Minor geomagnetic storming underway
Minor geomagnetic storming (G1 on the Geomagnetic Storm Scale) is underway following the arrival at Earth of 1 or more Coronal Mass Ejections that erupted from the Sun late last week and into the weekend. Activity is not expected to strengthen much beyond current levels. (NOAA/SWPC)
A CME hit Earth’s magnetic field on Oct. 5th at approximately 0700 UT, sparking minor geomagnetic storms around both poles. High-latitude sky watchers should remain alert for auroras as Earth’s magnetic field continues to reverberate. Plus, according to NOAA forecasters, another CME may be on the way to keep the storm going on Oct. 6th. A solar wind stream flowing from the indicated coronal hole should reach Earth on Oct. 9th. (SpaceWeather)
Solar wind
speed: 376.5 km/sec
density: 9.7 protons/cm3
The Radio Sun
10.7 cm flux: 127 sfu
Planetary K-index
Now: Kp= 2 quiet
24-hr max: Kp= 5 storm
Interplanetary Mag. Field
Btotal: 6.9 nT
Bz: 0.5 nT south
Just before 7:00 UTC Wednesday morning the solar wind increased from 350 km/s to 500 km/s and this indicates the arrival of an incoming CME shock. A geomagnetic sudden impulse was also observed. Minor geomagnetic storming reaching the G1 level took place, but has since subsided . The Bz had been for the most part pointing North, and this usually suppresses geomagnetic activity.
A near M-Class solar flare reaching C9.2 took place at 12:42 UTC Wednesday morning and was centered around a new Sunspot region that rotated into view in the southeast quadrant. This region should be numbered 1313 later today. Click HERE for an SDO movie of this Sunspot in action. (SolarHam)
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.