G1 geomagnetic storm in progress (July 15, 2013)

A minor geomagnetic storm is currently in progress due to slow-moving CME that erupted on July 9, 2013 and swept past Earth on July 13, 2013. The Bz component of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) tipped sharply south late on July 14, 2013 (-10 nT). Geomagnetic activity reached minor storm levels (Kp=5) early on July 15, 2013. NOAA/SWPC issued G1 (Minor) Geomagnetic Storm Level Alert. At this level weak power grid fluctuations can occur, with minor impact on satellite operations. Aurora is commonly visible at high latitudes (northern Michigan and Maine).

Estimated planetary K-index show Kp=5 values early on July 15, 2013 (Credit: NOAA/SWPC)

Global D-Region Absortion map (Credit: NOAA/SWPC)

Planetary K-index values from July 9 to July 15, 2013 (Credit: NOAA/SWPC)

Featured image: Aurora forecast map – North Pole (Credit: NOAA/OVATION)