Coronal Mass Ejection Impact In Progress

An X-ray view of the September 30 sun from GOES-15 (Credits: NOAA).

A large but relatively slow moving coronal mass ejection (CME) that erupted from the Sun on September 27 hit Earth September 30 causing a low level radio blackout and moderate geomagnetic storms. Although the blackout has passed, storm warnings continue through October 1.

In a couple weeks, the GOES-15 satellite which is the primary X-ray solar sensor used to monitor solar weather, will undergo a maintenance phase as its view of the sun is eclipsed by Earth. During that time GOES-14 is brought online to provide continuous coverage of solar activity. GOES-15 is expected to be operational again around October 30.

Below, a video of the September 27 CME as observed by SOHO:

Merryl Azriel

Merryl is Managing Editor of Space Safety Magazine and Vice President of Public Affairs for the International Space Safety Foundation. A Chemical Engineer and graduate of the International Space University with a Masters in Space Studies, Merryl is committed to the advancement of manned exploration and utilization of space resources.

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