CME watch, coronal hole stream incoming

Friday, 13 February 2015 13:30 UTC

Image: Low energy protons showing a minor rising trend indicating that the coronal mass ejection could still arrive. Credit: ACE EPAM.

Coronal hole stream incoming

There is however a backup plan for those wishing to see some aurora in the coming days should the coronal mass ejection be really weak or perhaps even miss us. A coronal hole has crossed the central meridian and an enhanced solar wind stream could arrive at our planet as early as tomorrow. IMF Bt values of 15nT to 20nT are possible followed by solar wind speeds in the 500 to 600km/s range. Active geomagnetic conditions (Kp4) will be possible when the stream arrives, with a slight chance for minor G1 geomagnetic storm conditions if the direction of the IMF cooperates. High latitude sky watchers should be alert for aurora in the coming days.

Image: This coronal hole will likely cause enhanced solar wind conditions near Earth the coming days. Credit: NASA SDO.