Geomagnetic storm reaching G2 – Moderate in progress

Earth's geomagnetic field is disturbed since early June 7, 2015 as a result of solar sector boundary crossing (SSBC) preceding the negative polarity CH HSS. Geomagnetic storms reaching G2 – Moderate are in progress today.

SWPC said SSBC occurred at 01:45 UTC on June 7 changing the phi angle into a negative (towards the Sun) orientation. 

The phi angle was variable between north and south orientations afterwards, before becoming predominantly negative by 17:41 UTC on June 7.

Geomagnetic K-index of 5 (G1 – Minor geomagnetic storm) threshold was reached at 07:12 UTC on June 8 followed by K-index of 6 (G2 – Moderate) at 07:49 UTC on June 8.

Potential impacts: Area of impact primarily poleward of 55 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude. Induced currents – power grid fluctuations can occur. High-latitude power systems may experience voltage alarms. Spacecraft – Satellite orientation irregularities may occur; increased drag on low Earth-orbit satellites is possible.

Radio – HF (high frequency) radio propagation can fade at higher latitudes. 

Aurora may be seen as low as New York to Wisconsin to Washington state.

Space Weather Message Code: ALTK05
Serial Number: 784
Issue Time: 2015 Jun 08 0713 UTC

ALERT: Geomagnetic K-index of 5
Threshold Reached: 2015 Jun 08 0712 UTC
Synoptic Period: 0600-0900 UTC
 
Active Warning: Yes
NOAA Scale: G1 - Minor

NOAA Space Weather Scale descriptions can be found at
www.swpc.noaa.gov/NOAAscales

Potential Impacts: Area of impact primarily poleward of 60 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude.
Induced Currents - Weak power grid fluctuations can occur.
Spacecraft - Minor impact on satellite operations possible.
Aurora - Aurora may be visible at high latitudes, i.e., northern tier of the U.S. such as northern Michigan and Maine.

Space Weather Message Code: ALTK06
Serial Number: 342
Issue Time: 2015 Jun 08 0750 UTC

ALERT: Geomagnetic K-index of 6
Threshold Reached: 2015 Jun 08 0749 UTC
Synoptic Period: 0600-0900 UTC
 
Active Warning: Yes
NOAA Scale: G2 - Moderate

NOAA Space Weather Scale descriptions can be found at
www.swpc.noaa.gov/NOAAscales

Potential Impacts: Area of impact primarily poleward of 55 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude.
Induced Currents - Power grid fluctuations can occur. High-latitude power systems may experience voltage alarms.
Spacecraft - Satellite orientation irregularities may occur; increased drag on low Earth-orbit satellites is possible.
Radio - HF (high frequency) radio propagation can fade at higher latitudes.
Aurora - Aurora may be seen as low as New York to Wisconsin to Washington state.

Featured image: SWPC.