The weak CME impact, auroras still possible

A CME hit Earth’s magnetic field on Feb. 26th at ~2100 UTC. The impact was weak and does not appear set to cause a strong geomagnetic storm according to SpaceWeather. A solar wind increase to near 550 km/s was detected by the ACE Spacecraft around 20:50 UTC. A geomagnetic sudden impulse was detected by the Boulder station at 21:41 UTC. The impact appears minor thus far, however aurora will be possible at very high latitudes.

In 3-day Solar-Geophysical Forecast issued on Feb 26 22:00 UTC NOAA/SWPC forecasts that the geomagnetic field is expected to be unsettled to active with isolated minor storm periods possible on day 1 (27 February) as the 24 February CME is expected to be geoeffective. Quiet to unsettled with isolated active conditions are expected on day 2 (28 February). Mostly quiet conditions are expected on day 3 (29 February). There is a slight chance for a >10 MeV proton event due to shock enhancement of the proton levels on days 1 – 2 (27 – 28 February).

Stay tuned for more updates!