Overview
- An X1-class solar flare with a directed coronal mass ejection reported by SCIESMEX set off a strong geomagnetic event that expanded the auroral oval.
- NOAA issued an S4 solar radiation alert described in reports as the most intense in more than two decades as effects peaked around January 20.
- A G4-level geomagnetic storm produced striking auroras on January 19–20 across Europe, Canada and the United States, reaching unusually low latitudes including the U.K.
- Cosmonaut Sergey Kud-Sverchkov recorded a vivid aurora from the International Space Station showing rare reds, pinks, greens and yellows.
- Ground footage circulated widely, including a GoPro time-lapse from Cornwall by Christopher Probert and a widely shared image over Stonehenge, while authorities reported no major infrastructure failures.