US EditionGeomagnetic Storm May Make Northern Lights Visible in U.S. Monday, Tuesday
A rare G4 severe geomagnetic storm from a powerful solar flare may cause widespread aurora visibility across 24 U.S. states, NOAA warns of potential impacts on power and satellites.
- On Jan. 19, 2026, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center said the sun released an X1.9 flare that launched a coronal mass ejection which struck Earth, prompting a severe geomagnetic storm watch for late Monday and into Tuesday.
- Because Bz briefly dipped south then turned north, solar wind energy entered Earth's magnetosphere but was sharply limited later, constraining auroral visibility.
- NOAA and related indices recorded a G4 geomagnetic storm and Planetary K-index above 8 with an S4 solar radiation storm, forecasters said auroras could be visible as far south as Alabama and California.
- Immediate impacts include potential disruptions to satellites and communications systems and increased radiation for high-altitude aircraft, though astronauts on the International Space Station remain safe; forecasters said conditions should weaken by Tuesday evening but activity may continue into Tuesday night.
- This flare's long duration and full-halo signature mean the X1.9 flare's unusually long duration and full-halo CME suggest increased auroral chances during the November storms and the solar maximum.
208 Articles
208 Articles
The northern lights could be visible in dozens of states tonight — here’s why this storm is different
The Northern Lights have been viewable from locations you can’t normally see them from on a number of recent occasions, and on the evening of Jan. 20, the same will be true. On Tuesday night, the Aurora borealis may be visible in parts of more than half of all U.S. states. That’s a few more ...
The Northern Lights Could Put On a Dazzling Show Tonight—Thanks to Strongest Solar Storm Since 2003
These states have the greatest chance of spotting the aurora borealis. Diana Robinson Photography / Getty ImagesKey PointsAuroras may be visible as far south as New York tonight as G2-level geomagnetic storm conditions continue, with a Kp index expected to peak at 6.The unsettled conditions follow a severe G4 geomagnetic storm last night that allowed parts of the southern U.S., including Alabama and New Mexico, to see the northern lights after a…
Sun Releases Largest 'Radiation Storm' In Decades; Pregnant Women Potentially Affected By Solar Flares
Shortly before 3:30 a.m. EST Tuesday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center reported that severe G4 geomagnetic storm levels had once again been reached. But despite an extremely powerful coronal mass ejection and geomagnetic storm, the Northern Lights did not explode across the sky the way many expected. The culprit was the solar wind’s magnetic field, which pointed north, the same direction as Ea…
A reddish glow has illuminated the skies of much of the peninsula this morning due to unusual geomagnetic activity that could damage satellites and disrupt communications
Solar Poised for a 50% Jump in Trump’s America
Current conditions: A geomagnetic storm triggered by what’s known as a coronal mass ejection in space could hit severe levels and disrupt critical infrastructure from southern Alabama to northern California • After weekend storms blanketed the Northeast in snow, Arctic air is pushing more snow into the region by midweek • Extreme heat in South America is fueling wildfires that have already killed 19 people in Chile.THE TOP FIVE1. Trump ramps up …
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 71% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
