Potential ’Cannibal CME’ Events: Multiple CMEs Are Heading For Earth - Solar Storm Alert

A series of M-class flares over the weekend hurled multiple CMEs toward Earth, as many as four or five. According to a NOAA model, the first two have merged to form a single Cannibal CME. A G2-class geomagnetic storm is possible when it reaches Earth on July 30th. The Cannibal CME is clearing the way for 2 or 3 more CMEs following behind it. SOHO coronagraphs show a wagon-train of clouds leaving the sun on July 28th. The first and most potent of these CMEs was launched by an solar flare from sunspot complex AR3765-67 on July 28th (0157 UTC). The CME will fly into a void created by the earlier Cannibal CME. With little interplanetary material to slow it down, the storm cloud should reach Earth no later than July 31st. A preliminary NASA model supports this forecast. If G2-class storms are underway on July 30th, the arrival of more CMEs on July 31st could elevate storm levels to category G3 (Strong) or beyond. This would set the stage for mid-latitude auroras visible from Europe