G1 (Minor) Geomagnetic Storm in Progress - Aurora Watch
G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storm conditions were met at 09/0458 UTC (09/00:58 ET) due to the sustained southward Bz component of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF). G1 (Minor) warning conditions are valid from 09/0130 to 09/1200 UTC. Arctic skywatchers should be alert for auroral displays.
Planetary K-Index of 5
Solar Wind Speed: 495 km/sec Solar Wind Magnetic Fields: Bt 7 nT, Bz -5 nT http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/
G1 (Minor) Geomagnetic Storm Impacts
Power systems: Weak power grid fluctuations can occur. Spacecraft operations: Minor impact on satellite operations possible. Other systems: Migratory animals are affected at this and higher levels; aurora is commonly visible at high latitudes (northern Michigan and Maine).
Spotless Sun
After a week where we saw a couple of large sunspots and multiple M-Class solar flares, the Earth facing side of the sun is now void of sunspots. Solar activity is expected to be at much quieter levels over the next few days.
Images credit: NASA/SDO & NOAA/SWPC
