Overview
- NOAA classified the mid‑January disturbance as a G4 geomagnetic storm, with sightings reported across Germany, including southern regions up to the Alps.
- A fast coronal mass ejection was clocked near 1,660 km/s, reaching Earth in roughly 25 hours and driving the intensified auroral activity.
- Experts describe 2026 as especially favorable for aurora viewing in Central Europe, with one forecast anticipating three to five storms strong enough to reach mid‑latitudes.
- Viewing depends on short‑term space‑weather alerts and high Kp readings—typically around 6 to 8 for Germany—plus clear, dark skies with minimal light pollution.
- Strong solar storms can disrupt satellites, navigation, aviation and power grids, prompting continued monitoring even as the displays draw widespread public interest.