“Indeed, a disturbance in the solar wind was observed by an observation satellite 1 million miles from Earth at 5:12 a.m. EDT. This was the leading edge of the CME, and when it arrived at Earth, geomagnetic conditions quickly intensified and eventually reached G3 levels. The G3 Warning is in effect until 5 p.m. EDT, as CME passage is anticipated to continue through the day. There will likely be variable conditions of geomagnetic response during CME progression, so continue to monitor our SWPC webpage for the latest information and updates.”
A G3 storm typically results in intermittent satellite navigation and low-frequency radio navigation problems. An aurora has been seen as low as Illinois and Oregon.
A few minutes after its initial report, SWPC reported the geomagnetic storm had reached level G4, or “severe.” A G4 storm typically affects HF radio, satellite navigation can be degraded for hours, low-frequency radio navigation is disrupted, and an aurora may be seen as low as Alabama and northern California.
You can follow Friday’s solar events by going to the Space Weather Prediction Center at www.swpc.noaa.gov.
Dan Miller can be reached at [email protected]
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