Two moderate M-class solar flares in last 6 hours

Sunspot region about to rotate into view off the southeast limb produced an M1.7 solar flare at 23:31 UTC on October 9, 2012. Just few hours later, at 5:04 UTC (October 10, 2012) the same region produced another M-class event peaking at M1.02.

Geomagnetic storm

Last night we saw a G1 minor geomagnetic storming, nevertheless a good opportunity for aurora pictures. Below is a graph representing last 7 days of geomagnetic levels.

Space Weather Message Code: ALTK05
Serial Number: 704
Issue Time: 2012 Oct 09 2246 UTC

ALERT: Geomagnetic K-index of 5
Threshold Reached: 2012 Oct 09 2246 UTC
Synoptic Period: 2100-2400 UTC

Active Warning: Yes
NOAA Scale: G1 – Minor

Potential Impacts: Area of impact primarily poleward of 60 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude.
Induced Currents – Weak power grid fluctuations can occur.
Spacecraft – Minor impact on satellite operations possible.
Aurora – Aurora may be visible at high latitudes, i.e., northern tier of the U.S. such as northern Michigan and Maine.