Solar activity could impact power grids, radios for 36 hoursStaff writer, with CNAA geomagnetic disturbance is expected to affect Earth for about 36 hours and could briefly reach the level of a severe geomagnetic storm, the Space Weather Operational Office said today. Aurora may be visible in regions around geomagnetic latitude 40° during the period of geomagnetic disturbance, the office said. Photo courtesy of the Space Weather Operational OfficeThe solar event passed through the near-Earth space environment early today, resulting in a marked increase in solar wind speed and density in interplanetary space. The disturbance is expected to last about 36 hours, and its maximum intensity could briefly reach the level of a severe geomagnetic storm, the office said. The geomagnetic disturbance could lead to abnormally increased line current, inability to use high-frequency radio communication, anomalies in low-frequency radio communication and satellite positioning errors, it said.

Source: Taipei Times January 20, 2026 09:13 UTC