The first magnetic storm of autumn has begun on Earth.
The first magnetic storm of September began on Earth at approximately 08:00 UTC. Currently, the event is classified as weak—falling into the first category on a five-point scale. The storm had been forecast the previous day due to the anticipated arrival of a plasma cloud ejected by the Sun three days earlier. Solar plasma reached Earth yesterday midday, triggering prolonged geomagnetic disturbances (yellow level) that have now persisted for about 24 hours; the storm threshold itself was crossed today.
According to forecasts, geomagnetic conditions are unlikely to stabilize for at least another two days. During this period, Level 2 (moderate) storms are possible, with a slight chance of Level 3 (strong) storms.
Current geomagnetic activity has caused the boundary of the auroral zone to shift noticeably toward mid-latitudes. A strong surge in auroral activity was recorded yesterday around midnight Moscow time (UTC+03), accompanied by numerous reports from the country's northern and northwestern regions. As of midday, auroral activity remains at a moderate level (approximately 5 out of 10), though it may intensify again by evening. While considered unlikely, it is possible that the lower boundary of the aurora could descend as far south as the latitude of Moscow—specifically, the 53°–56° latitude range.