Challenges to Solar Flare Prediction

Solar flares are a significant driver of violent space weather. With the availability of high cadence photospheric and chromospheric data from the USAF's Optical Solar PAtrol Network (OSPAN) Telescope at the National Solar Observatory, we have gained insights into potential uses of the data for solar flare prediction. We will consider the need for timeliness and high cadence data. Using examples of active region temporal evolution using measurements of the solar photosphere and its magnetic fields,chromosphere and corona, we will explore the promises for forecasting the onset of solar flares.