The Solar Astronomy Laboratory of the Institute for Space Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences reported a sharp increase in polar lights. The intensity of the event reached the maximum of 10 points on a 10-point scale. However, the peak occurred during daylight hours in most of Russia — the surge started almost half a day later than predicted, which expected activity on the night of March 21 to 22.
Scientists warn that there is no guarantee that the auroral oval will remain until dark. On the contrary, the probability of its disintegration before evening is estimated as high.
The observed increase in auroras is occurring according to a favorable scenario — without the development of a strong magnetic storm, although moderate disturbances of the geomagnetic field are still being recorded. However, researchers do not rule out that the situation may change to the opposite by evening: the auroras will fade, and geomagnetic disturbances will intensify.
