Geomagnetic Disturbance Alert

8 September 2017

British Geological Survey

There is an increased chance of viewing the aurora on the night of 8th September 2017.

A large Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) associated with an X9.3 solar flare was observed yesterday morning. This emerged from the same active region as the previous CME on the 4th. This CME is expected to arrive at Earth during the 8th of September. Geomagnetic activity levels are currently moderately enhanced due to the effects of the previous CME and given the energy of the second event there is the potential for geomagnetic STORM conditions.

Assuming clear dark skies, and that the geomagnetic field is suitably disturbed, there is an increased chance of seeing the aurora. In the UK, those in Scotland, northern England and Northern Ireland may have the best opportunities.

For more information on this event please visit:

http://www.geomag.bgs.ac.uk/data_service/space_weather/alerts/alert_2017-09-08.html

For more advice on viewing the Northern Lights please visit:
http://www.geomag.bgs.ac.uk/education/viewing_aurora.html

For current UK activity levels please see:
http://geomag.bgs.ac.uk/data_service/space_weather/Global_activity_now.html

See where people are talking about the aurora in the UK now:
http://www.bgs.ac.uk/citizenScience/geosocial/home.html