G2 – Moderate geomagnetic storm predicted following long-duration C2 solar flare
Featured image: Full halo CME produced on March 10, 2022. Credit: ESA/NASA LASCO C2 and C3
A long-duration C2 solar flare erupted from an area west of AR 2962 on March 10/11, 2022, producing full halo coronal mass ejection (CME). As a result, a G2 – Moderate geomagnetic storm watch is in effect.
The event started around 18:00 UTC on March 10 and ended after 05:00 UTC on March 11 – more than 11 hours.
The CME was first observed in LASCO C2 imagery at around 19:30 UTC on March 10.1
The arrival of this CME is expected on the 33rd anniversary of the infamously named “Quebec Blackout” geomagnetic storm in March 1989, which resulted in power outages in Canada as well as auroral activity in lower than usual latitudes.2
Image credit: ESA/NASA LASCO C2 and C3
Space Weather Message Code: WATA30
Serial Number: 201
Issue Time: 2022 Mar 11 1802 UTC
WATCH: Geomagnetic Storm Category G2 Predicted
Highest Storm Level Predicted by Day:
Mar 12: None (Below G1) Mar 13: None (Below G1) Mar 14: G2 (Moderate)
THIS SUPERSEDES ANY/ALL PRIOR WATCHES IN EFFECT
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.
References:
1 Forecast Discussion Issued: 2022 Mar 11 1230 UTC Prepared by the U.S. Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
2 Space Weather Alert – 11th March 2022 – BGS
Teo Blašković founded The Watchers in 2011 and edited it until 2026, covering seismic and volcanic activity, extreme weather, space weather and near-Earth objects. Articles on this page are his archive.
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