Coronal Mass Ejection Impact In Progress

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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:

 

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Merryl Azriel

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Having wandered into professional writing and editing after a decade in engineering, science, and management, Merryl now enjoys reintegrating the dichotomy by bringing space technology and policy within reach of an interested public. After three years as Space Safety Magazine’s Managing Editor, Merryl semi-retired to Visiting Contributor and manager of the campaign to bring the International Space Station collaboration to the attention of the Nobel Peace Prize committee. She keeps her pencil sharp as Proposal Manager for U.S. government contractor CSRA.

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