News
Severe G4 Storm Reaches Earth While Experts Study New Solar Data
As the G4 solar burst reached Earth, teams worldwide started watching changes in magnetic conditions, aviation routes, and system stability linked to the storm’s passage.
A G4 “severe” geomagnetic storm hit Earth on 19 January 2026, with NOAA reporting G4 levels first reached at 19:38 UTC after a coronal mass ejection shock arrived. The trigger was linked to an energetic flare and fast CME, and it arrived sooner than many casual skywatchers expected. Feels strange sometimes, space weather trending next to match scores.
The Storm Timeline and the Risk Map
NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center flagged the first G4 spike, then warned that severe levels could return as the CME passed through Earth’s magnetic field. Utilities, satellite operators, and airlines typically watch these alerts closely because navigation and radio links can get noisy. An official update was posted here.
What Scientists are Tracking Now
- Solar wind speed and density, plus the IMF Bz turning south
- Geomagnetically induced currents that can stress power grids
- GPS and satellite impacts, including drag and orientation issues
- HF radio disruption and aviation route adjustments
