Geomagnetic storm warning: Solar flare to affect Earth

A significant coronal mass ejection (CME)—a massive release of solar materials and magnetic fields—is making its way toward Earth.

The coronal mass ejection is triggered by a powerful M3.8 flare from sunspot region AR3835.

This event released a large column of solar plasma into space, producing a partial halo CME that has an Earth-directed component.

This solar event is expected to arrive today,September 25.

This CME, alongside fast solar wind from a coronal hole, is anticipated to contribute to a G1 geomagnetic storm today and Aurora enthusiasts should stay alert for potential sightings!

Over the previous 24 hours, solar activity ramped up, resulting in the release of four flares, including the significant M3.8 flare which occurred on September 23 at 14:56 UTC.

This flare caused an R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Atlantic Ocean, impacting areas off the north coast of Brazil. Overall, the sun produced eight flares during the observation period.

Currently, seven sunspot regions are visible on the sun's Earth-facing side.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued an aurora alert for tomorrow night, predicting conditions for a G1 (minor) geomagnetic storm.

Looking ahead, there is a 99% chance of C flares, a 40% chance of M flares, and a 10% chance of X flares in the next 24 hours.

Earth's magnetic field was relatively quiet, although it experienced unsettled conditions earlier due to the influence of a previous CME.