The sun just unleashed its strongest radiation storm in 20 years. Here’s what it means for you

Aurora borealis, or northern lights, produced by a solar geomagnetic storm are seen from Shenandoah National Park in Rileyville, Virginia in October 2024

• An S4-level solar radiation storm, strongest since 2003, is underway.
• Auroras may be visible much farther south, including parts of the US.
• Most people face little risk; agencies and operators are taking precautions.

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Forecasters at the Space Weather Prediction Center say an S4-level solar radiation storm is now underway, making it the strongest event of its kind in more than two decades. The last time a storm this intense was recorded was back in October 2003.

This storm was triggered by an X-class solar flare, the most powerful category, which erupted from the sun and sent a wave of fast-moving charged particles toward Earth. Alongside it, a strong geomagnetic storm has also arrived, driven by a massive coronal mass ejection from the sun’s outer atmosphere, CNN reported.

Who actually needs to worry

Despite the dramatic language, this is not a doomsday scenario. The main concerns are for people and technology in space or at very high altitudes.

Astronauts aboard the International Space Station may temporarily move into better-shielded areas to reduce radiation exposure. Airlines flying polar routes are also on alert, since radiation levels can rise there and radio communications can be affected.

Satellite operators are watching closely too. Heightened radiation can interfere with GPS accuracy and satellite-based communications, though experts stress that major disruptions are not expected.

Power grids and everyday tech

Geomagnetic storms can, in extreme cases, strain power grids. The infamous solar storms of 2003 caused power outages in Sweden and damaged transformers in South Africa. This time, agencies and infrastructure operators have had advance warning, which makes a big difference.

During a strong geomagnetic storm in May 2024, some GPS-reliant systems, including precision farming equipment, briefly struggled. Even then, most power and satellite systems stayed stable.

The silver lining: Auroras in unexpected places

For many people, this storm could deliver something special. Auroras are expected much farther south than usual, potentially visible across large parts of the northern United States and even as far south as Alabama and northern California.

Clear skies will be key. Parts of the Midwest, especially Minnesota, are expected to have good viewing conditions. The Pacific Northwest may also get a show west of the Cascades, while cloud cover could limit visibility in parts of the Northeast.

Auroras tend to appear in short, intense bursts called substorms that last about 20 minutes. During those moments, the lights can suddenly brighten and spread much farther south before fading again. Even if you can’t see much with the naked eye, phone cameras often pick up colours your eyes miss.

Should you be concerned

For most people on the ground, there’s little reason to worry. Agencies including NASA, airlines, emergency managers and power grid operators have all been notified and are taking precautions.

The bigger picture is that the sun is becoming more active, and more flares could follow in the coming days. Some of those could also be directed toward Earth, bringing more auroras and minor technical hiccups.

For now, if the skies are clear where you are, it might be worth stepping outside after dark and looking north. You don’t often get a front-row seat to a solar event this rare.