Chance of Magnetic Storms

Chance of Magnetic Storms

Flowing from a gap in the sun's atmosphere, a stream of solar wind is approaching Earth. ETA: Feb. 16-17. Last night, David Mayhew saw the first stirrings of auroras over Hofn, Iceland:

"The lights were weak," says Mayhew. "A 30 second exposure was required to capture them, along with their reflection from a shipwreck in the foreground."
Tonight's lights could be brighter. NOAA forecasters estimate a 45% chance of full-fledged geomagnetic storms on Feb. 16th when the solar wind arrives. Polar sky watchers should remain alert for auroras.

From SpaceWeather.com