The United Kingdom could be treated to a dazzling display of the northern lights this week, as the planet experiences its most significant solar radiation storm in over two decades. The event, which began on Monday, 20th January 2026, is the largest of its kind since October 2003.
A Perfect Storm for Celestial Light Shows
This extraordinary event is the result of a powerful X-class solar flare and a subsequent coronal mass ejection (CME) that erupted from the Sun on Sunday. The charged particles from this explosion are now colliding with Earth's magnetic field, creating a severe geomagnetic storm. The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) confirmed the scale of the event, noting it poses an "enhanced risk" to aviation and satellite operations, particularly in polar regions.
For skywatchers, however, the primary effect is a chance to witness the aurora borealis much further south than usual. The aurora is forecast to reach a level eight on the nine-point Kp index, which measures geomagnetic activity. While the original forecast highlighted visibility across northern US states, similar geomagnetic conditions often translate to spectacular displays over Scotland, Northern England, and Northern Ireland, with a possibility of sightings even further south if conditions align perfectly.
Practical Advice for UK Observers
The best opportunity to view the aurora in the UK will be from around midnight to 2 a.m. local time. Observers are advised to:
- Find a location with a clear, unobstructed view to the north.
- Get as far away from city light pollution as possible.
- Be patient, as auroral activity can come in waves.
- Even standard smartphones can capture the lights with a long-exposure mode.
Shawn Dahl, service coordinator at NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center, emphasised that critical infrastructure operators had been notified. "We've been making all these phone calls to ensure that we are keeping all the critical technological infrastructure operators in the know of what's happening," he stated in a briefing. The agency has been in direct contact with NASA regarding astronaut safety on the International Space Station.
The Science Behind the Solar Maximum
This intense space weather event coincides with the Sun's solar maximum phase, the peak of its 11-year activity cycle. During this period, sunspots and solar flares become more frequent and powerful.
Jamie Favors, director of the Space Weather Program at NASA Headquarters, explained: "During solar maximum, the amount of solar activity increases. This provides an exciting opportunity to learn about our closest star — but also causes real effects at Earth." The coronal mass ejection responsible for the current storm is expected to continue affecting Earth into Tuesday, with conditions likely to weaken later in the day.
While the storm may cause temporary disruptions to high-frequency radio communications, it serves as a potent reminder of our star's dynamic nature and its ability to paint our night skies with unforgettable colour. For those in the UK under clear, dark skies, this week offers a rare chance to witness one of space's most magnificent visual phenomena.
