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The coronal mass ejection (CME) produced by the X4.5 solar flare on September 14, 2024, impacted the Earth\u2019s magnetic field at 23:49 UTC on September 16, triggering a G4 \u2013 Severe geomagnetic storm.<\/p>\n
The geomagnetic K-index of 5 (G1 \u2013 Minor geomagnetic storm) threshold was reached at 01:05 UTC on September 17, followed by a K-index of 6 (G2 \u2013 Moderate geomagnetic storm) at 01:14 UTC.<\/p>\n
G3 \u2013 Strong threshold was reached at 01:28 UTC, followed by G4 \u2013 Severe at 03:00 UTC.<\/p>\n
The G4-level severe geomagnetic storm can have significant impacts, primarily affecting regions poleward of 45 degrees geomagnetic latitude.<\/p>\n
Induced currents from such a storm can cause widespread voltage control problems in power grids, and there is a risk that protective systems may mistakenly disconnect key assets. Additionally, intensified induced currents in pipelines may occur.<\/p>\n
Spacecraft are likely to experience surface charging, increased atmospheric drag on low Earth orbit satellites, and potential issues with tracking and orientation systems. Navigation services, particularly satellite-based GPS, could be degraded or become inoperable for several hours.<\/p>\n
High-frequency (HF) radio communications may become sporadic or suffer complete blackouts. Furthermore, auroral displays might be visible much farther south than usual, reaching as low as Alabama and northern California.<\/p>\n
On average, geomagnetic storms of this intensity occur around 100 times per solar cycle (11 years).<\/p>\n \n