1 / 8On the night of January 19–20, a significant G4 geomagnetic storm sparked breathtaking views of the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) in various areas. This phenomenon stemmed from a potent X1.9-class solar flare that occurred on January 18, which propelled a substantial coronal mass ejection (CME) directly towards our planet. (Image X@ Rongelukas)
2 / 8Due to the storm’s power, sightings were reported across Europe, showcasing reds and greens in locations such as China, Scandinavia, the UK, and throughout Europe from Germany and France to Hungary. Although the display reached southern areas including Arizona, Texas, and Southern California, geomagnetic activity had diminished by the time night fell over North America. (Image X)
3 / 8Social media platforms were flooded with reports and photographs from regions that seldom witness such displays, such as southern Europe and other lower-latitude locations. The National Weather Service’s Space Weather Prediction Center had previously issued a level four out of five warning for solar radiation storms, marking the most intense event in over two decades. (Image X)
4 / 8The storm may disrupt satellite communications and GPS precision, presenting radiation risks to astronauts and passengers on flights crossing polar routes. Notifications were sent to airlines, NASA, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, and other entities for storm preparedness. (Image X@Galwaytourism)
5 / 8According to forecaster Shawn Dahl from the SWPC, “We’re making calls to ensure that essential technological infrastructure operators stay informed about the situation.” Additionally, Dahl mentioned that another intense geomagnetic storm impacted Earth on Monday, which could affect the electric power grid. This storm was also triggered by a coronal mass ejection from the sun on Sunday following an X-class flare. (Image X@St0nehenge)
6 / 8The NOAA aurora forecast indicates that 24 U.S. states are fully or partially above the aurora visibility line: Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Michigan, New York, Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Missouri, and Colorado. (Image X)
7 / 8To catch a glimpse of the auroras, choose a location with a clear, dark view to the north free from light pollution. Even cellphone cameras can capture the displays that are invisible to the naked eye. The active sunspot region may result in further Earth-directed eruptions, with more flares anticipated in the upcoming week. (Image X)
8 / 8As the S4 solar radiation storm is currently occurring, it may be necessary to reroute flights over polar regions or adjust flight altitudes according to MyRadar Weather. “For the first time since 2003, we are experiencing an ongoing S4 solar radiation storm! Solar particles and protons, accelerated by an approaching magnetic shockwave (CME), are impacting Earth. An increase in energized particles allows them to penetrate deeper into our upper atmosphere,” it stated on X. (Image X@forallcurious)
