There remains an increased chance of viewing the aurora on the night of 8th September 2017.
The coronal mass ejection from the 6th September associated with the X9.3 solar flare arrived earlier than expected, overnight on 7th/8th September. Geomagnetic activity was high overnight and this is continuing today.
In the UK activity was greatest at our most northern magnetic observatory in Lerwick, Shetland Isles, reaching STORM G5 levels, which is the highest value in this activity scale. The field also varied rapidly - at one point the compass direction (declination) swung by more than 3 degrees in 2 minutes!
Aurora sightings have been reported across Scotland. Many areas were affected by cloud but those on the east coast were fortunate to find the clouds cleared in time for a spectacular show.
Although the initial impact has now passed, the solar wind remains elevated and energised so there will continue to be some chance of further auroral displays over the weekend, depending on the availability of clear skies, of course.
