Coronal hole stream, G1 geomagnetic storm

Monday, 29 December 2014 19:39 UTC

This enhanced solar wind stream is now reaching over 600km/s which is a moderately high speed. This stream is likely coming from a large southern hemisphere coronal hole which will continue to influence earth for days to come as it is a large coronal hole that stretches well east of the central meredian right now.

The direction of the IMF (Bz) is variable but more periods of active (Kp4) to minor G1 (Kp5) geomagnetic storm conditions should not be ruled out if the direction of the IMF turns south. The solar wind speed is high enough to push us back up into the G1 range but it is vital that the direction of the IMF (Bz) goes southward. Aurora watchers in Scandinavia, Finland, Scotland and around the US-Canadian border should remain alert for possible auroral displays.

Image: NASA SDO.