Archive 2000
Nov 26, 2000
The first of several Coronal Mass Ejections now heading toward Earth hit our planet's magnetosphere between 0500 and 0600 UT on Nov. 26th. Geomagnetic activity could become severe during the next 48 hours as one shock wave after another reaches Earth. The new Moon will afford dark skies for spotting faint Northern Lights.
Oct 6, 2000
An interplanetary shock wave buffetted Earth's magnetosphere on October 5th and triggered a strong geomagnetic storm. Skywatchers in Canada and the northern tier of the United States spotted red- and green-colored aurora for hours before dawn on Thursday. the disturbance subsided after nearly 2 hours of high activity.
Sept 12, 2000
On Tuesday, September 12, less than 24 hours after the sunspot number plunged to its lowest value of the year, the Sun unleashed a surprising full-halo Coronal Mass Ejection (CME). The leading edge of the CME could reach Earth on Thursday, Sept. 14. Forecasters estimate a 30% chance of severe geomagnetic disturbances (possibly including aurora) at middle latitudes when the shock from arrives.
Aug 11, 2000
The Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) recorded a full-halo Coronal Mass Ejection today from sunspot group 9114, near the center of the Sun's visible disk. A subsequent geomagnetic storm that lasted from 2100 UT on Aug. 10 until 1200 UT on Aug. 11th appears to be subsiding. A second, partial-halo eruption at 0654 UT was recorded on August 10th. Conditions remain favorable for a resumption of high geomagnetic activity.
July 12, 2000
The shock wave from a July 7th Coronal Mass Ejection reached our planet Monday morning. The solar wind velocity measured by NASA's ACE spacecraft jumped from 400 to 490 km/s in less than two minutes as the disturbance made its way toward Earth at 0600 UT (2 a.m. EDT) on July 10th. (spaceweather.com)
July 11, 2000
Coronagraphs on board the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory recorded a fast-moving full halo Coronal Mass Ejection on July 11th. Solar wind disturbances from that explosion and others could arrive at our planet within 48 to 72 hours. Forecasters estimate a 40% chance of major geomagnetic activity on July 14, 2000. Also, the large sunspot group 9077 has developed a complex magnetic field configuration that could harbor energy for major solar flares. More flares are likely.
June 22, 2000
Coming Soon: Better Space Storm Warnings. Scientists have developed a new method for estimating when Coronal Mass Ejections from the Sun will reach the Earth.
June 10, 2000
The prolific flare-producing sunspot group 9026 unleashed an M5-class solar flare along with a full halo Coronal Mass Ejection. Material from the CME is expected to arrive near our planet around midday on June 13. (spaceweather.com)
June 8, 2000
This morning an interplanetary shock wave hit Earth's magnetosphere triggering aurora over some parts of our planet as the result of Tuesday's full halo Coronal Mass Ejection.
June 5, 2000
A powerful X-class full halo Coronal Mass Ejection erupted from the surface of the Sun on June 6. Scientists at the Goddard Space Flight Center estimate the leading edge of the mass ejection should reach the Earth around midday on Thursaday, June 8 triggering auroral displays and possible power outtages. (Science@NASA)
May 18, 2000
A full halo Coronal Mass Ejection on May15 may have passed by Earth on May 18. NASA's ACE spacecraft recorded an increase in the solar wind velocity that peaked around 0300 UT.
April 25, 2000
Interplanetary Shockwave Hits Earth Triggering Geomagnetic Storm and Dazzling Auroral Displays! (Science@NASA)
