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)
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:
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.