Severe geomagnetic storm hits Earth following solar eruption

The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) has confirmed that a severe geomagnetic storm is currently affecting Earth, following a powerful solar eruption that sent charged particles toward the planet. SANSA said the storm reached G4 level – classified as severe on the global geomagnetic scale – late on Monday night and is expected to continue through Tuesday, January 20, 2026, with fluctuating conditions.

The space weather event was triggered by a long-duration X1.9 solar flare that erupted from the Sun on Sunday, January 18, producing an Earth-directed coronal mass ejection (CME). When the CME interacted with Earth’s magnetic field, it generated elevated geomagnetic activity, which SANSA said could range between G1 (minor) and G4 (severe) over the coming hours.

While geomagnetic storms do not pose a direct risk to people, SANSA warned that technological systems may be affected, including satellite operations, GPS and navigation systems, radio communications, aviation systems and, in extreme cases, power infrastructure. The agency said the severity and duration of the storm depend on how strongly the incoming solar plasma couples with Earth’s magnetic field.

SANSA’s 24-hour Space Weather Centre in Hermanus, Western Cape, is continuing to monitor conditions and will issue updates as the situation evolves.

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Cape Argus