Baku: A geomagnetic storm is currently being observed, with activity at a low (R1) level due to M1.1 flares occurring on the Sun. Class X flares are anticipated on January 20-21, attributed to active regions on the Sun’s surface, as reported by the Department of Astrophysics of the Physics Faculty of Baku State University.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, these solar flares have generated an interplanetary shock wave, causing a significant increase in the interplanetary magnetic field. However, the speed of the resulting solar wind remains minimal at present. The solar wind is expected to escalate on January 20, likely due to the coronal mass ejection (CME) that separated from the Sun on January 18. The influence of the CME is predicted to diminish sharply on January 21-22, with solar wind parameters returning to standard levels by the end of January 22.
The geomagnetic field is projected to reach an active (G1-G2 moderate medium) level on January 20. Normalization of the geomagnetic field is expected by January 21, transitioning to a stationary state from January 22. On January 20, the Kp coefficient, a measure of the geomagnetic storm’s strength, is forecasted to be between 5-7 (G1-G2), with subsequent values anticipated to be 4 and lower.