A coronal mass ejection (CME) from December 13 impacted the Earth at 05:19 UTC on December 17, triggering a G1 – Minor geomagnetic storm. The K-index reached 5, affecting areas poleward of 60 degrees geomagnetic latitude. Enhanced solar wind conditions are expected to continue through December 18.
The CME’s positive polarity coronal hole high-speed stream (CH HSS) drove the effects. Solar activity is low, with a 30-40% chance of M-class flares and a 5% chance of X-class flares until December 19.
The geomagnetic storm has potential impacts on power grids, satellite operations, and aurora displays at high latitudes. This is the lowest level of geomagnetic storm on the NOAA scale.
Solar wind conditions are already enhanced due to the CH HSS influence, with a forecast that these conditions will prevail over December 17. A large filament eruption produced a CME that appears to be heading away from Earth.
Source: https://watchers.news/2024/12/17/cme-impacts-earth-geomagnetic-storm-december-17-2024