Geomagnetic storming in progress, bright auroras formed around the Arctic Circle
During the late hours of April 11 the Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) tipped south and opened a crack in Earth's magnetosphere. Our planet is now under the influence of coronal hole high speed stream (CH HSS). CH HSS effects are expected to begin subsiding on April 14th.
The latest WSA/Enlil ambient model run indicates peak wind speed in the 500 km/s to 550 km/s range with this CH HSS.
Geomagnetic K-Index of 4 threshold was reached at 01:12 UTC on April 12 sparking bright auroras around the Arctic Circle.
Geomagnetic K-Index of 5 threshold was reached at 01:18 UTC. That's G1 minor geomagnetic storm on NOAA scale:
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.
Duration of event will influence severity of effects.
RTSW from ACE, Proton Flux from GOES-13, Electron Flux and GOES Hp from GOES-13 & GOES-15
Space Weather Message Code: ALTK04
Serial Number: 1702
Issue Time: 2014 Apr 12 0113 UTC
ALERT: Geomagnetic K-index of 4
Threshold Reached: 2014 Apr 12 0112 UTC
Synoptic Period: 0000-0300 UTC
Active Warning: Yes
Potential Impacts: Area of impact primarily poleward of 65 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude.
Induced Currents – Weak power grid fluctuations can occur.
Aurora – Aurora may be visible at high latitudes such as Canada and Alaska.
***
Space Weather Message Code: ALTK05
Serial Number: 740
Issue Time: 2014 Apr 12 0118 UTC
ALERT: Geomagnetic K-index of 5
Threshold Reached: 2014 Apr 12 0118 UTC
Synoptic Period: 0000-0300 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.
***
A family of "aurora addicts" traveling through Boden, Sweden, took the following picture of the display:
Taken by Aurora Addicts on April 11, 2014 @ Near Boden, Sweden (image via SpaceWeather)
NOAA SWPC forecasters estimate a 40% chance of continued polar geomagnetic storms during the next 24 hours.
Featured image: SWPC/NOAA
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