Sun's active region turns toward Earth - geomagnetic storm in progress

The quiet sun is waking up. New sunspot 1226 emerging over the sun's southeastern limb is crackling with strong C-class solar flares. So far none of the blasts has been geoeffective, but this could change in the days ahead as the active region turns toward Earth. Stay tuned. (SpaceWeather)

Planetary K-index
Now: Kp= 6 storm
24-hr max: Kp= 6 storm

Solar wind
speed: 499.9 km/sec
density: 3.2 protons/cm³

Interplanetary Mag. Field
B_total: 12.5 nT
B_z: 9.4 nT south

 


Mid-latitudes

0-24 hr	24-48 hr
ACTIVE	25 %	20 %
MINOR	10 %	05 %
SEVERE	05 %	01 %

High latitudes

	0-24 hr	24-48 hr
ACTIVE	35 %	30 %
MINOR	15 %	10 %
SEVERE	05 %	05 %

 

NOAA Solar Report (prepared jointly by the U.S. Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, SWPC and the U.S. Air Force)

Geophysical activity forecast
The geomagnetic field is expected to be predominately unsettled with occasional active periods, including isolated minor storm conditions at high-latitudes for day one (28 May). This is expected due to effects from the recurrent coronal hole high speed stream (CH HSS). In addition there are possible effects from the disappearing filament observed on 25 May. Quiet to unsettled conditions, with isolated active levels, are expected for days two and three (29-30 May) with continued CH HSS effects.

An active sunspot numbered 1226 rotated into view on Friday and is producing C-Class flares and there is now a chance for an M-Class event. The largest flare thus far was a C8.3 at 03:31 UTC Saturday morning. Continue to monitor the Solar X-Rays for further activity.

C8.3 Flare (Early Saturday) - GOES SXI

 
 
Solar activity is increasing with the arrival of new Sunspot 1226. There is currently 5 visible sunspot regions and there will be a chance for an M-Class event. (SolarHam)