Solar activity was very low. No Earth-directed CMEs were observed in available coronagraph imagery.
The solar kp index is quiet, with no changes to retrograde effects. The solar wind speed is currently above average, making retrograde effects moderately increased.
There are no planets in retrograde!
The Solar System at a Glance
Solar wind parameters were initially indicative of a background solar wind regime. Solar wind speeds began the period under 300 km/s, total field and Bz were benign, and the phi angle was situated in a positive orientation. At ~20/0130 UTC, solar wind parameters increased across all readings, suggesting passage of a transient possibly associated with a slow-moving CME observed on 15 Apr. Wind speeds reached a peak near 390 km/s, total field increased to 16 nT, and the Bz component saw a maximum southward deflection to -15 nT. Phi angle was variable through 20/0920 UTC, after which settling into a positive orientation.
There is a 35% chance of solar activity, with a 15% chance of a minor event, a 1% chance of a moderate event, and a 1% chance of a strong event.
Mercury
Not in Retrograde
Next Retrograde starts on 17 June, 2020
Fun Fact About Mercury
A day on the surface of Mercury lasts 176 Earth days, but a year on Mercury takes only 88 Earth days!
