Summary For March 20-26

Two category R3 (strong) radio blackouts were detected by NOAA's GOES spacecraft. The first occurred on March 22 at 11:48 a.m. MST (1848 UT) and the second occurred on March 24 at 12:52 a.m. (0752 UT). Both blackouts were due to large solar flares from a sunspot group that has since rotated to the far side of the Sun. Category R3 radio blackouts are normally associated with a wide-area blackout of HF radio communication signals causing loss of radio contact for mariners
and en route aviators for about an hour, with effects limited to the sunlit side of Earth. R3 radio blackouts are also associated with degradation of low-frequency navigation signals on the sunlit side of Earth for about an hour affecting maritime and general aviation positioning.

Outlook For March 29-April 4

Occasional R1 (minor) radio blackouts are expected. Isolated R2 (moderate) radio blackouts are possible. There is also a slight chance for a S1 (minor) solar radiation storm. S1 storms normally cause minor impacts on HF radio communication signals in the polar regions.

Data used to provide space weather services are contributed by NOAA, USAF, NASA, NSF, USGS, the International Space Environment Services  and other observatories, universities, and institutions.

Mitch Battros
Producer - Earth Changes TV
http://www.earthchangesTV.com