Science and Exploration

Strong Geomagnetic Storm Is Expected To Hit Earth Today

By Keith Cowing
Press Release
December 30, 2015
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Strong Geomagnetic Storm Is Expected To Hit Earth Today
Strong Geomagnetic Storm
NOAA/NASA

The geomagnetic storming watch for 30 December has been upgraded to a G3 (Strong), with a G1 (Minor) storming watch still in effect for 31 December.
These watches are in response to consistent WSA-Enlil modeling results and SWPC forecasters’ determination that a coronal mass ejection (CME) impact is likely just after mid-UTC day on 30 December with residual CME effects continuing into 31 December. The CME impact may cause a sudden impulse geomagnetic response at Earth, likely resulting in the G3 conditions.

The CME was associated with a long-duration M1 flare (R1-Minor radio blackout) that peaked at 1245 UTC (0745 ET) on 28 December. Keep checking the SWPC website for continued updates.

SpaceRef co-founder, Explorers Club Fellow, ex-NASA, Away Teams, Journalist, Space & Astrobiology, Lapsed climber.