Double Solar Wind Blow Will Jolt Earth’s Magnetic Field on New Year’s Eve

Solar activity was low, with a few C-class flares and background flux near or at C-class levels. Four designated sunspot groups are present on the visible solar disk on Dec. 30, 2023. Region 3533 produced a C9.7 flare at 29/07:54 UTC, but underwent steady decay throughout most of the period. Region 3534 experienced minor growth followed by some decay. The remaining regions underwent decay or were little changed. Several CMEs were observed, however, these were all likely at or beyond the solar limb as no clear indications of any Earth-directed components were noted. Low solar activity is expected to continue 30-31 Dec. to 01 Jan. with a slight chance for an M-class flare all three days. Solar Wind Solar wind parameters were indicative of mild to moderate enhancements in the IMF (Interplanetary Magnetic Field). These were likely due to anticipated CME arrivals near Earth. Total IMF strength varied and ranged mainly from 5 to 11 nT, while the Bz component underwent primarily weak deviations. Solar wind speed steadily declined from ~425 km/s to just under 350 km/s before ending the period at about 375 km/s. The phi angle was positive until near 29/11:34 UTC when it deflected into a negative sector. Forecast Weakening transient effects are anticipated to begin 30 Dec, with a slow return towards a more ambient state. Large Coronal Hole A trans-equatorial, negative polarity coronal hole (CH) centered near central meridian. It stretches nearly 50 degrees from mostly the southern solar hemisphere into the northern hemisphere. This is a recurrent feature, but has decreased in size since the last rotation. A CIR is expected to Hit Earth’s Magnetic Field NOAA forecasters say that a CIR (Co-rotating Interaction Region) could hit Earth’s magnetic field. CIR influences ahead of the Coronal Hole High Speed Stream (CH HSS). 01 Jan. is likely to experience CH HSS onset with solar wind speeds likely increasing to 500-600 km/s later on 31 Dec. would lead to a disturbed and enhanced solar wind field. The combine effect could produce G1-class geomagnetic storms and bright auroras. CIRs are transition zones between slow and fast-moving solar wind streams. Solar wind plasma piles up in these regions, producing shock-like structures that sometimes mimick CMEs. Thanks for watching! #solarwind #Coronalhole #solarstorm Images credit: NOAA/SWPC, AIA/SDO/HMI, SOHO/LASCO, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, nemesis maturity channel, Music credit: YouTube Audio Library Blue Mood - Robert Munzinger