A recent geomagnetic storm caused a remarkable display of northern lights in southern California and other areas. This event was sparked by a powerful X-class solar flare from the sun, leading to widespread auroras across the Northern Hemisphere.
Storm Overview
The geomagnetic storm began on January 19, when a coronal mass ejection (CME) impacted Earth’s magnetosphere. This CME resulted from an X1.9 solar flare that erupted on January 18. The intensity of this storm peaked at G4 level, classified as “severe” according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Impact and Locations Affected
- The storm significantly affected auroral activity across the U.K. and many European countries, including France, Germany, and Norway.
- Skywatchers in the U.S. reported visible auroras in states such as Alabama, Georgia, New Mexico, and notably, southern California.
- Experts estimated that up to 24 states could experience auroras during this storm.
Aurora Forecast
As the storm conditions began to stabilize, NOAA predicted continued aurora activity might occur in the northern tier of the United States. Observers were encouraged to check the night sky for potential displays.
Storm Statistics
| Date of Solar Flare | X-Class Rating | Peak Storm Level | Previous Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 18 | X1.9 | G4 | Last set in 2003 |
Understanding Solar Radiation Storms
This recent geomagnetic storm, while significant, did not surpass the “Mother’s Day storm” of May 2024, which was classified as G5, the highest level. Nonetheless, this latest burst set a record for solar radiation intensity, marking a notable event in solar activity history.
Overall, the occurrence of this geomagnetic storm highlights the dynamic interactions between solar activity and Earth’s atmosphere. The beauty of the resulting auroras continues to captivate skywatchers around the world.
