Solar activity has been low with just two C flares at the start of the reporting period. The largest one was a C1.8 originating from NOAA AR 2147, peaking at 13:55 UT. The other one a C1.2 flare from NOAA AR 2139 peaking at 16:56 UT. No earth directed CME’s have been recorded. Solar activity is expected to remain at similar low levels over the next days. Solar wind conditions were steady and nominal until the arrival of a moderate shock this morning around 6:00 UT. Solar wind speed has increased since then from 290 km/s before the shock to around 380 km/s at present with a peak above 430 km/s in between. Total magnetic field increased from around to 7 nT to around 12nT presently with peaks above 13 nT. Bz was variable, mostly positive but with negative values peaking around -11nT. Temperature and density have also increased. The conditions are likely due to an earlier then expected arrival of the August 15 CME. Geomagnetic conditions remained quiet to unsettled so far (NOAA Kp mostly 1 but reaching K=3 just recently and local K Dourbes at most 2). Under the continued influence of the CME arrival, elevated solar wind conditions and periods of active geomagnetic conditions should be anticipated during the
following day, with minor geomagnetic storm conditions possible. These will settle afterwards to unsettled and quiet to unsettled conditions.
SIDC

Equipment: Coronado 90 +  Imaging Source DMK  + LX75
Processing: Photoshop, Avistack 300 frames
Date: 08/19/14
Time UT: 16:00
Exposure 1/500 sec.

Observatory Sponli