Updated 02/27/2014 @ 20:20 UTC
CME Impact / Geomagnetic Storm Observed
A geomagnetic sudden impulse measuring 22 nT was detected at 16:53 UTC by ground based magnetometers. This signals the moment an expected plasma cloud (CME) swept past our planet. Solar wind speeds increased to above 430 km/s and the Bz/IMF component is currently variable. A noteworthy rise in plasma density was also observed. Moderate (G2) Geomagnetic Storming is being observed at high latitudes. Sky watchers should remain alert for visual aurora tonight at high latitudes.

Update: The Bz component of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) is now pointed sharply south (-18 nT). This could help intensity geomagnetic activity in the wake of the earlier CME impact. The solar wind speed remains near 450 km/s.

ALERT: Geomagnetic K-index of 6
Threshold Reached: 2014 Feb 27 1955 UTC
Synoptic Period: 1800-2100 UTC
Active Warning: No
NOAA Scale: G2 - Moderate
Potential Impacts: Area of impact primarily poleward of 55 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude.
Induced Currents - Power grid fluctuations can occur. High-latitude power systems may experience voltage alarms.
Spacecraft - Satellite orientation irregularities may occur; increased drag on low Earth-orbit satellites is possible.
Radio - HF (high frequency) radio propagation can fade at higher latitudes.
Aurora - Aurora may be seen as low as New York to Wisconsin to Washington state.

SUMMARY: Geomagnetic Sudden Impulse
Observed: 2014 Feb 27 1653 UTC
Deviation: 22 nT
Station: HAD


 Updated 02/27/2014 @ 11:55 UTC
Aurora Watch Update
A coronal mass ejection expected to deliver a glancing blow to our geomagnetic field appears to be running a little late. Proton levels measured by the ACE EPAM instrument continue to show a gradual rise indicating a shock passage may still be pending. A geomagnetic storm watch remains in effect on Thursday.

WATCH: Geomagnetic Storm Category G1 Predicted
Highest Storm Level Predicted by Day:
Feb 27: G1 (Minor) Feb 28: None (Below G1) Mar 01: None (Below G1)
Potential Impacts: Area of impact primarily poleward of 60 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude.
Induced Currents - Weak power grid fluctuations can occur.
Spacecraft - Minor impact on satellite operations possible.
Aurora - Aurora may be visible at high latitudes, i.e., northern tier of the U.S. such as northern Michigan and Maine.

Updated 02/27/2014 @ 11:55 UTC
Solar Update / Radiation Storm
Good morning. Below is an updated look at the visible solar disk on Thursday. The Earth facing side of the sun is peppered with small to mid sized sunspots today. Solar activity declined to lower levels with only C-Class flares being detected. Sunspot 1991 produced an impulsive C5.7 flare at 10:44 UTC Thursday morning. A number of other lower level C-Flares were observed around regions 1982, 1990 and 1991. All other regions remain fairly stable. There will be an ongoing chance for isolated M-Class solar flares.