Geomagnetic storming continues, M2.2 solar flare

Friday, 28 August 2015 16:05 UTC

Header image: Mark Ferrier (Troon, Scotland)

Image: Josh Brown (Saltburn, UK)

Image: Thomas Kast (Finland)

Image: Jeremy Rowe (Keweenaw Peninsula, USA)

Image: Stewart Watt (Thurso, Scotland)

Image: Katarina Koty Srsenova (Reykjavik, Iceland)

Image: Jani Ylinampa (50km southwest of Rovaniemi, Finland)

Image: Jörgen Norrland Andersson (Sweden)

Image: Paul DMessenger (Irvine, Ayrshire, UK) 

Video: Stjörnufræðivefurinn (Iceland)

More geomagnetic storming is likely in the hours ahead as the anticipated coronal hole high speed solar wind stream seems to be arriving at Earth. The solar wind density has been elevated and the strength of the IMF is nearing 15nT while the direction (Bz) again points southward. The moon is however illuminated for 95% which could make it problematic to spot weaker aurora. Keep this in mind if you decide to head out tonight.

M2.2 solar flare

Solar activity reached moderate levels thanks to sunspot region 2403, which is now getting close to the west limb. It was the source of an M2.2 solar flare that peaked at 13:16 UTC. There was no coronal mass ejection associated with this event. Sunspot region 2403 is now so close to the west limb that any future eruptions will likely be directed away from Earth.

Moderately strong M2.21 solar #flare from #sunspot region 12403 - Follow live on http://t.co/XHATH0OOfT pic.twitter.com/uyBEELzjeF

— SpaceWeatherLive (@_SpaceWeather_) August 28, 2015