Overview
- The U.S. Space Weather Prediction Center issued a G3 (strong) geomagnetic storm watch for the June 8–9 period and says elevated geomagnetic activity is expected.
- A coronal mass ejection from Active Region 4461 produced an M1.8 flare on June 6 and hurled a dense core filament toward Earth at about 1,400 km/s.
- Forecasters say auroras could reach much farther from the poles than usual and may be visible in high‑altitude parts of northern India plus northern U.S., Canada and parts of Europe if conditions align.
- The storm’s real intensity depends on the CME’s internal Bz magnetic orientation, which can only be measured by satellites roughly 1.5 million kilometres out, giving about 15–60 minutes of definitive warning.
- Agencies are monitoring closely and warn of possible but generally manageable impacts to satellites, HF radio, GPS and power systems while advising skywatchers to check local forecasts for the late‑night June 8 to early‑morning June 9 viewing window.