Major solar flare (01/23) and possible aurora 01/24-25

[Ulrich Rieth]

Today the sunspot 11402 erupted in an M8/1N solar proton flare.
The explosion was accompanied by a fast and wide coronal mass ejection.
It was observed with a speed of over 1000km/s.
The main mass was ejected towards the north of the sun, but substantial material is also enroute to earth.
An impact as early as tomorrow afternoon (UTC day) can be expected.
The result of the CME passage might be a major geomagnetic storm, if IMF magnetic fields are tilted favorably.
Further updates can be expected as the CME nears earth and as the experts come to a better estimation of the CME trajectory and impact times.
Clear skies!

 Ulrich