·

CME hits Earth sparking geomagnetic storm

cme-hits-earth-sparking-geomagnetic-storm

Two solar filaments erupted from the SW quadrant of the Sun late November 15 and early November 16 producing a Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) that arrived at Earth at 20:10 UTC on November 18. A G1 – Minor geomagnetic storm is currently in progress. 

This, combined with geoeffective high speed solar wind stream from a coronal hole will possibly cause G2 – Moderate geomagnetic storming on November 19.

Solar wind as measured by ACE. Image credit: NOAA/SWPC

YouTube video

Imagery courtesy of NASA/SDO (via SolarHam)

YouTube video

Imagery courtesy of NASA/ESA SOHO (via SolarHam)

Geomagnetic K-index of 4 was reached at 22:07 UTC on November 18. G1 – Minor geomagnetic storm (K-index of 5) threshold was reached at 23:08 UTC.

Under G1 conditions, weak power grid fluctuations can occur, minor impact on satellite operations is possible and aurora may be visible at high latitudes.

3-hour K-indices for the last 7 days. Image credit: NOAA/SWPC

SWPC alerts

Space Weather Message Code: ALTK05
Serial Number: 892
Issue Time: 2015 Nov 18 2309 UTC

ALERT: Geomagnetic K-index of 5
Threshold Reached: 2015 Nov 18 2308 UTC
Synoptic Period: 2100-2400 UTC

Active Warning: Yes
NOAA Scale: G1 – Minor

NOAA Space Weather Scale descriptions can be found at
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: SUMSUD
Serial Number: 215
Issue Time: 2015 Nov 18 2038 UTC

SUMMARY: Geomagnetic Sudden Impulse
Observed: 2015 Nov 18 2010 UTC
Deviation: 70 nT
Station: WNG

NOAA Space Weather Scale descriptions can be found at
www.swpc.noaa.gov/noaa-scales-explanation

Featured image: NASA/SDO AIA 304; NASA/ESA LASCO C2/C3 showing CME leaving the Sun early November 16, 2015

Share:

Commenting rules and guidelines

We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules:

  • Treat others with kindness and respect.
  • Stay on topic and contribute to the conversation in a meaningful way.
  • Do not use abusive or hateful language.
  • Do not spam or promote unrelated products or services.
  • Do not post any personal information or content that is illegal, obscene, or otherwise inappropriate.

We reserve the right to remove any comments that violate these rules. By commenting on our website, you agree to abide by these guidelines. Thank you for helping to create a positive and welcoming environment for all.

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *