A magnetic storm of nearly 6-point level has hit Earth
Kyiv • UNN
On August 2, Earth was affected by a coronal mass ejection from a class M1.9 solar flare, causing a G2-level magnetic storm with a Kp index of 5.67. The disturbances may last until August 3, causing communication disruptions and an expansion of auroras.
On Sunday, August 2, the Earth came under the influence of a coronal mass ejection that occurred on the Sun at the end of July. Specialists report an increase in the geomagnetic activity index Kp to 5.67, which corresponds to a moderate magnetic storm of level G2, UNN reports citing data from the Space Weather Prediction Center of the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - NOAA.
Details
According to the forecast of American specialists, geomagnetic disturbances occurred as a result of a coronal mass ejection caused by a prolonged solar flare of class M1.9. It occurred on July 30 in the active solar region AR4492 and was accompanied by a plasma ejection partially directed toward Earth.
NOAA issued a warning about a possible geomagnetic storm of level G2 on August 2. According to calculations, the maximum three-hour geomagnetic activity index reached the mark Kp 5.67.
And individual periods of increased activity may persist on August 3, after which the magnetic field should gradually stabilize.
Specialists note that the exact strength of a geomagnetic storm can only be determined after the actual arrival of the coronal mass ejection at Earth. The consequences depend not only on the speed of the plasma flow, but also on the direction of its magnetic field and the nature of its interaction with the planet's magnetosphere.
Note that the Kp index is used to assess the level of disturbance of the Earth's magnetic field and is measured on a scale from 0 to 9. A Kp value of 5 corresponds to a weak magnetic storm of level G1, and a Kp value of 6 corresponds to a moderate storm of level G2.
Therefore, people may now observe minor fluctuations in the operation of power systems at high latitudes, changes in satellite orientation, increased atmospheric drag for spacecraft in low Earth orbit, and disruptions in shortwave radio communications.
An expansion of the aurora observation zone is also possible.
At the same time, such a storm does not pose a direct danger to household electronics or most people.
Recall
At the end of May 2026, scientists recorded an unusual red aurora over Japan, which may indicate that some solar storms are more powerful than traditional geomagnetic indices show.