Space Weather Outlook #00-45 2000 October 17 at 12:17 a.m. MDT

SPACE WEATHER OUTLOOK #00- 45

2000 October 17 at 12:17 a.m. MDT (2000 October 17 0617 UT)

**** SPACE WEATHER OUTLOOK ****

Summary For October 9-15

Space weather reached category 2 (moderate) levels during the week.
Category G2 (moderate) geomagnetic storms occurred during October 13 –
14 due to a CME passage at Earth. Category G2 geomagnetic storms may
result in the following system effects: high latitude power systems may
experience voltage alarms, corrective actions to spacecraft orientation
may be required by ground control and possible changes in drag affect
orbit predictions; and high-frequency radio propagation can fade at
higher latitudes. Isolated category R1 (minor) radio blackouts occurred
on October 12 and 14 due to moderate-sized solar flares. Category R1
radio blackouts are typically associated with the following system
effects on the sunlit portion of Earth: minor degradation of
high-frequency communication resulting in occasional loss of radio
contact and low-frequency navigation signals degraded for brief
intervals.

Outlook For October 18-24

Space weather is expected to reach category 1 (minor) levels. Isolated
category R1 (minor) radio blackouts are possible during the period with
effects similar to those mentioned above. Category G1 (minor)
geomagnetic storms will be possible during October 21 – 22 due to an
expected increase in solar wind velocities associated with a coronal
hole. Category G1 geomagnetic storms usually result in minor impacts on
power systems and satellite operations.

Data used to provide space weather services are contributed by NOAA,
USAF, NASA, NSF, USGS, the International Space Environment Services
and other observatories, universities, and institutions. More
information is available at SEC’s Web site http://sec.noaa.gov or
(303) 497-5127. The NOAA Public Affairs contact is Barbara McGehan
at bmcgehan@boulder.noaa.gov or (303) 497-6288.