A 'severe' solar geomagnetic storm could cause aurora to be observed in various places, the largest solar radiation storm in 23 years
It has been discovered that a strong geomagnetic storm and solar radiation storm occurred on January 20, 2026, due to increased solar activity. While this will have a negative impact on the aerospace industry, it also has the benefit of allowing auroras to be observed in various locations.
Severe solar storm makes northern lights visible in the sky: What you need to know – NBC 6 South Florida
'Severe' geomagnetic storm on Monday could make northern lights visible across much of US, including NY and NJ | New York Post
https://nypost.com/2026/01/19/us-news/severe-geomagnetic-storm-on-monday-could-make-northern-lights-visible-across-much-of-us-including-ny-and-nj/
According to the Space Weather Prediction Center, a division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a G4 (severe) geomagnetic storm occurred on January 20th when a coronal mass ejection (CME) from the Sun reached Earth. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, a geomagnetic storm is 'a significant geomagnetic disturbance similar to that observed when high-energy particles released by a large explosion on the Sun reach Earth.'
On the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's scale , a G4 event is the second-highest level, and could cause widespread voltage control problems, impact spacecraft, and disrupt HF radio propagation. The Space Weather Prediction Center (SWC) urged infrastructure personnel to exercise caution, but also said that 'if weather permits, aurora viewing is possible.'
G4 (Severe) Geomagnetic Storm Levels Reached 19 Jan, 2026 | NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center
https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/news/g4-severe-geomagnetic-storm-levels-reached-19-jan-2026
In fact, the aurora has been spotted in many parts of Europe, including Scotland, Ireland, the Netherlands, etc. Below is a photo from Austria.
At the same time, an S4 (severe) solar radiation storm is occurring . Solar radiation storms are solar phenomena that occur when particles emitted from the Sun by solar flares and other events are accelerated. These particles can penetrate the Earth's magnetic field, posing a risk of radiation exposure to spacecraft, aircraft flying at high altitudes, and their crews. S4 is the second highest level, and the Space Weather Prediction Center explained that 'S4 level has not been observed since 2003.'
An S4 severe solar radiation storm is now in progress - this is the largest solar radiation storm in over 20 years. The last time S4 levels were observed was in October, 2003. Potential effects are mainly limited to space launch, aviation, and satellite operations. pic.twitter.com/kCjHj4XYzB
— NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (@NWSSWPC) January 19, 2026
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