Strong G3 geomagnetic storm

Monday, 7 March 2016 03:25 UTC

We suspect there might have been a CME passage before the onset of a coronal hole solar wind stream which really stirred things up. All in all a much stronger geomagnetic storm developed than was anticipated. Click here and here for an archived image of the solar wind and IMF conditions for 06-03-2016.

The current conditions remain favourable for more geomagnetic storming in the hours ahead as the direction of the IMF (Bz) remains southward but another period of strong G3 geomagnetic stroming is not to be expected. Minor G1 geomagnetic storming remains likely with a slight chance for G2 conditions. The following locations might see aurora towards their horizon tonight:

North America:
Portland (OR, USA) Boise (ID, USA) Casper (WY, USA) Lincoln (NE, USA) Indianapolis (IN, USA) Columbus (OH, USA) New York City (NY, USA)

Southern Hemisphere:
Devonport (Australia) Christchurch (New Zealand)

Here are a couple of images made in Europe:

Header image: Andy Walker (Scotland)

Barry Scollay, Scotland:

David Fowlie, Scotland:

Douwe, The Netherlands:

Ruben, The Netherlands:

Graeme Whipps, Scotland:

James Noyes, Wales:

Alistair Hamill‎, Northern Ireland:

David Herridge‎, Northumberland, UK:

Mark Wilson, Scottish Borders, UK: