• Quick note - the problem with Youtube videos not embedding on the forum appears to have been fixed, thanks to ZiprHead. If you do still see problems let me know.

Geomagnetic Storm Alert

newyorkguy

Penultimate Amazing
newyorkguy
Joined
Mar 12, 2013
Messages
14,970
Location
NY
NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) issued a Geomagnetic Storm Alert about one hour ago, 6:00 pm NY time, after the G4 electromagnetic storm had developed. New York State Governor Kathy Hochul says that electric power grids and radio networks are being "actively monitored." Not too sure what any of this means but it sounds gnarly. :(

The website Earth dot com reports:
A significant geomagnetic solar storm is currently in progress, sparked by recent solar eruptions that have hurled plasma towards Earth. This atmospheric phenomenon is set to illuminate skies with the Northern Lights, extending unusually far south to regions including Alabama and Northern California as early as Monday.

The severity of the current event, classified as G4, suggests significant disturbances. Geomagnetically induced currents could pose widespread challenges to voltage control systems, potentially triggering protective measures that inadvertently disconnect crucial components of the power grid. Additionally, these currents may amplify in pipelines, further complicating the situation. Moreover, the event is expected to severely impact navigation systems, with satellite-based navigation (GPS) services facing degradation or complete outages lasting hours. Earth dot com website link
Click to expand...
 
Last edited:
Last edited:
I read the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration alert on their website. The effects of the storm should be mostly above the 55th parallel north, which is north of the United States (excepting Alaska). From the NOAA alert:

  • Potential Impacts: Area of impact primarily poleward of 55 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude.
  • Induced Currents - Power grid fluctuations can occur. High-latitude power systems may experience voltage alarms.
  • Spacecraft - Satellite orientation irregularities may occur; increased drag on low Earth-orbit satellites is possible.
  • Radio - HF (high frequency) radio propagation can fade at higher latitudes.
  • Aurora - Aurora may be seen as low as New York to Wisconsin to Washington state.
NOAA link
Click to expand...

Glad I'm not in a spacecraft. This is not a good day to be orbiting, apparently. :(
 
I watch the Spaceweather alerts all the time and they are about as correct as weather reports.
 
When I was in the Army I had to take a class in Meteorology (for aviation). I always remember one of the instructors telling us -- warning us actually -- that 'the weather' is not a fixed predictable system. Weather is dynamic. With many factors -- cloud cover, temperature, wind speed and direction -- affecting what will happen. Predictions are based on probabilities but weather doesn't always do what it usually does.

When I was in an Army aviation unit (helicopters) I can recall the weather briefing the crew would get just before departure. The weather guy would often say something like, "It's probably going to be clear for your flight path but there's a low pressure zone to the south and it looks like it's going to stay south. But if the wind direction shifts a bit -- depending on the air temperature -- then we're looking at possible clouds and precip. But that's a couple hours away. I don't think we'll see it anyway."
 
Skeptic Ginger said:
Love the link, NY guy.

What it means is there will be auroras observable at lower latitudes if you have clear dark skies. :thumbsup:

It's daytime here but I'm hopeful the storm isn't over. A couple of smaller CMEs followed the X-flare. We have partially cloudy skies.

https://spaceweather.com/

https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/aurora-viewline-tonight-and-tomorrow-night-experimental

https://explore.org/livecams/aurora-borealis-northern-lights/northern-lights-cam
Click to expand...
I prefer Space Weather, a good site.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Back
Top Bottom