SFI = 123
A index = 31
K index = 2
SSN = 83
GEOMAGNETIC STORM WATCH: NOAA forecasters say that strong G3-class geomagnetic storms are possible on Aug. 18-19 when a series of CMEs is expected to graze Earth’s magnetic field. During such storms naked-eye auroras can descend into the USA as far south as Illinois and Oregon (geomagnetic latitude 50 degrees). Satellites and power grids will not be affected, however.
poses a threat for X-class solar flares. Credit: SDO/HMI
ANOTHER CME: Yesterday, Aug. 17th, active sunspot AR3078 produced a rapid-fire pair of M-class solar flares (M1+M2). The double blast hurled this CME into space:
Although the bulk of the CME is directed south of the sun-Earth line, there appears to be an Earth-directed component. A faint halo suggests that a fraction of the cloud is heading our way. If so, it should arrive on Aug. 20th. Stay tuned for further analysis of this event.
NOAA Alerts
Space Weather Message Code: WATA50
Serial Number: 69
Issue Time: 2022 Aug 18 1023 UTC
WATCH: Geomagnetic Storm Category G3 Predicted
Highest Storm Level Predicted by Day:
Aug 18: G3 (Strong) Aug 19: G2 (Moderate) Aug 20: G1 (Minor)
THIS SUPERSEDES ANY/ALL PRIOR WATCHES IN EFFECT
NOAA Space Weather Scale descriptions can be found at
www.swpc.noaa.gov/noaa-scales-explanation
Potential Impacts: Area of impact primarily poleward of 50 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude.
Induced Currents – Power system voltage irregularities possible, false alarms may be triggered on some protection devices.
Spacecraft – Systems may experience surface charging; increased drag on low Earth-orbit satellites and orientation problems may occur.
Navigation – Intermittent satellite navigation (GPS) problems, including loss-of-lock and increased range error may occur.
Radio – HF (high frequency) radio may be intermittent.
Aurora – Aurora may be seen as low as Pennsylvania to Iowa to Oregon.