A G2.3 level magnetic storm began on Earth late in the evening of December 10 after the arrival of the second plasma ejection to our planet, which left the Sun on December 7–8. This was reported by the Solar Astronomy Laboratory of the IKI RAS and ISZF SB RAS.
The laboratory clarified that a second ejection had reached Earth, which was previously considered to be passing by. Experts recorded a sharp reaction of the magnetosphere. According to them, a bright polar oval has formed: its edge is still over the northwest of Russia, and the main part has shifted to Scandinavia and Canada. Scientists noted that in December, solar activity is behaving unpredictably and may change at any moment.
According to researchers, the modeling showed two plasma ejections. The first was associated with the M8.1 flare and was supposed to reach the planet earlier. The second occurred during the only December flare of X1.1 level, which occurred on the morning of December 8. In the calculations, it went to the side, but tonight it appeared in the vicinity of the Earth and struck.
Experts emphasize that the unforeseen deviation of the trajectory does not allow building a long-term forecast. At the same time, they admit that there will be no powerful storms, since the planet took the blow with the edge of the cloud.
According to the latest observations, moderate fluctuations are recorded in the geomagnetic field.
