Solar Storm Watch: Category G2 Geomagnetic Storm Predicted 2-18-23

Solar Storm Watch Category G2 Geomagnetic Storm Predicted 2-18-23
NOAA Space Weather

NOAA has issued a Space Weather Storm Watch over the next three days and a Category G2 Geomagnetic Storm is Predicted for Saturday February 18, 2023.

The following is the report from NOAA issued this morning.

Highest Geomagnetic Storm Level Predicted by Day:
Feb 16:  G1 (Minor)   Feb 17:  G1 (Minor)   Feb 18:  G2 (Moderate)

THIS SUPERSEDES ANY/ALL PRIOR WATCHES IN EFFECT

NOAA Space Weather Scale descriptions can be found at
www.swpc.noaa.gov/noaa-scales-explanation

Potential Impacts: Area of impact primarily poleward of 55 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude.
Induced Currents - Power grid fluctuations can occur. High-latitude power systems may experience voltage alarms.
Spacecraft - Satellite orientation irregularities may occur; increased drag on low Earth-orbit satellites is possible.
Radio - HF (high frequency) radio propagation can fade at higher latitudes.
Aurora - Aurora may be seen as low as New York to Wisconsin to Washington state.

If you have further questions, please see our articles "What To Do Before a G5 or Greater Geomagnetic Storm?" and "Should You Be Worried About Weather-Caused Power Grid Outages?"

NOAA Space Weather Solar Geomagnetic Storm Scale

ScaleDescriptionEffect / Reaction
G5*ExtremePower systems: Some power grid systems may experience complete collapse or blackouts. Transformers may experience damage.
Spacecraft operations: May experience extensive surface charging, problems with orientation, uplink/downlink, and tracking satellites.
Other systems: HF (high frequency) radio transmission may be impossible in many areas for days or more.
G4SeverePower systems: Possible widespread voltage control problems and some protective systems will mistakenly trip out key assets from the grid.
Spacecraft operations: Possible surface charging, tracking, and orientation problems.
Other systems: HF radio propagation sporadic, satellite navigation degraded for hours, low-frequency radio navigation disrupted.
G3StrongPower systems: Voltage corrections may be required, and false alarms triggered on some protection devices.
Spacecraft operations: Surface charging and drag may increase on low-Earth-orbit satellites, and corrections may be needed for orientation problems.
Other systems: Intermittent satellite navigation and low-frequency radio navigation problems may occur, and HF radio may be intermittent.
G2ModeratePower systems: High-latitude power systems may experience voltage alarms, and long-duration storms may cause transformer damage.
Spacecraft operations: Corrective actions required and possible changes in drag affect orbit predictions.
Other systems: HF radio propagation can fade at higher latitudes.
G1MinorPower systems: Weak power grid fluctuations can occur.
Spacecraft operations: Minor impact on satellite operations possible.
Other systems: Migratory animals are affected at G1 and higher levels.

*This scale does not include unknown variables of a Solar Geomagnetic Storm stronger than a G5.

John Mortensen

I am a project manager, tech writer, and science enthusiast who loves to study the latest technology, such as AI, comedy, quantum computers, smartphones, headphones, and software.

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