Strong G3 geomagnetic storm in progress (June 29, 2013)

As Earth passes through a new coronal hole high speed stream, backed by unidentified CME shock, a prolonged interval of south-pointing magnetism (southward Bz) is having a strong impact on Earth's geomagnetic field. On June 29, 2013 Planetary K-index reached Kp=7 and NOAA/SWPC issued G3 (Strong) Geomagnetic Storm Level Alert.

Space Weather Message Code: ALTK07

Serial Number: 87

Issue Time: 2013 Jun 29 0602 UTC

ALERT: Geomagnetic K-index of 7

Threshold Reached: 2013 Jun 29 0559 UTC 

Synoptic Period: 0300-0600 UTC

At this level voltage corrections may be required, false alarms could be triggered on some protection devices. Surface charging may occur on satellite components while drag may increase on low-Earth-orbit satellites, and corrections may be needed for orientation problems. At G3 level intermittent satellite navigation and low-frequency radio navigation problems may occur, HF radio may be intermittent, and aurora has been seen as low as Illinois and Oregon, US.

Aurora forecast OVATION Prime model for June 29, 2013 (Credit: OVATION/NOAA/SWPC)

CURRENT ACTIVITY (06:30 UTC, June 29, 2013)

Planetary K-index
Now: Kp= 7 strong
24-hr max: Kp= 7 strong

Interplanetary Mag. Field
Btotal: 11.6 nT
Bz: 11.4 nT south

The Radio Sun
10.7 cm flux: 100 sfu

Watch the space weather conditions in real-time via Space Weather Station!

Solar activity has been at low levels in the past 24 hours, featuring three C flares, from AR 1777 and 1778. The brightest flare was a C7.3 flare released by AR 1778 with peak time at 03:37 UTC on June 28, 2013.  AR 1777 released two CMEs (observed by LASCO C2 at 20:37 UTC on June 27 and 02:00 UTC on June 28). The first CME is not expected to be geo-effective, while there is a slight chance for a glancing blow from the second CME on July 1, 2013.

Featured image: Aurora forecast map for South Pole, June 29, 2013 (Credit: OVATION/NOAA/SWPC)