1. The Mother's Day Geomagnetic Storm on 10 May 2024: Aurora Observations and Low Latitude Space Weather Effects in Mexico.
- Author
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Gonzalez‐Esparza, J. A., Sanchez‐Garcia, E., Sergeeva, M., Corona‐Romero, P., Gonzalez‐Mendez, L. X., Valdes‐Galicia, J. F., Aguilar‐Rodriguez, E., Rodriguez‐Martinez, M., Ramirez‐Pacheco, C., Castellanos, C. I., Pazos, M., Mendoza, B., Gatica‐Acevedo, V. J., Melgarejo‐Morales, A., Caraballo, R., Andrade‐Mascote, E., Villanueva‐Hernandez, P., Bonifaz‐Alfonzo, R., Sierra, P., and Romero‐Hernandez, E.
- Abstract
On 10 May 2024, a severe geomagnetic storm coinciding with Mother's Day in Mexico lasted over 40 hr and produced polar auroras observable at low latitudes. This storm, the most intense since 2003, resulted from a series of solar flares and coronal mass ejections from active region 3664. The event was significant for space weather studies in Mexico, marking a milestone by enabling comprehensive measurements of its effects. The Mexico Space Weather Service (SCIESMEX) and the National Space Weather Laboratory (LANCE) had prepared for such an event since their inception. LANCE's instrument networks recorded solar chromospheric images, solar radio bursts, geomagnetic variations, Schumann resonances, ionospheric disturbances, and energetic particle flows. They also monitored Geomagnetically Induced Currents (GICs) in three strategic substations of the national electrical system. This provided unprecedented insights into the dynamics of severe space weather events at the North‐American low‐latitude environment. Citizen science efforts documented auroras and regional responses, capturing variations in geomagnetic indices, ionospheric disturbances, cosmic ray fluxes, GICs, and technological impacts. SCIESMEX worked with the National Civil Protection System (SINAPROC) to issue warnings, ensuring public awareness and preparedness. This coordination underscores the importance of effective communication and collaboration in mitigating impacts. The May 2024 geomagnetic storm demonstrated the critical role of preparedness, research, and public education in reducing the effects of future space weather events in Mexico. Plain Language Summary: On 10 May 2024, during the celebration of Mother's Day in Mexico, a powerful geomagnetic storm occurred, lasting over 40 hr and creating polar auroras visible in low‐latitude areas. The Mother's Day geomagnetic storm, the strongest since 2003, was triggered by a series of solar flares and eruptions from the sun. For researchers in Mexico, this event was significant. The storm produced northern lights that were seen in 20 of the 32 states in Mexico, and it gave us the chance to measure the storm's effects with our instruments for the first time. Over the past 10 years, the Mexico Space Weather Service (SCIESMEX) and the National Space Weather Laboratory (LANCE) have been preparing for such an event. During the storm, LANCE's network of instruments recorded various solar and space phenomena, such as solar images, radio bursts, geomagnetic and ionospheric disturbances, energetic particles, and currents in the national electrical system. This comprehensive data collection helps us understand the impact of severe space weather in Mexico. We also gathered observations from the public about the aurora and measured the regional effects on geomagnetic and ionospheric conditions, cosmic rays, and technological systems. Key Points: The May 2024 geomagnetic storm offered insights into space weather effects at low latitudes, impacting North AmericaObservations showed geomagnetic storm impacts on Mexico's power grid and atmospheric conditions, highlighting vulnerabilitiesPolar auroras in Mexico reveal solar weather's reach, stressing the need for awareness in areas rarely affected by such events [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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