CME impact sparks G2 – Moderate geomagnetic storm

A coronal mass ejection (CME) produced by C5.1 solar flare on February 28, 2024, impacted Earth at approximately 08:45 UTC on March 3, producing G2 – Moderate geomagnetic storming.

Following the CMEs arrival, total field strength reached 19 nT, Bz reached -17 nT and solar wind speeds increased from 280 to 375 km/s.

The geomagnetic field was at quiet to unsettled levels through midday UTC on March 3 and then increased in activity to minor storm (G1 – Minor) and major storm (G2 – Moderate) over the next couple of hours.

CME impacts are now subsiding and only isolated active periods are expected on March 4. March 5 and 6 are expected to see quiet geomagnetic field conditions.

Solar activity was at low levels in 24 hours to 00:30 UTC on March 3, with low-level C-class flares observed from Regions 3589 (beta) and 3599 (beta).

There are currently 7 numbered active regions on the Earth side of the Sun today. While regions 3589 and 3599 showed signs of decay over the past 36 hours, the remaining regions were mostly stable.

There were no Earth-directed CMEs detected over the past 24 hours.

References:

¹ Forecast Discussion – Issued: 2024 Mar 04 0030 UTC – Prepared by the U.S. Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center

Featured image: Aurora forecast at 16:45 UTC on March 3, 2024. Credit: NOAA/SWPC