Detecting the Sun’s active region using image processing techniques

Abstract

The term ‘space weather’ refers to adverse conditions on the Sun that could affect the structures of spaceor terrestrial technology and risk human health or life. Flares produce effects that span the electromagneticspectrum. During a flash, they emit x-rays and ultraviolet radiation, resulting in extremely high temperatures.The purpose of this work is to create a new algorithm for the identification of solar flares and activeregions of the Sun, thus minimizing harm to spacecraft operations in orbit. An algorithm was developedfor the automatic detection of active regions of the Sun (sunspots, solar flares), based on methods of imageenhancement, segmentation, pattern recognition and mathematical morphology. The sun’s surface alsodisplays visible sunspots located in regions of the Sun that are magnetically active and whose number isan indication of the Sun’s magnetic activity. In tracking and predicting solar activity, the identification andclassification of sunspots are useful techniques. The main objective of this paper is to detect sunspots usingimages from the Solar Dynamics Observatory. Key words: solar flares, sunspots, active region.