Geomagnetic Storm Continues, Solar Radiation Storm Begins Decay

2012-03-09 03:48 UTC The coronal mass ejection (CME) associated with the R3 (Strong) Radio Blackout event from 0024 UTC March 7 continues to minimally affect the Earth and G1 (Minor) storming levels have been observed since the onset at 1105 UTC March 8 (6:05 a.m. EST March 8).

Although the magnetic field strength of this CME has been fairly high, it hasn’t been of the orientation needed to cause strong geomagnetic storming. The disturbance is not over, but storming reaching the G3 (Strong) levels as initially predicted is becoming less likely as influence from this CME wanes.

Solar Radiation Storm levels have just decreased below the S3 (Strong) threshold and are expected to continue their slow decay over the next several days, barring additional activity. Region 1429, the source of these events, is near the center of the solar disk and continues to have the potential for significant activity. Updates will follow as conditions warrant.