·

Negative polarity CH HSS sparks G2 – Moderate geomagnetic storm

negative-polarity-ch-hss-sparks-g2-moderate-geomagnetic-storm

Earth is under the influence of negative polarity coronal hole high speed stream (CH HSS) over the past 24 hours, sparking G2 geomagnetic storming. The source is a polar connected coronal hole located in the Sun's southern hemisphere.

Geomagnetic K-index of 5 (G1 – Minor geomagnetic storm) threshold was reached at 07:10 UTC, followed by K-index of 6 (G2 – Moderate) at 08:00 UTC.

Under G2 conditions, the area of impact is primarily poleward of 55 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude.

Power grid fluctuations can occur, high-latitude power systems may experience voltage alarms, satellite orientation irregularities may occur, increased drag on low Earth-orbit satellites is possible, HF (high frequency) radio propagation can fade at higher latitudes and aurora may be seen as low as New York to Wisconsin to Washington state.

***

Space Weather Message Code: ALTK05
Serial Number: 1316
Issue Time: 2021 Mar 20 0712 UTC

ALERT: Geomagnetic K-index of 5
Threshold Reached: 2021 Mar 20 0710 UTC
Synoptic Period: 0600-0900 UTC
Active Warning: Yes
NOAA Scale: G1 – Minor

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.

***

Space Weather Message Code: ALTK06
Serial Number: 478
Issue Time: 2021 Mar 20 0803 UTC

ALERT: Geomagnetic K-index of 6
Threshold Reached: 2021 Mar 20 0800 UTC
Synoptic Period: 0600-0900 UTC
Active Warning: Yes
NOAA Scale: G2 – Moderate

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: NASA/SDO AIA, LMSAL

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 *