An Aurora in Another Light

Images

Wednesday, 17 January 2024

The Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite sensor on the NOAA-NASA Suomi NPP satellite captured this image of the aurora borealis, or northern lights, over western Canada on November 5, 2023.

Image Credit: NASA/Lauren Dauphin and Wanmei Liang; NOAA

Planetary Positions

22.12.2024 at 12:20:36 UTC

Planet	Longitude
The Sun	01 Cap 08' 44"
The Moon	26 Vir 38' 38"
Mercury	09 Sag 26' 38"
Venus	17 Aqu 19' 56"
Mars	04 Leo 30' 53" R
Jupiter	14 Gem 19' 07" R
Saturn	13 Pis 52' 12"
Uranus	23 Tau 53' 52" R
Neptune	27 Pis 11' 33"
Pluto	00 Aqu 46' 56"

Solar Status

BZ Status:	-5
Proton Density:	1.36
Proton Speed:	679.1 k/sec
KP Status:	3.00

Type	Dec 22	Dec 23	Dec 24
Active	20%	20%	30%
Minor	5%	5%	15%
Moderate	1%	1%	5%
Strong	1%	1%	1%
Kp Index Prediction
00-03UT	3.00	2.33	2.67
03-06UT	2.00	2.67	2.00
06-09UT	3.00	2.00	2.33
09-12UT	2.00	2.00	2.33
12-15UT	2.00	1.00	2.33
15-18UT	1.00	2.00	2.33
18-21UT	1.00	2.00	2.33
21-00UT	2.00	2.67	2.67
Solar Activity
Solar activity reached moderate levels. Region 3932 (S17E54, Ekc/beta) produced an impulsive M1.9 flare at 21/0038 UTC; the largest event of the period. Region 3927 (S08E25, Hsx/alpha) was split this period, with the lead spot maintaining the 3927 designation, and following intermediate and trailer spots being named new Region 3933 (S08E34, Dao/beta). Minor to moderate growth was observed in Regions 3928 (S14E34, Dai/beta), 3930 (S22W49, Cai/beta), 3932, and 3933.
Solar Wind
Solar wind parameters were mildly enhanced this period. Total field strength reached 9 nT and the Bz component varied between +/-8 nT. Solar wind speeds ranged between 450-560 km/s. Phi angle was predominantly oriented in the negative sector.
Energetic Particle
The greater than 10 MeV proton flux was elevated around 4 pfu, but remained below S1 (Minor) levels. The greater than 2 MeV electron flux was at normal to moderate levels. .Forecast... The greater than 10 MeV proton flux is expected to remain below S1 (Minor) levels over 22-24 Dec. The greater than 2 MeV electron flux is expected to continue at normal to moderate levels through 24 Dec.

An Aurora in Another Light

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