Severe G4 geomagnetic storm

Friday, 10 May 2024 22:12 UTC

The north-south orientation of the interplanetary magnetic field (Bz) continues to be southward dipping as low as -49nT with a steady Bt value of 72nT at the moment which is incredibly high and seen only during major storms like we are having today. Expect continuing severe G4 geomagnetic storm conditions in the hours ahead as nightfall approaches in the USA. Expect widespread aurora displays there as well perhaps visible at latitudes as low as San Francisco, Las Vegas and Dallas!

I hardly dare to write this but if these conditions persist or perhaps even intensify as more coronal mass ejections pass our planet we might even see extreme G5 geomagnetic storm conditions which would be the first time this occurs since 2005. Go out, find a dark place and watch the skies. These kind of storms do not come around too often. This is your chance and why you have been following us for all these years. Good luck everyone.

EDIT at 22:17 UTC: Just as we were writing this article the Bz turned northward to a mindboggling +63nT. Hard to say if this is temporary or going to be a longer trend with a northward Bz component. Just keep an eye on the data in the hours ahead. Good luck all.