Solar Update / M2.2 Flare / Geomagnetic Storming Continues G2 (Moderate) (+Video)

Moderate (G2) Geomagnetic Storm (Interplanetary K-index of 6)
A geomagnetic storm is once again underway at high latitudes.Sky watchers should remain alert tonight. http://www.solarham.net/

Sunspot AR2403
As AR2403 turns away from Earth, the odds of a geoeffective explosion ironically increase. Magnetic fields near the sun’s western limb sweep back toward Earth, connecting our planet to the star. As the sunspot passes through this well-connected region, flares become extra-perilous. Protons and other subatomic particles accelerated by flares are guided by these sweeping magnetic fields right back toward Earth.  http://spaceweather.com/

SDO captures an M2.2 solar flare that was detected around sunspot 2403 at 13:16 UTC (Aug 28).

Approximate Flare Start  :  28-08-2015 1311 UT 
Approximate Flare Maximum:  28-08-2015 1316 UT  at Flux M 2.2
Approximate Flare End    :  28-08-2015 1327 UT  http://www.ips.gov.au/Solar/1/8
 

SPACE WEATHER PREDICTION CENTER  http://sdo.gsfc.nasa.gov/
 

G2 (Moderate) Geomagnetic Storm Impacts
Power systems: High-latitude power systems may experience voltage alarms, long-duration storms may cause transformer damage.
Spacecraft operations: Corrective actions to orientation may be required by ground control; possible changes in drag affect orbit predictions.
Other systems: HF radio propagation can fade at higher latitudes, and aurora has been seen as low as New York and Idaho (typically 55° geomagnetic lat.). http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/noaa-scales-explanation

Image credit: SDO