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Severe Geomagnetic Storm Sends Northern Lights to Unusually Low Latitudes

Space‑weather agencies caution of potential disruptions to communications, GPS or power systems, with no significant outages confirmed.

Overview

  • An Earth‑directed coronal mass ejection triggered a G4 geomagnetic storm on Jan. 20, expanding the auroral oval far from the poles.
  • Auroras were seen across Europe, Canada and the United States, reaching areas where sightings are typically rare.
  • Reports highlighted vivid green and pink displays in countries such as Germany, the Netherlands and Norway, as well as over Canada’s Yukon.
  • Authorities warned that severe geomagnetic disturbances can intermittently affect satellite links, radio signals, navigation and sensitive grids.
  • Operators and scientists remain on alert for delayed or localized impacts, with monitoring continuing after the initial spectacle.