Geomagnetic Alert and Possible Aurora 22-23 June 2015

An updated geomagnetic alert has been issued by the Australian  IPS for the 22nd-23rd  due to an anticipated impact from a Coronal Mass Ejection catching up with the previously predicted CME. The impact time is uncertain. This could translate into aurora at any time during the late night time of the 22nd to early morning 23rd and possibly evening of the 23rd (or disappointingly, during daylight hours).  Aurora, if they flare up tonight, are likely to be seen in Tasmania, possibly Victoria, and if conditions are favourable in southern WA and Southern South Australia. There is even a chance they could be seen further north. However, despite prediction of severe geomagnetic storms there is also a chance no aurora will occur. Currently a lot of Southern Australia is under cloud though, however the waxing Moon, if the cloud goes, should not interfere significantly.

Aurora can occur at any time after nightfall (although around midnight or just after seems to be common). Dark sky sites have the best chance of seeing anything, and always allow around 5 minutes for your eyes to become dark adapted.
As always look to the south for shifting red/green glows, beams have been reported consistently over the last few aurora and a large green “blob” has been seen.

The all sky aurora camera in Southern Tasmania at Cressy may be helpful (but has been acting up).
http://www.ips.gov.au/Geophysical/4/2>

SUBJ: IPS GEOMAGNETIC DISTURBANCE WARNING 15/24
ISSUED AT 0430UT/22 JUNE 2015
BY THE AUSTRALIAN SPACE FORECAST CENTRE.

Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) have been observed during the past
48 hours which are expected to impact the Earth in the latter
half of the UT day of 22 June. The latter of these CMEs is expected
to have direct impact at Earth and result in major to severe
storm levels.

INCREASED GEOMAGNETIC ACTIVITY EXPECTED
DUE TO CORONAL MASS EJECTION
FROM 22-23 JUNE 2015
_____________________________________________________________

GEOMAGNETIC ACTIVITY FORECAST
22 Jun:  Storm Levels
23 Jun:  Storm Levels

Further monitoring at
http://www.ips.gov.au