Strong explosions and a powerful solar flare on the sun on Sep 9th and 10th have directed two large masses of charged electro-magnetic particles toward earth. This phenomenom is called a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME).  A flash of ultraviolet radiation from the explosion ionized the upper layers of Earth’s atmosphere, disturbing HF radio communications for more than an hour. The flare caused a radio blackout on Earth and also caused a blast of radio noise. Radio astronomers and amateur radio operators in the Americas and across the Pacific Ocean heard static roaring from the loudspeakers of their shortwave receivers, particularly on the 22 mHz and 23 mHz frequencies. Forecasters at National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) estimate a nearly 80% chance of polar geomagnetic storms on Sept. 12th when the first of the two CMEs arrives. Auroras are in the offing, possibly visible at mid-latitudes before the weekend. NOAA forecasters estimate a 40% chance of more strong flares and an 85% chance of medium strength flares to occur today.

A G3 (Strong) Geomagnetic Storm Watch has been issued for September 13th due to the combined influence of these two events with G1 (Minor) storming anticipated to continue into September 14th. In addition, the S1 (Minor) solar radiation storm that is in progress as a result of the eruption yesterday is expected to persist for the next few days.

The effects of all this may include, for the next 2 to 3 days, degraded HF radio communications, particularly in the polar regions, minor fluctuations on the electric power grids, and the diverting of airline flights from polar flight routes. For more detailed information, see: http://www.spaceweather.com/ and http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/index.html

Courtesy Charley Bryson