G2 – Moderate geomagnetic storm watch in effect
Image credit: NASA SDO/AIA 304, TW
A G2 – Moderate geomagnetic storm watch is in effect for February 2, 2022, after a long-duration M1.1 solar flare produced an asymmetric, full-halo coronal mass ejection (CME) at 23:32 UTC on January 29.
The CME is expected to reach Earth late February 1 or early February 2 and combine with coronal hole high speed stream (CH HSS) influence to produce G2 – Moderate geomagnetic storm.
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.
Quiet to unsettled geomagnetic conditions are expected through the remainder of January 31 and on February 1.
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.
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