A CME Hit Earth’s Magnetic Field Sparkling Bright Auroras - G2 Geomagnetic Storm Watch For April 17

Arriving almost two days later than expected, a CME hit Earth’s magnetic field during the late hours of April 16th. The impact caused a G1-class geomagnetic storm sparkling bright auroras around the Arctic Circle. The geomagnetic field is expected continue at unsettled to G2 (Moderate) storm levels early on 17 Apr. with continued CME influences. G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storm conditions are likely on 18 Apr. due to anticipated arrival of CMEs that left the Sun on 14 and 15 Apr. Quiet to unsettled conditions are likely over 19 Apr as CME influence wanes. Solar activity was at moderate levels. Region 3643 (beta-gamma) produced the largest flare of the period, an M1.1 flare at 16/18:02 UTC. Region 3643 along with Region 3639 (beta-gamma-delta) exhibited the most growth on the visible disk. Newly numbered Region 3644 (beta) rotated onto the visible disk from the East limb. Additional activity included a ~10 degree filament eruption beginning after ~16/19:00 UTC. Further coronagraph imagery is need to analyze any CME associated with the event. Solar activity is forecast to be moderate, with M-class flares likely and a slight chance for an X-class flare (R3/Strong) over 17-19 Apr. #solarstorm #CME #filament Images credit: NOAA/SWPC, NASA, AIA/SDO, nemesis maturity channel Music credit: YouTube Audio Library