GOES Tab

This tab selects the GOES data plotted in the graph displayed in the graph area.

GOES data are automatically downloaded from the internet. The values are provided by the Space Environment Center of the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
The values are stored in a specific database.

The plotted values correspond to the solar X-ray flux in the 1-8 Angstrom (0.1-0.8 nm) passband as measured by satellites GOES satellites.

The X-ray flux is measured in W/m². The values are scaled to fit in the signal level plot.

• X-class flares: above 2.5V (>10^-4 W/m²). They are major events that can trigger planet-wide radio blackouts and long-lasting radiation storms.
  
• M-class flares: between 2V and 2.5V (10^-5 to 10^-4 W/m²). They can cause brief radio blackouts that affect Earth's polar regions.
  
• C-class flares: between 1.5V and 2V (10^-6 to 10^-5 W/m²). They are small with few noticeable consequences here on Earth.
  
• B-class flares: between 1V and 1.5V (10^-7 to 10^-6 W/m²).
  
• A-class flares: below 1V (<10^-7 W/m²)

Flares above M1 (1·10^-5 W/m²) should be detected by the monitoring station.  

The following options are available:

• "Show Primary GOES X-ray flux" checkbox, to select display of data recorded by the Primary GOES satellite.
• "Show Secondary GOES X-ray flux" checkbox, to select display of data recorded by the Secondary GOES satellite.

The time of the last download of GOES data is indicated. It is possible to perform an immediate update of the information.

The lower part of the tab contains the UTC time at which the graph currently displayed has been generated.
A button is available to refresh immediatly the graph.
Note: one can also use the Graph menu, the date tab or the channels tab.