GEOMAGNETIC STORM WATCH (G2)
NOAA - 12/03/2023
Earth's magnetic field is about to receive a double blow. First, on Dec. 4th, a high-speed stream of solar wind flowing from a coronal hole will arrive. Then, on Dec. 5th, an off-target CME [Coronal Mass Ejection] could deliver a glancing blow. Their combined effect could cause G1 (Minor) to G2-class (Moderate) geomagnetic storms with photographic auroras at mid-latitudes.
A HOLE IN THE SUN'S ATMOSPHERE
NOAA - 12/03/2023
A huge hole has opened in the sun's atmosphere, and it spewing a stream of solar wind directly toward Earth. NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory photographed the structure, which stretches almost 800,00 km along its long axis:
This is a coronal hole--a region in the sun's atmosphere where magnetic fields have opened up, allowing solar wind to escape. The hole looks dark because hot glowing gas normally contained there is missing. The gaseous material is on its way to Earth.
The solar wind is due to arrive Dec. 4th or 5th. Together with a glancing-blow CME, it could spark G1 (Minor) to G2-class (Moderate) geomagnetic storms.
