Why in news?
A geomagnetic storm is a major disturbance in Earth’s magnetic field caused by solar activity, such as coronal mass ejections (CMEs) or solar flares. Right now, Earth is experiencing one of the strongest geomagnetic storms in over 20 years (January 2026), triggered by a massive CME traveling at record speed, producing vivid auroras as far south as Ladakh, India.
Highlights of the news
- Event: A G4 severe geomagnetic storm (second-highest on NOAA’s scale).
- Trigger: An X-class solar flare and CME traveling at ~1,660–1,700 km/s, reaching Earth in just 25 hours (much faster than the usual 3–4 days).
- Impact:
- Auroras: Visible unusually far south, including Hanle, Ladakh (India), where a rare red aurora was observed.
- Space Weather Risks: Disruptions to satellites, GPS, radio communications, and power grids.
- Historic: Strongest solar radiation storm (S4 level) since 2003.
About Geomagnetic Storm
- A temporary disturbance of Earth’s magnetosphere due to solar wind and plasma from the Sun.
- Causes:
- Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs): Huge bursts of charged particles and magnetic fields.
- Solar Flares: Explosive releases of energy from the Sun’s surface.
- High-Speed Solar Wind Streams: Often from coronal holes.
- Cycle: Frequency increases during solar maxima (peak of the 11-year sunspot cycle).
NOAA Geomagnetic Storm Scale
| Level (G) |
Severity |
Effects |
| G1 (Minor) |
Small fluctuations |
Weak auroras, minor radio issues |
| G2 (Moderate) |
Moderate impact |
Auroras at mid-latitudes, some power grid alerts |
| G3 (Strong) |
Noticeable impact |
Voltage irregularities, GPS issues |
| G4 (Severe) |
Major disturbances |
Widespread auroras, satellite navigation problems |
| G5 (Extreme) |
Rare, catastrophic |
Grid collapse risk, severe satellite damage |
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