Warning!

Javascript is disabled on this browser.
Javascript must be enabled for this website to display and function correctly.

Space Weather Alert Update - 20th February 2023

What Has Happened?

Image of the Sun showing the X-class flare on the 17th February from the Solar Dynamic Observatory. The flare can be seen to the top left of the image. Image SDO/NASA

Solar wind data showing the CME arrival at the DSCOVR satellite on the 20th of February (Data: NOAA DSCOVR). Click to enlarge.

A possible weak sudden impulse seen on the BGS magnetograms on the 18th of February at 10:56 may have been the overdue CME from the 15th, however the impact on geomagnetic activity was very little if any. Alert 16-Feb-2023.

The Earth has encountered a glancing blow from another CME at 09:52 UT this morning as measured by the ACE and DISCOVER satellites. This is associated with an X2.2 flare that lifted off from the Sun on the 17th of February and has so far not lead to any significant activity levels. However, there is still the possibility of enhancements should the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) become orientated south.

 

Sign-up to receive Geomagnetic Disturbance Alert emails.

 

Follow us on Twitter:

for more occasional aurora alerts.

for daily space weather forecasts.

 

Glossary

BGS
The British Geological Survey is one of the Natural Environment Research Council's Research Centres.

CME or Coronal Mass Ejection
The eruption of a portion of the outer atmosphere of the Sun into space, caused by rapid changes in its magnetic field. Often occurs along with a solar flare.

Solar Wind
The ever-present expansion of the Sun’s hot outer atmosphere into the solar system, which carries space weather within it.

Solar Flare
Energy released by the explosive reorganisation of magnetic fields within the Sun's atmosphere.

Interplanetary magnetic field (IMF)
The magnetic field carried with the solar wind.