Strong G3 & G2 Geomagnetic Storms Levels in Progress, Extreme Conditions Possible (+Video)

A moderate (G2) to Strong (G3) geomagnetic storm is currently in progress. Sky watchers at higher latitudes should be alert for visible aurora if dark outside. The increased activity is the result of an enhanced solar wind stream containing an extended period of southward BZ. http://www.solarham.net/

Solar wind speeds jumped from near 350 km/s to near 580 km/s.
http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/

Under G3 (Strong) conditions, area of impact is primarily poleward of 50 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude. Power system voltage irregularities possible, false alarms may be triggered on some protection devices. Spacecraft systems may experience surface charging; increased drag on low Earth-orbit satellites and orientation problems may occur.

Intermittent satellite navigation (GPS) problems, including loss-of-lock and increased range error may occur. HF (high frequency) radio may be intermittent.

Aurora may be seen as low as Pennsylvania to Iowa to Oregon.

A WATCH for G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storms has been issued for 9 & 10 May 2016 due to the anticipated influence of a negative polarity coronal hole high speed stream. http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/

MOTHER’S DAY GEOMAGNETIC STORM: Moderate (G2) to strong (G3) geomagnetic storms are underway on May 8th as Earth passes through a region of space filled with negative-polarity magnetic fields. This type of interplanetary magnetic field easily links to Earth’s magnetic field, opening a crack in our planet’s magnetosphere. Solar wind can pour in to fuel auroras.
http://spaceweather.com/

Geomagnetic storms aren’t just beautiful to look at — these disturbances in the Earth’s magnetic field could also be messing with your mind and body. There’s a ton of evidence suggesting that geomagnetic storms can cause everything from depression to cardiac problems — and may even be influencing the stock market.
io9.gizmodo.co
http://tinyurl.com/jsg3pjf

These images were taken by the NOAA/SWPC & SDO solar spacecraft.
http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/
http://sdo.gsfc.nasa.gov/

Clips credit: ESO, ESA/HUBBLE & NASA
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