Solar astronomy specialists warn that conditions on the Sun and in near-Earth space are not yet conducive to the end of the current geomagnetic storm, although there is a slight chance of its intensity decreasing from `red` to `yellow` level.
The geomagnetic storm, which commenced on Tuesday morning, has now persisted for nearly 30 hours.
Persistent Geomagnetic Storm and Elevated X-Class Flare Risk
According to recent laboratory data, “The forecast for the next 24 hours remains concerning. Even with a possible reduction in storm intensity to a `yellow` level in the coming hours, the overall situation, both on the Sun and in the space surrounding Earth, does not favor stabilization. Furthermore, for the first time in a long while, the daily forecast includes more than a 50 percent probability of powerful X-class solar flares.”
Deterioration of Interplanetary Environment Parameters
It has been observed that parameters of the interplanetary medium have predominantly worsened over the past 24 hours. The speed of the solar wind near Earth has significantly increased, from approximately 400 to nearly 700 kilometers per second. Concurrently, plasma temperature has risen sharply, from 100 to 300 thousand degrees. The interplanetary magnetic field strength continues to be at a moderate level, with its peak values on Tuesday coinciding with peaks in Earth`s magnetic field fluctuations.
Researchers explained, “Currently, the field strength has decreased by 40-60%, allowing the storm to remain at moderate G1-G2 levels.”
Intensified Auroral Displays Observed
Reports also indicate that on Tuesday evening, auroral displays were observed. These phenomena, though relatively short-lived, were notably more intense than those witnessed on the previous day. A significant number of observations originated from the Moscow region, where the aurora was barely discernible to the naked eye but was clearly captured by smartphone cameras and professional photographic equipment. Similar widespread reports were also received from the northeastern regions of the country.
Rupert Blackwood 
Clement Ashworth