NOAA Space Weather Report
NOAA has released information that a Geomagnetic Sudden Impulse occurred at 1834 UTC and a G4 Level Storm Predicted at 1945 UTC Universal Time Coordinated on Sunday 4-23-23.
In this Solar Maximum 11-year cycle, Geomagnetic Solar storms affect on our planet and near-earth space could be severe on Sunday 4-23-23. Affected components could be spacecraft, power grids, navigation systems, and radio systems.
G4 (SEVERE) GEOMAGNETIC K-INDEX OF 8, 9 THRESHOLD REACHED: 2023 1945 UTC
NOAA Space Weather Product Code: ALTK08 Serial Number: 27 Issue Time: 2023 APR 23 1945 UTC Prepared by: US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center ALERT: Geomagnetic K-index of 8, 9- Threshold Reached: 2023 Apr 23 1944 UTC Synoptic Period: 1800-2100 UTC Active Warning: Yes NOAA Scale: G4 - Severe Potential Impacts: Area of impact primarily poleward of 45 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude. Power Grid - Possible widespread voltage control problems. Induced Currents - Possible widespread voltage control problems and some protective systems may mistakenly trip out key assets from the power grid. Induced pipeline currents intensify. Spacecraft - Systems may experience surface charging; increased drag on low earth orbit satellites, and tracking and orientation problems may occur. Navigation - Satellite navigation (GPS) degraded or inoperable for hours. Radio - HF (high frequency) radio propagation sporadic or blacked out. Aurora - Aurora may be seen as low as Alabama and northern California.
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?”