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It is critical to understand the difference between products which provide current conditions and those that provide predicted conditions (i.e. forecasts).
Current conditions are sometimes referred to as “nowcasts”. When current conditions exceed certain threshold levels, alerts are issued.
Resources on a white background in the NOAA Space Weather Product Tool (such as D-RAP in column 1) provide current conditions or the latest nowcasts and alerts.
For example, the D-REGION ABSORPTION PRODUCT (D-RAP) is a quick reference visual tool that identifies regions that are experiencing signal degradation or radio blackout conditions due to effects from X-ray flares or Solar Energetic Particle (SEP) events.
The impact of current X-ray flares occur towards the equator, while the impact of Solar Energetic Particle (SEP) events are pictured in rainbow bands along the polar regions, as shown in the May 17th, 2012 example to the right.
Note: The input for the D-RAP model, x-ray and solar energetic particle intensity, is also the basis for two SWPC alert products also found on the Tool: Flare Alerts and Solar Proton Alerts.