The Earth experienced its most powerful solar storm in 23 years on Tuesday night after the Sun released an intense X-class solar flare, according to scientific reports. The rare space weather event caused temporary geomagnetic disturbances while lighting up skies across multiple continents with vivid aurora displays.
The geomagnetic storm began on Monday when a fast-moving cloud of solar radiation collided with Earth&rsquo;s upper atmosphere. The impact disrupted the planet&rsquo;s magnetic field, allowing high-energy charged particles to penetrate deeper into the atmosphere than usual. The storm reached its peak at 2:38 pm EST, when it was classified as &ldquo;severe&rdquo; by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration&rsquo;s Space Weather Prediction Center.
Although the storm later weakened, it continued at strong G4 levels on Tuesday, making it one of the most intense solar events recorded in recent decades.
Despite causing minor disruptions to communication and navigation systems, the solar storm produced stunning aurora displays across wide regions. Northern lights were visible far beyond their usual polar range, appearing across the United States, including parts of California, as well as the United Kingdom and several European countries.
Auroras were also reported from France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Croatia, Greenland and Canada. In the United States, scientists had predicted visibility across nearly 24 states, and social media platforms were flooded with photographs from locations such as Alaska, San Francisco and Chicago.
Experts say such solar events highlight the growing need to monitor space weather closely due to its potential impact on modern technology.

Powerful X-class solar flare triggers global auroras and geomagnetic activity

Strongest Solar Storm in 23 Years Hits Earth

Powerful X-class solar flare triggers global auroras and geomagnetic activity

January 21, 2026 | 12:11 IST