Boulder, CO – A major space weather event is unfolding this week as massive sunspot clusters and a coronal hole high speed stream (CH HSS) raise the potential for geomagnetic disruptions through Thursday.
According to the National Weather Service’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), sunspot regions labeled 4296, 4294, and 4298 are rotating into Earth-facing positions. These, along with newly visible region 4299, exhibit magnetic complexity that increases the chance of R1 to R2 (minor to moderate) solar flares by up to 70 percent. There is also a possibility of an R3 (strong) solar flare event.
Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) have already occurred in association with this solar activity, though none have been Earth-directed so far. The SWPC notes that as these regions continue rotating into more direct alignment with Earth, the chance for impactful CMEs will rise.
In addition to sunspot activity, a CH HSS identified as CH 04 is expected to reach Earth between Wednesday and Thursday, triggering increased solar wind speeds. Forecasters have issued a G1 (minor) geomagnetic storm potential for December 4–5, which could influence satellite operations, GPS accuracy, and power grid stability in some areas.
The SWPC urges the public and affected industries to stay updated on the latest developments through spaceweather.gov, the official source for national space weather forecasts and alerts.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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