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Geomagnetic storm update - 11th October 2024

What Has Happened?

Magnetic declination (top), magnetic inclination (middle) and total intensity (Bottom) variation on 10<sup>th</sup> October measured at Eskdalemuir Geomagnetic Observatory</a> .

Aurora sightings at Edinburgh, Scotland. Photo credit: Sarah Reay [BGS] (top and bottom left) and Stewart McWilliams (bottom right).

 

The fast–moving coronal mass ejection (CME) seen leaving the Sun on Oct. 9th arrived in the afternoon of Oct. 10th and almost immediately caused geomagnetic storms. The associated sudden storm commencement was detected in BGS magnetic field measurements from 15:22 UT on 10th Oct.

Geomagnetic activity has increased to STORM G4 level on the NOAA Geomagnetic storm scales in response. If the vertical component (Bz) of the interplanetary magnetic field remains in the negative direction for prolonged periods during the passage of this CME, further chances of STORM G2/G3 periods will likely occur on 11th Oct.

BGS aurora camera installed at the Eskdalemuir Geomagnetic Observatory near the Scottish borders captured the storm overnight. Using a Raspberry Pi camera with a fisheye lens, photos were taken every 30 seconds with an eight-second exposure, looking northward across the observatory. Click here to watch a time-lapse video of the 'aurora cam' footage from 10th Oct.

The aurora was easier to spot in the UK as the event coincided with clear dark skies over much of the country, allowing sightings much further south than usual. Assuming clear dark skies, those in Scotland, northern England and Northern Ireland have the best chance of seeing further aurora this evening if the weather is favourable.

 

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Glossary

BGS
The British Geological Survey is a geoscience research centre that is part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and affiliated to the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC).

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.