A solar radiation storm, ranked at a level four out of five on a severity scale, was tracked by SWPC. The center designated the event as “the largest solar radiation storm in over 20 years.”A solar radiation storm marks the release of intense, rapidly-moving charged particles toward Earth and can impact space launches, aviation and satellite operations. The last time severe solar radiation storm levels were observed was in October 2003, according to SWPC. During the May 2024 geomagnetic storm, tractor company John Deere reported that some customers reliant on GPS for precision farming experienced a disruption. A geomagnetic storm caused an auroral display over western Germany Monday evening.

Source: The North Africa Journal January 20, 2026 06:31 UTC