Signs of plasma from a solar coronal hole approaching Earth are being observed.
Spacecraft operating at the L1 Lagrange point on the Sun-Earth line have begun detecting a scheduled rise in solar wind parameters (speed and temperature). While the activity is currently moderate, the peak was forecast for late in the day—towards nightfall—so everything is proceeding according to schedule. Solar wind density is also increasing—and doing so even more sharply—which aligns with current scientific models. As the fast-moving solar wind plasma travels from the Sun to Earth, it acts like an excavator bucket, scooping up interplanetary material and creating a zone of heightened density at its leading edge; this phenomenon is already being detected. All in all, the event is unfolding exactly "by the book" so far. It remains to be seen whether the resulting magnetic storm will also follow the textbook scenario; it could begin within the next few hours.
Solar flare activity has also picked up. Following a week-long lull, three M-class flares occurred in the last 24 hours, though this is currently viewed as an isolated episode. There are no signs of a systemic resurgence in activity.
