ESA’s SMOS and Swarm observe strongest geomagnetic storm since 2017

ESA’s SMOS and Swarm observe strongest geomagnetic storm since 2017

The European Space Agency’s SMOS and Swarm satellites have, for the first time, successfully tracked a severe solar storm, following an X1.1 solar flare and a halo coronal mass ejection (CME) on March 23, 2024. The CME impacted Earth on March 24, producing a G4 – Severe geomagnetic storm — the strongest geomagnetic storm since September 2017.

Major, long-duration X1.1 solar flare produces Earth-directed CME

Major, long-duration X1.1 solar flare produces Earth-directed CME

A major, long-duration solar flare measuring X1.1 erupted from Active Region 3614 at 01:33 UTC on March 23, 2024. The event started at 00:58 and ended at 02:21 UTC. A halo CME was produced, with impacts to Earth likely late March 25 or early March 26.

CME impact sparks G2 – Moderate geomagnetic storm

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.

Multiple CMEs impact Earth, sparking G3 – Strong geomagnetic storm

Multiple CMEs impact Earth, sparking G3 – Strong geomagnetic storm

Multiple coronal mass ejections (CMEs) produced on November 27 and 28, 2023, impacted Earth on December 1, sparking G3 – Strong geomagnetic storm. Similarly to the last G3 storm, on November 5, spectacular aurora sightings were reported from both hemispheres.

Global SAR arc outbreak: Geomagnetic storm leads to rare SAR arc sightings across the globe

Global SAR arc outbreak: Geomagnetic storm leads to rare SAR arc sightings across the globe

On November 5, 2023, observers across the globe were treated to a striking light show, courtesy of a G3 – Strong geomagnetic storm. This solar event was powerful enough to push the typically high-latitude auroras into lower latitudes, with sightings as far south as Texas and Arizona in the United States, as well as in European countries like Italy and Greece. Sightings were also reported in Australia and New Zealand.

Geomagnetic storm reaches G3 – Strong level after dual CME impact

Geomagnetic storm reaches G3 – Strong level after dual CME impact

A G3 – Strong geomagnetic storming was observed on Sunday, November 5, 2023, as a result of the impact of two successive coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from the Sun. The storm produced auroras extending into the lower latitudes such as Colorado and Texas in the United States and Greece in Europe, which is unusual for such regions. Many people across both hemispheres have also recorded and captured rare red aurora.