Streamer Blowout Coronal Mass Ejection and Geomagnetic Activity Forecast
On August 26, 2024, a coronal mass ejection (CME) linked to a streamer blowout was observed. Streamers, caused by complex magnetic fields in the Sun's atmosphere, create loops of hot gas that extend from the corona and are shaped into tips by solar winds. When magnetic configurations shift, these loops can snap, expelling material violently into space. Fortunately, this particular CME is not expected to impact Earth. However, token plasma from the Sun that carries a portion of its magnetic field might still cause geomagnetic disturbances when encountering Earth's magnetosphere.
Current and Predicted Geomagnetic Conditions
Earth is experiencing moderate geomagnetic storming from a CME that erupted on August 23. There's also a coronal hole on the Sun, which is pointed directly at Earth, sending out materials in a steady stream. These high-speed streams can still induce geomagnetic disturbances, although they tend to be less violent than CMEs.
The British Geological Survey has forecasted slight elevation in geomagnetic activity due to ongoing CME effects. A related high-speed stream may cause active conditions on Day 2 of the forecast interval. The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) noted that geomagnetic conditions varied from quiet to unsettled levels, with a moderate storm interval earlier. Additionally, the Solar Influences Data Centre (SIDC) of the Royal Observatory of Belgium observed a positive polarity coronal hole in the southern hemisphere crossing the central meridian on August 27.
Geomagnetic Activity on August 30, 2024
On August 30, 2024, geomagnetic activity showed a kIndex of 3, indicating a relatively quiet state for Earth's magnetic field, with minor fluctuations typically associated with normal solar wind interactions. A kIndex of 3 usually suggests stable atmospheric conditions with limited space weather impact. Weather-sensitive individuals might experience mild symptoms like headaches or fatigue under these conditions, but most people are unlikely to feel significant effects. Quiet geomagnetic conditions encourage outdoor activities, with minimal threat of disruptions to GPS and communication systems.
Earlier, SSP wrote about Sun's recent coronal mass ejection.