Filament eruption produces Earth-directed CMEs

A filament channel eruption, approximately 35 degrees in length, began at around 01:00 UTC on March 17, 2024, producing two coronal mass ejections (CMEs).

The first signature was to the SSE beginning 03:12 UTC and the second was to the SW beginning 03:36 UTC. “These CMEs have been analyzed to be Earth-directed and are expected to arrive separately after midday on March 20 and early March 21,” SWPC forecasters said.

The geomagnetic field is expected to be quiet on March 18 and 19 and through the first half of March 20. Periods of active conditions and G1 – Minor storming are likely during the latter half of March 20 due to the anticipated arrival of CMEs associated with the filament eruption.

A G1 – Minor Geomagnetic Storm Watch is now in effect.

The area of impact is primarily poleward of 60 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude. Under G1 conditions, weak power grid fluctuations can occur, minor impact on satellite operations is possible and aurora may be visible at high latitudes, i.e., northern tier of the U.S. such as northern Michigan and Maine.

References:

¹ Forecast Discussion – Issued: 2024 Mar 18 0030 UTC – Prepared by the U.S. Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center

Featured image credit: NASA/ESA LASCO C2 and C3, Helioviewer, The Watchers