-year cycle of magnetic activity. We are currently in Solar Cycle 25, which began in December 2019.
The cycle's peak (solar maximum) is expected around 2024–2025, bringing increased sunspot activity, solar flares, and more frequent aurora displays at lower latitudes.
<20
Very Low
20–49
Low
50–99
Moderate
100+
High / Very High
Understanding Solar Images
What each wavelength reveals
SDO/HMI Continuum
Visible light — photosphere surface showing sunspots
Magnetogram
Magnetic field polarity map of the solar surface
Corona EIT 195
Solar corona at 195 Å — 1.5 million °C plasma
Chromosphere EIT 304
Chromosphere at 304 Å — 80,000 °C
Space Weather Dashboard
Solar wind, IMF Bz, geomagnetic storms, HF radio & more
Sunspot data from NOAA SWPC • Solar images from SOHO/SDO (NASA/ESA)