Overview
- After bright mid‑January displays, weaker but still notable auroras were reported in Germany from January 28 to 30, with KP forecasts around 4 to 5 versus readings above 8 earlier in the month.
- The Met Office’s Krista Hammond cautions that severe space‑weather events have historically occurred after the solar maximum, keeping risk elevated despite an overall downturn in activity.
- Strong solar storms can disrupt power grids and satellites, and the Met Office estimates improved forecasting could deliver about £600 million in value to the UK energy sector over a decade.
- Germany’s DLR says chances for further sightings remain elevated in the coming weeks and months during the late phase of Solar Cycle 25, with the best odds in darker northern regions under clear skies.
- Observers are advised to track KP‑index apps, seek low‑light locations facing north, target late‑evening to midnight hours, and use long‑exposure or smartphone night modes with a tripod to capture faint arcs.