G1 geomagnetic storm in progress

A recurrent, negative polarity coronal hole high-speed stream (CH HSS) is affecting our planet causing isolated periods of G1 Minor geomagnetic storming and vivid auroras.

High-speed solar wind speed hit Earth late January 31, 2017.

Geomagnetic K-index of 5 (G1 – Minor geomagnetic storm) threshold was first reached 23:59 UTC. The threshold was again reached at 02:59 and at 16:10 UTC on February 1.

Under G1 conditions, area of impact is primarily poleward of 60 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude. Weak power grid fluctuations can occur, minor impact on satellite operations are possible and aurora may be visible at high latitudes.

Solar wind parameters are expected to remain enhanced over the next three days.

Unsettled to active conditions, with isolated periods of G1 (Minor) storming, are expected to continue today and linger into February 2 and 3 with primarily unsettled to active conditions expected.

Meanwhile, solar activity is at very low levels and is expected to remain like that with only a slight chance for C-class flares through February 3.

Issued alerts

Space Weather Message Code: ALTK05
Serial Number: 1058
Issue Time: 2017 Feb 01 0001 UTC

ALERT: Geomagnetic K-index of 5
Threshold Reached: 2017 Jan 31 2359 UTC
Synoptic Period: 2100-2400 UTC

Active Warning: Yes
NOAA Scale: G1 – Minor

NOAA Space Weather Scale descriptions can be found at
www.swpc.noaa.gov/noaa-scales-explanation

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: ALTK05
Serial Number: 1059
Issue Time: 2017 Feb 01 0303 UTC

ALERT: Geomagnetic K-index of 5
Threshold Reached: 2017 Feb 01 0259 UTC
Synoptic Period: 0000-0300 UTC

Active Warning: Yes
NOAA Scale: G1 – Minor

NOAA Space Weather Scale descriptions can be found at
nwww.swpc.noaa.gov/noaa-scales-explanation

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: ALTK05
Serial Number: 1060
Issue Time: 2017 Feb 01 1610 UTC

ALERT: Geomagnetic K-index of 5
Threshold Reached: 2017 Feb 01 1610 UTC
Synoptic Period: 1500-1800 UTC

Active Warning: Yes
NOAA Scale: G1 – Minor

NOAA Space Weather Scale descriptions can be found at
nwww.swpc.noaa.gov/noaa-scales-explanation

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.

Featured image: Taken by Rauno Pakarinen on January 31, 2017 @ Pieksämäki, eastern Finland (via Spaceweather.com)