NOAA Space Weather Report
NOAA has released information that a Geomagnetic G4 Level Storm occurred at 06:00 Universal Time Coordinated (UTC) on Friday 3-24-23.
In this Solar Maximum 11-year cycle, Geomagnetic Solar storms affect on the planet and near-earth space could be severe on Friday 3-24-23. Affected components could be spacecraft, power grids, navigation systems, and radio systems.
G4 (SEVERE) GEOMAGNETIC STORM ALERT ON 24 MARCH UTC-DAY
NOAA Space Weather Product Code: Geophysical Alert Message wwv.txt Serial Number: Issue Time: 2023 Mar 24 0600 UTC Prepared by: US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center WARNING: Geomagnetic storms reaching the G4 level occurred Valid From:2023 Mar 24 0600 UTC Valid To: 2023 Mar 24 0900 UTC Warning Condition: Occurred NOAA Scale: G4 or greater - Severe Geophysical Alert Message Solar-terrestrial indices for 23 March follow. Solar flux 151 and estimated planetary A-index 60. The estimated planetary K-index at 0600 UTC on 24 March was 7.67. Space weather for the past 24 hours has been severe. Geomagnetic storms reaching the G4 level occurred. Space weather for the next 24 hours is predicted to be moderate. Geomagnetic storms reaching the G2 level are expected. Potential Impacts: Area of impact primarily poleward of 50 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude. Power Grid - Possible widespread voltage control problems. Spacecraft Operations - Increased possability of surface charging; atmospheric drag risk on low Earth orbiting (LEO) satellites. Other - More frequent and longer periods of GNSS (i.e. GPS) degredation possible
NOAA Space Weather Solar Geomagnetic Storm Scale
Scale | Description | Effect / Reaction |
G5* | Extreme | Power 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. |
G4 | Severe | Power 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 is sporadic, satellite navigation is degraded for hours, and low-frequency radio navigation is disrupted. |
G3 | Strong | Power 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. |
G2 | Moderate | Power 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. |
G1 | Minor | Power 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. |
Additional Geomagnetic Storm Information
For additional information 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?”