G3 Geomagnetic Storm Incoming

NWS/NOAA ^ | 1/9/2014 | NWS

[Paul R.]

2014-01-09 12:36 UTC Awaiting CME Arrival

The ongoing Solar Radiation Storm peaked briefly just above the S3 (Strong) threshold but is now in decay and currently at S2 (Moderate) levels. Enhancement back across the S3 level is possible with the anticipated coronal mass ejection (CME) arrival. The CME, originally expected to arrive around 0800 UTC (3:00 a.m. EST) today, January 9, is now slightly overdue. However, pre-arrival signatures from EPAM data on the ACE spacecraft still show this transient en route. G3 (Strong) Geomagnetic Storm activity is still expected on January 9 and 10. Updates here as this event unfolds.

[Paul R.]

The above text at the Space Weather Prediction Center page will update, but I am not sure how often...

This storm is not considered "dangerous", but the auroras could be nice. :-)

Lots of great links at the SWPC page, btw.

[thackney]

NOAA Space Weather Scale for Solar Radiation Storms
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/bloggers/3109767/posts?page=10#10

[texas booster]

This is when I feel like flying to Canada or Alaska to see the aurora.

Have heard stories that some solar storms push viewing of the aurora down to the Lower 48.

[Truth29]

Depending on where you are, don’t forget Iceland. Great aurora displays, good air links from several US cities.

[mazda77]

I was driving from Montreal airport to Mt. Tremblant in Sept. 2003 and had quite a display for the entire trip. It took me a while to fully understand what it was I was seeing until I stopped along the highway to get a better look.

Neat thing to experience for this Florida resident. I’m like you on making the trip to see them with a real heavy storm.

[thackney]

Aurora Forecast for Thursday, January 9, 2014

[Linda Frances]

This is when I feel like flying to Canada or Alaska to see the aurora.
Have heard stories that some solar storms push viewing of the aurora down to the Lower 48.

---

All the comments about going north so see the aurora sounds like the beginning of a chiller movie where all the people that watch the aurora are zapped by new types of radiation and either disintegrate or turn into zombies and head south to infect everyone else. My husband watches the walking dead. It's too gory for me, so I'm usually reading FR. I think I need to read elsewhere.

[MrB]

Someone from the northlands please post some pictures!

[TheRhinelander]

Quick, buy milk and bread!

Nice link, thanks.

[The Sons of Liberty]

G3 Geomagnetic Storm Incoming

Is anyone else wishing it would "cleanse" DC?

[Paul R.]

Is anyone else wishing it would "cleanse" DC?

Well, if that means "political cleansing", and sending most of the current bunch to some sort of productive (or at least non-damaging) work in the private sector, I'd say 99.9% of FReepers would agree!

[Paul R.]

I’ve seen (a pretty rare occasion) the Aurora as far south as S. IL. Granted that it was not as dramatic as some of the pics from up north that get posted, but the glow to the north was fairly strong. Obviously, this storm is not expected to make much of a display that far south.

[Paul R.]

Good graphic - thanks!

[thackney]

When I lived in South-Central Alaska, we often checked that site for good viewing days in the winter.

They have maps for different areas done the same way. The have forecasts to check days into the future.

http://www.gi.alaska.edu/AuroraForecast

[infool7]

How many BTUs above average do you suppose the earth received from this CME?

[The Sons of Liberty]

You are way too forgiving and kind to the evil scum that infests our capitol.

[Ditter]

We were flying from Amsterdam to Denmark and saw the Aurora from the plane. That was fantastic!