·

CME hits Earth, G3 Strong geomagnetic storming expected

cme-hits-earth-g3-strong-geomagnetic-storming-expected

The December 28th coronal mass ejection (CME) produced by the long duration M1.8 solar flare passed the ACE spacecraft at 00:02 UTC on December 31 and reached our planet at 00:51 UTC.

Geomagnetic K-index of 4 threshold was reached at 01:05 UTC. The impact is expected to drive geomagnetic storming to G3 Strong levels.

Additional enhancement in the magnetic field strength is expected on January 1 due to the arrival of an anticipated co-rotating interaction region (CIR) in advance of a positive polarity coronal hole high-speed stream (CH HSS). Persistent CH HSS influence is expected through January 2.

 

Space Weather Message Code: WATA50
Serial Number: 59
Issue Time: 2015 Dec 30 2136 UTC

WATCH: Geomagnetic Storm Category G3 Predicted

Highest Storm Level Predicted by Day:
Dec 31:  G3 (Strong)   Jan 01:  G1 (Minor)   Jan 02:  None (Below G1)

THIS SUPERSEDES ANY/ALL PRIOR WATCHES IN EFFECT

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

Potential Impacts: Area of impact primarily poleward of 50 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude.
Induced Currents – Power system voltage irregularities possible, false alarms may be triggered on some protection devices.
Spacecraft – Systems may experience surface charging; increased drag on low Earth-orbit satellites and orientation problems may occur.
Navigation – Intermittent satellite navigation (GPS) problems, including loss-of-lock and increased range error may occur.
Radio – HF (high frequency) radio may be intermittent.
Aurora – Aurora may be seen as low as Pennsylvania to Iowa to Oregon.

***

Space Weather Message Code: SUMSUD
Serial Number: 217
Issue Time: 2015 Dec 31 0103 UTC

SUMMARY: Geomagnetic Sudden Impulse
Observed: 2015 Dec 31 0051 UTC
Deviation: 25 nT
Station: Jeju

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

***

Space Weather Message Code: ALTK04
Serial Number: 1845
Issue Time: 2015 Dec 31 0105 UTC

ALERT: Geomagnetic K-index of 4
Threshold Reached: 2015 Dec 31 0105 UTC
Synoptic Period: 0000-0300 UTC

Active Warning: Yes

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

Potential Impacts: Area of impact primarily poleward of 65 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude.
Induced Currents – Weak power grid fluctuations can occur.
Aurora – Aurora may be visible at high latitudes such as Canada and Alaska.

Featured image credit: Zoltan Kenwell (InFocusImagery)

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 *