EXTREME GEOMAGNETIC STORM–NOW! The biggest geomagnetic storm in almost 20 years is underway now. It has reached category G5–an extreme event.
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Sky watchers with dark skies may be able to see and photograph auroras even at low latitudes. Get away from city lights and look at the sky! Aurora alerts: SMS Text
CME STRIKE SPARKS WIDESPREAD AURORAS: The first of six CMEs hurled toward Earth by giant sunspot AR3664 hit our planet’s magnetic field today. The impact on May 10th at 1645 UT jolted magnetometers around the world and sparked a geomagnetic storm, which is now extreme. More CMEs are following close behind and their arrival could extend the storm into the weekend. Sign up for Space Weather Alerts to receive instant text messages when the CMEs arrive.
The storm has produced widespread auroras in both hemispheres. Mike White sends this picture from Twizel, Canterbury, New Zealand (44° S):
“Not bad for the first night of our Astrophotography Workshop,” says White. “The naked eye experience was INCREDIBLE–the best I’ve ever seen. Clear colour, structure and movement all visible to the naked eye and reaching up to 30°-40° above the horizon at times.”
Meanwhile in the northern hemisphere, auroras danced across much of Europe. Here is the view from Saint-Agnan, Morvan, France (47° N):
Martin comments: This was the first of six. It’s even hit the mainstream news here in NZ with Transpower frantically prepping for further events. As cold weather hits and our power generation crippled b y the previous government’s “green” initiatives, it could be a long cold winter ahead.
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