Overview
- The plasma cloud from the X1.95 flare is projected to reach Earth around noon Moscow time on January 20, according to Russia’s Solar Astronomy Laboratory at IKI RAS.
- LASCO independently confirmed CCOR-1 coronagraph data, reinforcing confidence that the coronal mass ejection is on an Earth-directed path.
- Researchers characterize the storm outlook as developing, with forecasts subject to revision as the CME approaches.
- The eruption is the first X-class solar flare reported in 2026, indicating powerful events remain possible despite a broader downturn in activity.
- A separate M1.20 flare was recorded on January 19 at 14:19 Moscow time, and widespread auroras are anticipated Tuesday night into Wednesday.