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Space Weather Alert - 16 July 2017

What Has Happened?

Image of the Sun's corona showing the CME directed to the west. The Sun is behind the occulting disc. (SOHO NASA/ESA)

Plot of the solar X-ray flux from the 12th July showing an increase long-duration M-class flare around 0100UT 14th July

 

 

At 01:07 UT on the 14th July, the Sun produced a moderate (M-class) solar flare: a sudden release of stored magnetic energy in the Sun's atmosphere. Associated with this event was a rapid increase in the measured X-rays and energetic particles measured by satellites in Earth's orbit, which may have resulted in some deterioration in radio communications.

The flare was also associated with a partial halo Coronal Mass Ejection (CME), a fast moving cloud of gas that was seen leaving the Sun shortly after the flare. Due to the location of the flare in the western half of the solar disc, this CME is likely to give the Earth a glancing blow. When this CME reaches the Earth, it is likely to trigger a geomagnetic storm and significantly increase the chance of auroral displays. Analysis suggests that the CME will reach the Earth during the afternoon of 16 July, but the exact arrival time is not certain.

Assuming clear dark skies, and that the geomagnetic field is suitably disturbed, there is an increased chance of seeing the aurora. In the UK, those in Scotland, northern England and Northern Ireland may have the best opportunities.

 

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

High Speed Stream
A fast moving stream of solar wind, responsible for magnetic storms.
 

Magnetogram
The variation, minute by minute, of the strength and direction of the Earth’s magnetic field. Measured in units of nano-Tesla (for the strength of the field) or in degrees (direction of the field).

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

Sunspot
A region of intense magnetic field in the Sun's visible outer atmosphere often associated with flares and CMEs.