Negative polarity CH HSS sparks geomagnetic storming

negative-polarity-ch-hss-sparks-geomagnetic-storming

A negative polarity Coronal Hole High Speed Stream (CH HSS) is affecting our planet today, sparking G1 – Minor geomagnetic storming. G1 threshold was reached at 13:29 UTC on June 1, 2018.

Solar wind parameters became enhanced over the past 24 hours due to the effect of Co-rotating Interaction Region (CIR) followed by the influence of a negative polarity CH HSS. 

Solar wind speeds steadily increased from initial values of around 350 km/s to a peak value of 694 km/s, observed at 14:38 UTC today. Total field strength values reached a peak of 17 nT, Bz briefly reached -12 nT, and solar wind density reached a peak of 43 particles per cubic cm during the initial onset of the CIR at 18:00 UTC on May 31.

Enhanced solar wind parameters are expected through June 3.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux reached moderate levels and the greater than 10 MeV proton flux was steady at background levels over the past 24 hours. 

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux is expected to reach moderate levels on June 1 with high levels likely on June 2 and 3. The greater than 10 MeV proton flux is expected to persist at background levels over the next 3 days.

G1 – Minor geomagnetic storms conditions are expected on June 1 and likely on June 2 due to the continued influence of a negative polarity CH HSS. Active conditions are expected on June 3 as CH HSS influence begins to weaken.

Solar activity was at very low levels over the past 24 hours. Region 2712, the only numbered region on the Earth side of the Sun, produced frequent low-level B-class flare activity with no Earth-directed CMEs.

Sunspots on June 1, 2018. Credit: NASA SDO/HMI

Featured image credit: NOAA/SWPC

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