WASHINGTON, D.C. —The world is on storm watch again as a G1 (Minor) storm watch continues for 20 February 2023 due to the arrival and passage of a coronal mass ejection (CME) associated with an X2 flare that occurred on 17 February. The anticipated CME arrived at Earth early on 20 February, at 5:39 am EST (1039 UTC). It was shortly after being detected as a shock arrival at the Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) spacecraft at 4:52 am EST (0952 UTC).
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), the CME passage continues and if the total interplanetary magnetic field strength becomes more favorable for connection with Earth’s magnetosphere, it could cause G1 storm conditions. A G1 geomagnetic storm watch means that there is a possibility of increased activity in Earth’s magnetic field that could lead to auroras in higher latitudes and potential disruptions to power grids, satellite operations, and GPS signals.
Auroras are beautiful natural light displays that occur in the sky, typically at higher latitudes such as in Alaska, Canada, and Scandinavia. They are caused by charged particles from the Sun interacting with the Earth’s magnetic field. However, while they are beautiful to look at, they can also be a warning sign of potential problems.
During a geomagnetic storm, the Earth’s magnetic field can become highly disturbed, and this can cause electrical currents to flow through power grids and pipelines, leading to equipment failure, blackouts, and even potential fires. In addition, satellite operations and GPS signals can be disrupted, causing potential problems for communication and navigation systems.
To stay informed on the situation, the SWPC is encouraging people to visit their website, https://www.swpc.noaa.gov, for the latest information, forecasts, and updates. They also advise people to take necessary precautions, such as having backup power supplies and avoiding using sensitive equipment during the storm watch period.
The SWPC is monitoring the situation closely and will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.
