A solar wind stream hit Earth’s magnetic field
A solar wind stream hit Earth's magnetic field during the early hours of August 24th, sparking geomagnetic activity around the Arctic Circle. "Bright, fast-moving auroras lit up the sky just after midnight," reports Sean M. Scully, who sends this picture from Akureyri, Iceland:
Hours after impact, the solar wind is still blowing at high speed (500+ km/s) but the density of the wind is declining rapidly. This diminishes its ability to rattle Earth's magnetic field and thus produce Northern Lights. Neverthelesss, polar skies could turn green again tonight; NOAA forecasters estimate a 15% chance of continued geomagnetic activity. (SpaceWeather)
Solar wind
speed: 533.3 km/sec
density: 0.0 protons/cm3
Planetary K-index
Now: Kp= 1 quiet
24-hr max: Kp= 4 unsettled
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.