Solar Radiation Storm: Strongest in 20+ Years, Auroras & Tech Impact Explained
- pulsenewsglobal
- Jan 22
- 4 min read
What is the Current Solar Radiation Storm?
On 19 January 2026, Earth entered a severe (S4-level) solar radiation storm – the most intense solar storm of this type in over two decades. This S4 event, officially declared by NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), is stronger than the famous October 2003 “Halloween” storms and is the first S4-level radiation storm since then.
The storm was triggered by a powerful X1.9-class solar flare and a fast coronal mass ejection (CME) from a large sunspot region on 18 January 2026. When the CME struck Earth’s magnetic field around 2:38 PM EST on 19 January, it not only caused a G4 (severe) geomagnetic storm but also intensified a radiation storm to S4 levels, as measured by NOAA’s GOES-19 satellite.
Why S4 Solar Radiation Storm is a Big Deal?
NOAA’s space weather scale classifies solar radiation storms from S1 (minor) to S5 (extreme). An S4 event is considered “severe” and is rare, occurring only a few times per solar cycle.
In simple terms, this means trillions of high-energy protons are being blasted from the Sun and hitting Earth’s near-space environment at very high intensity. Such storms can:
Increase radiation exposure for astronauts and passengers on high-altitude polar flights.
Cause temporary upsets or damage in satellites, especially in geostationary orbit.
Disrupt or black out high-frequency (HF) radio communications over polar regions.
SWPC has alerted major stakeholders like NASA, the FAA, airlines, and power grid operators to take precautionary measures as the storm continues.
Link to the G4 Geomagnetic Storm & Auroras
The same CME that caused the S4 radiation storm also drove a severe (G4) geomagnetic storm when it hit Earth’s magnetosphere. Geomagnetic storms are measured on a G-scale (G1 minor to G5 extreme), and G4 is the second-highest level.
This double whammy – S4 radiation + G4 geomagnetic storm – has energized charged particles in Earth’s atmosphere, creating spectacular auroras visible far from the poles. In recent days, aurora borealis have been seen across:
Northern Europe (Norway, Sweden, Finland, UK, Ireland).
Canada and the northern United States, with reports as far south as parts of the Midwest and even Colorado.
Southern lights (aurora australis) have also brightened over New Zealand, southern Australia, and parts of South America.
Photos and videos from Iceland, Canada, and Alaska show vivid green and sometimes red auroras, with some appearing to the naked eye even in areas with moderate light pollution.
What This Means for Satellites & Space
During an S4 radiation storm, satellites in geostationary orbit (~36,000 km altitude) and other spacecraft face heightened risks. High-energy protons can:
Cause bit flips or “single-event upsets” in onboard computers.
Degrade solar panels and sensitive instruments over time.
Force operators to temporarily shut down non-critical sensors or put satellites in safe mode.
Space agencies like NASA and ESA are closely monitoring spacecraft such as the International Space Station, where astronauts may be advised to move to better-shielded modules. India’s Aditya‑L1 mission near the Sun-Earth L1 point is also observing this event, providing valuable data on how strong CMEs interact with our planet’s magnetic field and space environment.
Impact on Aviation & Passenger Flights
A major concern in an S4 storm is increased radiation exposure on polar routes. Airlines flying routes over the Arctic and near the poles are being monitored by the FAA and other aviation authorities, and some flights may be rerouted to lower latitudes if exposure levels become too high.
Passengers and crew on long-haul polar flights receive a higher dose of ionizing radiation during such storms, which is especially important for frequent flyers and pregnant crew members. Airlines and regulators use real‑time space weather data to adjust flight paths and altitudes to minimize risk.
Effects on GPS, Radio, and Communication
Solar storms can disrupt:
HF (shortwave) radio: Over-the-horizon HF communications in polar regions are highly vulnerable and may experience blackouts or fading.
Satellite communication: Increased radiation and ionospheric disturbances can cause signal scintillation and temporary loss of contact with some satellites.
GNSS/GPS: Geomagnetic storms can introduce errors in GPS/GLONASS/Galileo/NaVIC signals, especially at high latitudes, affecting aviation, shipping, and precision agriculture.
In India, ISRO and other agencies keep a close watch on NaVIC and other navigation signals during such events, and so far, no major service degradation has been reported in recent strong storms.
Could India See Auroras?
While the current storm is powerful enough to push auroras into mid-latitudes in the northern hemisphere, auroras are still extremely rare in India. Under normal conditions, auroras are not visible from the Indian subcontinent due to its low geomagnetic latitude.
However, during extreme solar storms, experts have noted that faint red auroral arcs (SAR arcs) may occasionally be detected over high-altitude regions like Ladakh with long-exposure photography, though they are not visible to the naked eye. For now, Indian skywatchers are more likely to notice the storm’s effects on technology than on the night sky.
How to Stay Updated
To track the current solar storm and any future events, check these official sources:
NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center: spaceweather.gov – lists alerts, warnings, and real‑time solar wind data.
NASA Sun & Space Weather: NASA’s official pages on solar activity and space weather impacts.
ISRO & Aditya‑L1 updates: For Indian perspectives on solar storms and their effects on Indian satellites and power systems.
What’s Next? Storm Outlook
The S4 radiation storm is expected to continue for several days, gradually weakening as the proton flux declines. Geomagnetic activity is also easing from G4 toward G1–G2 levels, but disturbances may persist due to ongoing solar activity and high-speed solar wind streams from coronal holes.
With Solar Cycle 25 approaching its maximum, such strong storms are likely to become more frequent in the next 1–2 years. For the general public, this means more chances of seeing auroras at unusual latitudes, but also a higher need to be aware of potential impacts on flights, satellites, and communication systems.
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