Slow-moving transient sparks vivid auroras around the Arctic circle
Featured image: Pink aurora over Tromso, Norway on January 11, 2021. Credit: Markus Varik via SpaceWeather.com
Solar wind parameters reflected the arrival of a slow-moving transient at approximately 08:23 UTC on January 11, 2021. At this time, density, temperature, and wind speed increased, sparking vivid auroras around the Arctic circle.
The cause of the shock wave might have been filament eruption on January 8, which was not expected to affect Earth.
As the day progressed, total field strength saw an increase to 20 nT, the Bz component saw a maximum southward deflection to -18 nT, and wind speeds increased to peak over 460 km/s.
Solar wind parameters are expected to remain enhanced early on January 12 as effects from the slow-moving transient continues and combines with the onset of the positive polarity CH HSS.
Nominal conditions are expected to return on January 13 and 14.
To say tonight was one heck of an #aurora night would be a HUGE understatement with amazing colors and explosions! expand to see all pictures @TamithaSkov @INSVideos @chunder10 @LiveAuroraNetw1 @StormHour @halocme @dartanner @treetanner @Lathanafoto pic.twitter.com/eiXehu4bfc
— Night Lights (@NightLights_AM) January 11, 2021
Here’s a little bit of aurora happiness for you
This was taken 10 minutes ago from northern Norway, the lights are dancing already @weatherchannel @Lauratobin1 @StephanieAbrams @SimonOKing @StormchaserUKEU @StormHour @SonyAlpha @webcamsdemexico @bbcweather @weathernetwork pic.twitter.com/TNdKrC77Ob
— Matt Robinson (@Astromackem) January 11, 2021
A wonderful capture of last nights Aurora display here on Islay photographed beautifully by Billy Stitchell the former Caol Ila managers #Aurora #Islay Billy Stitchell #ThisIsIslay #HameTownTourist @VisitScotland pic.twitter.com/DQ1q94pgHV
— Glenegedale House, Isle of Islay (@GlenegedaleH) January 12, 2021
Need a Tuesday morning boost?
The #Aurora #NorthernLights put on a show across N Scot last night. We got quite a few Weather Watcher pictures so a montage coming later but here's a teaser… pic.twitter.com/YlplfIJ0gD
— Simon King (@SimonOKing) January 12, 2021
The geomagnetic field is expected to be at quiet to unsettled levels, with a chance for an isolated active period, early on January 12 as the influence from the transient persists.
Quiet conditions are expected to return late on January 12 and continue into January 13 and 14.
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.