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A space weather forecast begins with a thorough analysis of the Sun and the space environment. Like Earth, the Sun has many activities occurring on and below the surface.
Forecasters use many different types of solar images to analyze active solar regions, localized areas that typically contain 
enhanced magnetic fields and sunspots.
Forecasters may also use computer models to determine the likely effects of solar events on Earth’s atmosphere, ionosphere and magnetosphere. These models help forecasters estimate the origin, duration, and severity of an event.
The photosphere, the visible surface of the Sun, is cooler than the corona (the halo seen during an eclipse – a.k.a. “the crown”) and the inner core of the Sun.
A Diagram of the Sun
 |
Inside Our Sun | Temperature |
| 1. corona | 20,000,000 K | |
| 2. chromosphere | 1,000,000 K | |
| 3. photosphere | 6,000 K | |
| 4. convective zone | 2,000,000 K | |
| 5. radiative zone | 7,000,000 K | |
| 6. inner core | 15,700,000 K |
A. Sunspots - Sunspots are dark areas on the solar surface which contain strong magnetic fields that are constantly shifting.
B. Prominence - A prominence is a large, bright feature extending outward from the Sun's surface, often in a loop shape.
Solar Fact: The sun takes 27 days to complete one full rotation on its axis.
Space weather forecasters use this recurrent 27-day pattern to analyze, predict, and guide forecasts of future space weather conditions.