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📚 Help Guide

Complete guide to Solar Weather Monitor

🌞 Overview

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What is Solar Weather Monitor?

Solar Weather Monitor is a comprehensive real-time space weather monitoring application that provides up-to-date information about solar activity, geomagnetic conditions, and their potential impacts on Earth.

Key Capabilities
  • Real-time Monitoring: Live data from NASA and NOAA satellites
  • Solar Activity: Track solar flares, sunspots, and solar wind conditions
  • Geomagnetic Activity: Monitor Earth's magnetic field disturbances
  • Aurora Forecasting: Predict when and where auroras will be visible
  • Impact Assessment: Understand how space weather affects technology and daily life

⚡ Features & Functions

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🌟 Current Conditions

Real-time solar wind speed, magnetic field strength, and Kp index measurements from NOAA satellites.

☀️ Solar Images

Latest high-resolution images from NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory showing solar activity in multiple wavelengths.

🌈 Aurora Forecast

Interactive aurora visibility predictions for both northern and southern hemispheres based on current geomagnetic conditions.

📊 NOAA Scales

Official NOAA space weather scales showing geomagnetic storms, solar radiation events, and radio blackouts.

📈 X-ray Monitoring

Real-time X-ray flux measurements from GOES satellites with solar flare classification and impact assessment.

🔮 24-Hour Forecast

Intelligent forecasting system analyzing current conditions to predict space weather activity for the next 24 hours.

🛰️ Data Sources

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Primary Data Sources

NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC)

Real-time space weather data including solar wind measurements, geomagnetic indices, and official space weather scales and alerts.

NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO)

High-resolution solar images in multiple wavelengths, including extreme ultraviolet and magnetic field visualizations.

GOES Satellites

X-ray flux measurements, proton flux data, and solar energetic particle monitoring from geostationary satellites.

SIDC Brussels (RWC Belgium)

International sunspot number data and solar activity reports from the Solar Influences Data Analysis Center.

Update Frequencies
  • Solar Wind Data: Every 5 minutes
  • X-ray Flux: Every minute
  • Solar Images: Every 12-24 hours
  • NOAA Scales: Every 15 minutes
  • Alerts & Warnings: As issued

🧠 Understanding Space Weather Data

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Key Measurements Explained

Solar Wind Parameters
  • Speed: Typically 300-800 km/s. Higher speeds can cause geomagnetic storms.
  • Density: Number of particles per cubic centimeter (1-50 protons/cm³)
  • Magnetic Field: Strength and orientation of interplanetary magnetic field
Geomagnetic Activity (Kp Index)
Kp 0-2
Quiet
Kp 3-4
Unsettled
Kp 5
Minor Storm
Kp 6-7
Moderate/Strong Storm
Kp 8-9
Severe/Extreme Storm
X-ray Solar Flares
  • A-class: Background level, no impact
  • B-class: Minor, no significant impact
  • C-class: Small flares, minor radio blackouts
  • M-class: Medium flares, radio blackouts on sunlit side
  • X-class: Major flares, widespread radio blackouts

🔧 Troubleshooting

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Common Issues & Solutions

Data Not Loading

Solution: Check your internet connection. The app fetches data directly from NASA and NOAA APIs. Try refreshing the page or wait a few minutes if APIs are temporarily unavailable.

Images Not Displaying

Solution: Solar images are updated every 12-24 hours. If images don't load, it may be due to NASA server maintenance. Try again later or check your browser's JavaScript console for errors.

Shared Hosting Mode

Info: When running on shared hosting, the app automatically switches to "standalone mode" and fetches data directly from NOAA APIs. Some features may show simulated data for demonstration.

Theme Not Saving

Solution: Make sure cookies are enabled in your browser. The app saves your theme preference locally.

Mobile Display Issues

Solution: The app is fully responsive. If you experience layout issues on mobile, try rotating your device or refreshing the page.

📞 Contact & Support

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Get Support

📧 Email Support

info@spaceweathermonitor.at

🌐 Data Sources

NOAA SWPC, NASA SDO, SIDC Brussels

⏰ Updates

Real-time data updated every 5 minutes

📱 Compatibility

Works on all modern browsers and mobile devices

Attribution

This application uses data from:

  • NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center
  • NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory
  • GOES Satellite Network
  • SIDC Brussels Royal Observatory

All data is provided for educational and informational purposes. For critical applications, always consult official NOAA space weather advisories.