A day without sunspots

Observations from GONG taken on 22 February 2026 show no sunspot (see upper-left image showing the Sun in a broadband wavelength range). Areas of brighter plages indicate the presence of magnetic field on the Sun, but the field is not strong enough to form sunspots or even pores. Image on upper-right is a map of magnetic fields (magnetogram) corresponding to the same time as the "white light" image. There dark/white colors correspond to magnetic field of negative/positive polarity.  The magnetic fields are organized in patterns of positive-negative polarity typical for decaying active regions. The conditions with no sunspots are usually observed during the minimum of 11-year solar cycle, although currently, the sun is in the middle of a declining phase of solar cycle 25 (see last plot taken from https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/solar-cycle-progression). 

 

One day of a large solar prominence

 On 21 February 2026, a large solar prominence was observed on East-South limb. This video shows the change in filament appearance over 24 hour period. Video stars from GONG/Learmonth (Australia) at 00:00:42 UT. Then it switches to GONG/Cerro Tololo (Chile), and at the end, it goes
back to GONG/Learmonth. The video ends on 22 February 2026 at 1:48:42 UT.

Wildlife near GONG station in Udaipur

Apparently, GONG is recognized as an important asset not only by solar scientists. Image on the left shows a curious puma poking out her head above bushes outside GONG fenced area. On the right, puma walks toward GONG area crossing observatory road.

 

GONG refurbishment project update

 

Last twelfth EVT camera, installed at one of the GONG engineering sites in Boulder, is currently being tested by the NISP group. This camera will upgrade the engineering sites or possibly will be deployed to Mauna Loa GONG site in Hawaii once construction of the road to the site that is currently in progress will be completed and engineering group will gain access to the site. The previously existed road was destroyed by the Mauna Loa volcano eruption on November 27, 2022, and since then the GONG site remains closed.

50th Anniversary of Udaipur Solar Observatory

This week (10-13 February 2026), an international conference dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the Udaipur Solar Observatory (USO) was held in Udaipur, India. NISP scientists delivered several presentations about the far side imaging (photo 1), magnetograph instruments for solar synoptic observations from ground and space (photo 2), and future ngGONG project. The conference participants were given a tour of GONG facilities (photo 3). USO personnel also identified possible sites for future ngGONG station. One of this sites is located on the island observatory part of USO. Photo 4 shows the island observatory illuminated at night as part of Golden jubilee of USO celebration.

 

  

GONG/ML - MLO Access Road Update

 The "pioneering" phase of the project has been completed by the construction contractor, and all of the permits for construction have been obtained. Road construction in earnest will start on February 10th! A final schedule is still pending.

 Pioneering phase photos from a helicopter overflight (a little fuzzy). Photos courtesy of Darryl Kuniyuki, NOAA Mauna Loa Atmospheric Baseline Observatory Station Lead.

GONG/ML - MLO Access Road Update

 

The road construction on the Mauna Loa Access road will begin in earnest next Tuesday, February 10th.  The construction is anticipated to last through the end of February, with access for the NOAA Mauna Loa crew resuming in early March.

NOAA does not have a public opening date or a definitive date for when power will be re-established at the site.

GML staff are currently developing comprehensive plans to safely and systematically re-open the Mauna Loa facility.