Geomagnetic Storm Watch - Large Farside Solar Eruption and Halo CME - January 31. 2024.

Solar activity was at low levels with only C-class flares. The largest flare of the period was a C5 from old AR 3559, now behind the west limb. Region 3567 remained the largest, most complex group in view, and produced a C4.5 flare at 31/08:29 UTC. New Regions 3568 and 3569 were numbered, but inactive. The other numbered regions were unremarkable. A chance for M-class flares will persist through 02 Feb. primarily due to AR 3567. Just before approximately 30/21:36 UTC, an asymmetric halo CME was observed in LASCO C2 coronagraph imagery. Interrogation of AIA/SDO 335 shows field line movement just beyond the southeast limb beginning around 30/20:31 UTC, that suggests this event originated from the far side. No Earth-directed CMEs were observed. Solar Wind Solar wind parameters were slightly enhanced, likely due to negative Coronal Hole High Speed Stream (CH HSS) influence. Total field ranged 3-5 nT, the Bz component was /- 4 nT. Solar wind speeds gradually decreased from ~500 km/s to ~430 km/s. Forecast... Enhancements in the solar wind environment are likely on 31 Jan. with influences from a CH HSS and a possible shock enhancement from the 29 Jan. CME. A return to nominal levels is expected over 01-02 Feb. Geospace The geomagnetic field was quiet. Unsettled to active levels, with a chance for an isolated G1 (Minor) storming period, are expected for 31 Jan. with possible shock influences from the 29 Jan. CME. Quiet to unsettled periods are anticipated for 01 Feb. as negative polarity CH HSS effects continue to wane. Quiet conditions are expected to prevail on 02 Feb. Stay Tuned! #CME #solarstorm #spaceweather Images credit: AIA/SDO, SOHO/LASCO Music credit: YouTube Audio Library