CME impact!
The first of possibly two incoming CMEs hit Earth's magnetic field today at approximately 1740 UT (1:40 pm EDT). As a result of the impact, a moderate (Kp=6) geomagnetic storm is underway. High-latitude sky watchers should be alert for auroras after nightfall.
UPDATE: Northern Lights are being sighted now in Europe. Jesper Grønne sends this picture from Denmark:
"It's not every day we see auroras at +56 degrees latitude," says Grønne. "This could be a good storm."
In Lofoten, Norway, scientist Rob Stammes detected electrical currents flowing through the earth outside his laboratory. "At 17.40 UT, ground currents indicated the arrival of a CME: data. Three hours later a geomagnetic storm is active, strong enough for auroras." . . . More: Spaceweather.com
UPDATE: Northern Lights are being sighted now in Europe. Jesper Grønne sends this picture from Denmark:
"It's not every day we see auroras at +56 degrees latitude," says Grønne. "This could be a good storm."
In Lofoten, Norway, scientist Rob Stammes detected electrical currents flowing through the earth outside his laboratory. "At 17.40 UT, ground currents indicated the arrival of a CME: data. Three hours later a geomagnetic storm is active, strong enough for auroras." . . . More: Spaceweather.com
