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 space
or terrestrial technology and risk human health or life. Flares produce effects that span the electromagnetic
spectrum. 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 active
regions of the Sun, thus minimizing harm to spacecraft operations in orbit. An algorithm was developed
for the automatic detection of active regions of the Sun (sunspots, solar flares), based on methods of image
enhancement, segmentation, pattern recognition and mathematical morphology. The sun’s surface also
displays visible sunspots located in regions of the Sun that are magnetically active and whose number is
an indication of the Sun’s magnetic activity. In tracking and predicting solar activity, the identification and
classification of sunspots are useful techniques. The main objective of this paper is to detect sunspots using
images from the Solar Dynamics Observatory.

Key words: solar flares, sunspots, active region.