Strong geomagnetic storm hits Earth, aurora lights up skies

A powerful geomagnetic storm has once again enveloped Earth, according to specialists from the Institute of Applied Geophysics. Their data indicates the disturbance of the planet's magnetic field has currently reached a G3 level, which corresponds to a strong storm on the five-point scale where G5 is the maximum.

Earlier, on January 20, the Laboratory of Solar Astronomy at IKI RAS stated that the current geomagnetic storm had already passed its main phase, though the situation has yet to fully stabilize. Scientists clarified that the radiation disturbance in near-Earth space peaked during the night hours, becoming the most intense of the entire 21st century.

Experts note the storm has been ongoing for a second day, with the risk of fluctuations persisting over the next two to three days. During the period of maximum activity, residents across many regions of Russia and Europe could observe a brilliant aurora on the night of January 20. It remains possible the northern lights could recur on the night of January 21 if solar activity intensifies again and Earth's magnetosphere stays in an excited state.