For the second time today, a CME has hit Earth's magnetic field. The first strike, described below, was relatively minor. The second impact, which occured at approximately 1600 UT, could be more potent CME #2 was propelled toward Earth by a powerful X-class solar flare on Sept. 10th. It could spark strong geomagnetic storms extending from Earth's poles to mid-latitudes. Stay tuned for updates about this developing story--and be alert for auroras!
The first of two CMEs expected to hit Earth's magnetic field on Sept. 12th arrived on schedule. Although the geomagnetic storm it provoked was technically only minor (G-1-class), Northern Lights were observed as far south as
Arizona. Chris Schur photographed the red glow of auroras peaking over the trees in the backyard of his home in Payson, AZ:
Some readers may be skeptical of this observation, but it is real. Schur is a veteran photographer of auroras; he knows what they look like. Moreover, red is the correct color for auroras at low latitudes.
"This pink glow right under Ursa Major was visible to the naked eye before the moon came up," says Schur. "These were the first auroras here in Arizona since the previous solar maximum."
A second and potentially more powerful CME is still en route. Geomagnetic storming could become strong (G3-classs) during the late hours of Sept. 12th and Sept 13th after the second CME arrives. NOAA forecasters estimate a 45% chance that geomagnetic storming will reach mid-latitudes. Sky watchers everywhere should remain alert for auroras.
http://spaceweather.com/
