·

CH HSS sparks G1 – Minor geomagnetic storm, G2 – Moderate warning

geomagnetic-storm-september-24-2020

A recurrent, positive polarity coronal hole high speed stream (CH HSS) is affecting our planet since September 23, sparking active to G1 – Minor geomagnetic storm conditions. A G2 – Moderate geomagnetic storm warning was issued at 08:07 UTC today.

In 24 hours to 00:30 UTC on September 24, solar wind parameters reflected slightly elevated CH HSS conditions.

Total magnetic field strength was mostly 4 to 6 nT before increasing to near 8nT.

The Bz component generally varied between +3 to -5 nT. Solar wind speeds increased from near 350 km/s to 465 km/s. Phi angle was predominately in a positive orientation.

The geomagnetic K-index of 5 threshold was reached at 07:41 UTC.

The solar wind environment is expected to reflect CH HSS conditions through September 26.

Synoptic map courtesy SWPC

Meanwhile, solar activity is at very low levels.

A new, but so far benign, active region was numbered yesterday as AR 2773, breaking the stretch of 33 spotless days.

From January 1 to September 24, 2020, the Sun has been spotless for 189 days — or 71%. Although we see signs of the new solar cycle — Solar Cycle 25 — we are still experiencing very deep solar minimum and significantly increased cosmic radiation.

***

Space Weather Message Code: ALTK05
Serial Number: 1298
Issue Time: 2020 Sep 24 0747 UTC

ALERT: Geomagnetic K-index of 5
Threshold Reached: 2020 Sep 24 0741 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/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: WARK06
Serial Number: 437
Issue Time: 2020 Sep 24 0807 UTC

WARNING: Geomagnetic K-Index of 6 expected
Valid From: 2020 Sep 24 0806 UTC
Valid To: 2020 Sep 24 1200 UTC
Warning Condition: Onset
NOAA Scale: G2 – Moderate

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

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.

***

Featured image credit: SWPC

Share:

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:

  • Treat others with kindness and respect.
  • Stay on topic and contribute to the conversation in a meaningful way.
  • Do not use abusive or hateful language.
  • Do not spam or promote unrelated products or services.
  • Do not post any personal information or content that is illegal, obscene, or otherwise inappropriate.

We reserve the right to remove any comments that violate these rules. By commenting on our website, you agree to abide by these guidelines. Thank you for helping to create a positive and welcoming environment for all.

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *