10/22 Recap


The Geomagnetic Storm Watch expired early this morning and was not renewed. Our HP Index averaged HP = 3.3 today. Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences has their HP Index chart online again, and sure enough, that chart shows we were at HP = 5 (G1) Geomagnetic Storms levels for several more hours yesterday than NOAA’s 3-hour Averaging KP Index showed. I’ve included yesterday’s HP Index chart in today’s post for those who care to check yesterday’s symptom flares against that info.
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Solar Wind Speed stayed at uncomfortable levels today, and Electron Saturation crossed its Alert Threshold today – both in response to the CH HSS that arrived yesterday. This Coronal Hole’s supposed to keep our Solar Wind Speeds above 400 km/sec for only a couple more days, and the CME Sideswipe that’s expected late evening CDT on 10/25 is actually supposed to slow Solar Wind Speeds down to the 300 km/sec range. That CME Sideswipe should also drop Electron Saturation below its Alert Threshold, but we can count on Electron Saturation staying at annoying levels for the next 2 days.
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We had several Solar Flares and they all stayed in the B- to C-Class range. All of them were from 1 Exiting Sun Spot and 1 Sun Spot that will be in its Farewell Volley position tomorrow. That 2nd Sun Spot is capable of M Class Solar Flares, so we’ll see what it does over the next 3-4 days. Proton Saturation is staying at Normal levels.
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Solar Flare Conditions
C Class Solar Flares
M Class Solar Flare Watch
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Geomagnetic Conditions
HP = 3.3 Average
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Solar Wind Conditions
Solar Wind Density <9.0/cm3 All Day Solar Wind Speed Variable between 439-489 km/sec 10/21 @ 7.00p CDT, Variable between 419-468 km/sec beginning 10/22 @ 8.08a CDT and continuing to 8.00p CDT Post Solar Wind Speed >400 km/sec Warning and Watch
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Electron and Proton Saturation Conditions
Electron Saturation >1K pfu beginning 10/22 @ 11.50a CDT and continuing to 8.00p CDT Post
Proton Saturation Normal
Electron Saturation >1K pfu Warning and Watch
Connie Howell