An X-class solar flare erupted on January 18, 2026, and the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center issued a G4 (Severe) geomagnetic storm alert as a coronal mass ejection continued to hit Earth's magnetic field. The alert was updated on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. This is the largest solar radiation storm in 23 years, making it a rare and significant space weather event.
The good news? The skies are putting on a show. Skywatchers across the U.S. were able to see the Northern Lights as the geomagnetic storm took place on Monday night. Northern Lights were photographed as far south as New Mexico and Alabama, well beyond where auroras typically appear. The northern U.S. may see colors overhead, primarily green and/or purple, whereas areas to the south might notice a reddish or green glow on the northern horizon.
G4 storms are strong enough to enhance auroral activity dramatically, but are also capable of affecting satellites, navigation and radio communications on Earth. These storms can induce currents in power grids, causing blackouts, and can also degrade GPS/satellite navigation accuracy, interfere with radio communications, and increase drag on low-orbit satellites, impacting aviation, pipelines, and spacecraft electronics. The sun's magnetic field reached its solar maximum phase in October 2024 and has continued to emit strong solar flares, with intense magnetic activity expected to last through 2026.