Published: 19 January 2026Environment
G4 Geomagnetic Storm Triggers Spectacular Auroras Across Multiple Continents
A powerful G4 (severe) geomagnetic storm caused spectacular auroras visible across multiple continents around January 20, 2026. The storm was triggered by strong solar activity and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) with sustained high-speed solar wind and southward-directed magnetic fields.
G4 storms can disrupt satellite operations, damage electronics, affect radio communications, interfere with power grids, and disrupt navigation systems. Geomagnetic storms are rated on a scale from G1 (minor) to G5 (extreme). This was the strongest storm since the notable G5 event of May 2024. NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center reported G4 levels, and its scale notes possible spacecraft surface-charging, tracking and orientation problems during G4 storms.
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The Ramsar Wetland City Accreditation for Udaipur is valid for how many years?
Explanation · Correct answer CThe Ramsar Wetland City Accreditation is valid for 6 years.
Frequently asked questions
What is a G4 geomagnetic storm and what caused it in January 2026?
A **G4 (severe) geomagnetic storm** is caused by strong solar activity and **coronal mass ejections (CMEs)** with sustained high-speed solar wind and southward-directed magnetic fields. A G4 storm occurred around January 20, 2026.
What are auroras and why did they appear across multiple continents in January 2026?
**Auroras** are natural light displays caused when solar particles interact with Earth's atmosphere. The G4 storm in January 2026 made them visible across multiple continents, not just polar regions.
What damage can G4 geomagnetic storms cause?
**G4 storms** can **disrupt satellite operations, damage electronics and power grids**, disrupt GPS navigation, cause radio blackouts, and affect HF radio communications.
What is the difference between geomagnetic storm levels G1 to G5?
Geomagnetic storms are rated **G1 (minor) to G5 (extreme)**. **G4 (severe)** storms can cause widespread power grid and satellite disruptions, while G5 storms (rare) can cause major damage to infrastructure.
What are coronal mass ejections (CMEs)?
**CMEs (Coronal Mass Ejections)** are large expulsions of plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun's corona. When directed at Earth, they cause geomagnetic storms like the G4 event in January 2026.
