http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2005/s2437.htm
May 15, 2005 - Forecasters at the NOAA Space Environment Center in
Boulder, Colo., observed a geomagnetic storm on Sunday, May 15, which
they classified as an extreme event, measuring G-5 - the highest
level - on the NOAA Space Weather Scales.
"This event registered a 9 on the K-Index, which measures the maximum
deviation of the Earth's magnetic field in a given three-hour period,"
said Gayle Nelson, lead operations specialist at NOAA Space
Environment Center. "The scale ranges from 0 to 9, with 9 being the
highest. This was a significant event."
Possible impacts from such a geomagnetic storm include widespread
power system voltage control problems; some grid systems may
experience complete collapse or blackouts. Transformers may experience
damage. Spacecraft operations may experience extensive surface
charging; problems with orientation; uplink/downlink and tracking
satellites. Satellite navigation may be degraded for days, and
low-frequency radio navigation can be out for hours. Reports received
by the NOAA Space Environment Center indicate that such impacts have
been observed in the United States.
NOAA forecasters said the probability of another major event of this
type is unlikely, however, other minor level (G-1) geomagnetic storms
are possible within the next 24 hours.
This event was forecast by NOAA as the result of a solar flare that
occurred on Friday, May 13.
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Received on May 16 2005
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