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Sun Unleashes Record Radiation Storm!
20 Jan
Summary
- An S4 severe solar radiation storm, highest in 20 years, is occurring.
- Auroras may be visible in 24 US states and beyond.
- Storms can disrupt satellites, GPS, and airline communications.
An S4 severe solar radiation storm, the most intense recorded in over 20 years, is currently impacting Earth. This powerful solar activity, triggered by an X-class flare, is projected to generate spectacular auroras visible across much of the northern half of the United States, potentially reaching as far south as Alabama and northern California. The storm's severity, rated at the highest level, raises concerns about its potential effects on crucial technologies. Satellite communications and GPS accuracy are at risk of disruption. Airlines, NASA, and the Federal Aviation Administration have been alerted to prepare for these impacts, with astronauts on the International Space Station advised to seek shielded areas. This event follows a severe geomagnetic storm in May 2024, which previously affected GPS-reliant precision farming operations. The National Weather Service's Space Weather Prediction Center is monitoring the situation closely.
