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Geomagnetic storm reaching G2 – Moderate levels in progress, CME hit expected on August 24

geomagnetic-storm-reaching-g2-moderate-levels-in-progress-cme-hit-expected-on-august-24

A co-rotating interaction region (CIR) ahead of a series of positive polarity coronal hole high speed streams (CH HSS) is causing elevated geomagnetic field levels on Sunday, August 23, 2015.

A further enhancement is expected early to midday August 24 with the arrival of a combination of Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) from August 21 and 22, according to SWPC's Forecast Discussion issued 00:30 UTC on August 23, 2015.

Geomagnetic K-index of 5, G1 – Minor geomagnetic storm, threshold was reached at 07:31 UTC on August 23. G2 – Moderate geomagnetic storm, geomagnetic K-index of 6, was reached at 08:59 UTC.

Under G2 conditions, area of impact is primarily poleward of 55 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude. Power grid fluctuations can occur, and high-latitude power systems may experience voltage alarms. Satellite orientation irregularities may occur; increased drag on low Earth-orbit satellites is possible. HF (high frequency) radio propagation can fade at higher latitudes. Aurora may be seen as low as New York to Wisconsin to Washington state.

CME forecast model suggests a hit on August 24, 2015.

SWPC alerts

Space Weather Message Code: ALTK05
Serial Number: 818
Issue Time: 2015 Aug 23 0737 UTC

ALERT: Geomagnetic K-index of 5
Threshold Reached: 2015 Aug 23 0731 UTC
Synoptic Period: 0600-0900 UTC
Active Warning: Yes
NOAA Scale: G1 – Minor
www.swpc.noaa.gov/noaa-scales-explanation
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: 353
Issue Time: 2015 Aug 23 0901 UTC

ALERT: Geomagnetic K-index of 6
Threshold Reached: 2015 Aug 23 0859 UTC
Synoptic Period: 0600-0900 UTC
Active Warning: Yes
NOAA Scale: G2 – Moderate
www.swpc.noaa.gov/noaa-scales-explanation
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: Aurora forecast model for August 24, 2015; synoptic period 06:00 – 09:00 UTC. Credit: SWPC (test product).

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