Skip to main content
See every side of every news story
Published loading...Updated

Geomagnetic 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.
Insights by Ground AI
Podcasts & Opinions

197 Articles

Lean Right

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

·Spain
Read Full Article
Think freely.Subscribe and get full access to Ground NewsSubscriptions start at $9.99/yearSubscribe

Bias Distribution

  • 72% of the sources are Center
72% Center

Factuality Info Icon

To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium

Ownership

Info Icon

To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage

9NEWS Denver broke the news in Denver, United States on Monday, January 19, 2026.
Too Big Arrow Icon
Sources are mostly out of (0)

Similar News Topics

News
Feed Dots Icon
For You
Search Icon
Search
Blindspot LogoBlindspotLocal