Geomagnetic storm reaching G2 – Moderate in progress
Image credit: SWPC.
Earth's geomagnetic field is disturbed since early June 7, 2015 as a result of solar sector boundary crossing (SSBC) preceding the negative polarity CH HSS. Geomagnetic storms reaching G2 – Moderate are in progress today.
SWPC said SSBC occurred at 01:45 UTC on June 7 changing the phi angle into a negative (towards the Sun) orientation.
The phi angle was variable between north and south orientations afterwards, before becoming predominantly negative by 17:41 UTC on June 7.
Geomagnetic K-index of 5 (G1 – Minor geomagnetic storm) threshold was reached at 07:12 UTC on June 8 followed by K-index of 6 (G2 – Moderate) at 07:49 UTC on June 8.
Potential impacts: Area of impact primarily poleward of 55 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude. Induced currents – power grid fluctuations can occur. High-latitude power systems may experience voltage alarms. Spacecraft – Satellite orientation irregularities may occur; increased drag on low Earth-orbit satellites is possible.
Radio – HF (high frequency) radio propagation can fade at higher latitudes.
Aurora may be seen as low as New York to Wisconsin to Washington state.
Space Weather Message Code: ALTK05
Serial Number: 784
Issue Time: 2015 Jun 08 0713 UTC
ALERT: Geomagnetic K-index of 5
Threshold Reached: 2015 Jun 08 0712 UTC
Synoptic Period: 0600-0900 UTC
Active Warning: Yes
NOAA Scale: G1 - Minor
NOAA Space Weather Scale descriptions can be found at
www.swpc.noaa.gov/NOAAscales
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.
Space Weather Message Code: ALTK06
Serial Number: 342
Issue Time: 2015 Jun 08 0750 UTC
ALERT: Geomagnetic K-index of 6
Threshold Reached: 2015 Jun 08 0749 UTC
Synoptic Period: 0600-0900 UTC
Active Warning: Yes
NOAA Scale: G2 - Moderate
NOAA Space Weather Scale descriptions can be found at
www.swpc.noaa.gov/NOAAscales
Potential Impacts: Area of impact primarily poleward of 55 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude.
Induced Currents - Power grid fluctuations can occur. High-latitude power systems may experience voltage alarms.
Spacecraft - Satellite orientation irregularities may occur; increased drag on low Earth-orbit satellites is possible.
Radio - HF (high frequency) radio propagation can fade at higher latitudes.
Aurora - Aurora may be seen as low as New York to Wisconsin to Washington state.
I'm a dedicated researcher, journalist, and editor at The Watchers. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, I specialize in hard science news, focusing on extreme weather, seismic and volcanic activity, space weather, and astronomy, including near-Earth objects and planetary defense strategies. You can reach me at teo /at/ watchers.news.
Commenting rules and guidelines
We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules.