What do bright and dark areas mean?
Image colours depend on the instrument and wavelength. Compare images from the same channel; a dark coronal hole is not a hole in the Sun.
Far side of the Sun
GONG infers magnetic activity on the hidden solar hemisphere from solar oscillations. These are scientific reconstructions, not direct photographs; the 360° map combines near-side and far-side data with different magnetic-field scales.
Far side of the Sun
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Far side of the Sun
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Data were acquired by GONG instruments operated by NISP/NSO/AURA/NSF with contribution from NOAA.
Can a far-side active region predict a storm?
It can suggest a region to watch as the Sun rotates. It cannot establish the time, strength or Earthward direction of a future eruption.
Public scientific observations and forecasts may be delayed or revised. Forecasts are not guarantees of aurora visibility or operational safety. Follow official advice for critical decisions.