US EditionPowerful Solar Flare Could Bring Northern Lights to 22 States
The X1.9-class solar flare from sunspot AR4341 triggered a rare S3-level radiation storm and a full-halo CME that may cause geomagnetic storms and auroras across 24 U.S. states.
- On Sunday, Jan. 18, a powerful X1.9-class solar flare from sunspot region AR4341 peaked at 1:09 p.m. EST, producing an Earth-directed CME expected to impact on January 20, 2026.
- Forecasters note the CME's speed, direction and magnetic orientation determine its interaction with Earth's magnetosphere, with the full-halo CME from sunspot region AR4341 directed toward Earth.
- Measurements show an S3 radiation storm after e10 MeV proton flux exceeded 1 000 pfu at 10:20 UTC on January 19, triggering strong R3 radio blackouts across the sunlit Americas while GOES-18 shows sustained proton increases.
- NOAA's aurora viewline shows the Northern Lights may be seen in up to 24 U.S. states down to mid-latitudes overnight on Monday, Jan. 19 through Tuesday, Jan. 20, and the new moon on Sunday, Jan. 18 will darken skies for better visibility.
- Forecasts hinge on the CME's Bz orientation, which forecasters will sample using DSCOVR and ACE spacecraft since a sustained southward Bz of-5 nT usually signals aurora and the U.K. Met Office warns of G3 to G4 storm risks.
26 Articles
26 Articles
The northern lights came against the backdrop of 'the perfect storm', explains astrophysicist from DTU Space.
A massive coronal mass ejection shoots away from the sun at high speed. The Space Weather Prediction Center issued a warning, as electricity grids and satellites may be affected. On Sunday evening, there was a coronal mass ejection on the sun, which is expected to hit Earth on Tuesday. According to the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), this is an X-Class flare that can disrupt radio and navigation systems on the sunlit side of the earth. S…
Intense Auroras Are Possible Tonight
Sunspot 4341 erupted yesterday afternoon, producing a super-powerful X-class solar flare that lasted for hours. The resulting radiation hit Earth's atmosphere, even causing a temporary radio blackout at short wavelengths. However, of much more interest to photographers is the solar flare's Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) that is headed toward Earth now. It may trigger a G4-class geomagnetic storm, which could, in turn, deliver incredible auroras as …
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 38% of the sources are Center, 37% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
