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
THE STORM IS SUBSIDING: A severe (G4) geomagnetic storm that began on Jan. 19th when a super-fast CME hit Earth is subsiding now. But it might not be over. Our planet’s magnetic field is still reverberating from the impact, causing minor (G1) to strong (G3) geomagnetic storms on Jan. 20th. High-latitude sky watchers should remain alert for auroras. Aurora alerts: SMS Text
BIG AURORAS–ESPECIALLY IN EUROPE: Yesterday’s CME impact was perfectly timed for Europe. The severe geomagnetic storm began just after nightfall in the EU, while the New Moon provided dark skies for long-exposure photography. This photo from Brittany, France, sums it up: