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:
Leave a Reply