Electron storm in progress

The number of energetic electrons in Earth’s outer radiation belt is significantly elevated. According to analysts at the Goddard Space Weather Lab, the enhancement is caused by the aftermath of recent geomagnetic storms mixed with a high-speed solar wind stream. Spacecraft at GEO, MEO and other orbits passing through or in the vicinity of the Earth’s outer radiation belt can be impacted. (SpaceWeather)

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit was at high levels.

NOAA:SWPC Alerts / Bulletins 
Latest Alert: Mar 21 0506 UTC CONTINUED ALERT: Electron 2MeV Integral Flux exceeded 1000pfu 

Solar activity has been fairly low with the exception of a minor C3.5 Solar Flare around Sunspot 1434 at 22:04 UTC on Monday evening. Sunspot cluster 1434-1435 is heading for the western limb and will soon rotate out of direct Earth view. Also about to rotate onto the limb, will be region 1432 and a new Sunspot now numbered 1439, forming to the north it. Another new sunspot numbered 1438 on Tuesday did rotate into view off the southeast limb. Expect solar activity to remain at fairly low levels in the short-term. (SolarHam)

Joint USAF/NOAA Report of Solar and Geophysical Activity (20 Mar 2012)

Solar activity was low. There was just one C-class x-ray event during the period, a C3 from Region 1434 (S20W66) at 19/2204Z. The solar disk consists of six spotted regions, all of which were relatively quiet and stable. Two new regions were assigned today: Region 1438 (S15E69) and Region 1439 (N25W79). Solar activity is expected to be very low. There is, however, a chance for an isolated C-class flare.

The geomagnetic field was quiet. The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit was at high levels throughout the period. The geomagnetic field is expected to be mostly quiet with a chance for some isolated unsettled periods for the next three days (20-22 March).

Featured image: Auroras seen over Sommarøy / Tromsø, Norway (Credit: Frank Olsen)