(London, January 20, 2026) – Severe geomagnetic storms triggered widespread auroras visible across the United Kingdom adn as far south as northern Italy, according to the Met Office.
The Met Office reported that unusually strong geomagnetic storms caused vibrant displays of the Northern Lights across a wider area than typically observed.
- Severe geomagnetic storms were observed, leading to widespread auroras.
- The aurora was visible as far south as northern Italy, an unusual occurrence.
- the activity is expected to decline but may remain visible in parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland on Tuesday.
- The aurora is caused by a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) from the Sun interacting with Earth’s atmosphere.
The Met Office stated that “severe geomagnetic storms” were observed, resulting in “widespread auroras visible across the UK, with reports extending as far south as northern Italy.” The activity is anticipated to diminish, but the Met Office added that it may still be visible in parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland on Tuesday.
Did you know?– Auroras are also known as the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) in the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis) in the Southern Hemisphere. The names come from Roman goddesses of dawn.
What Causes the Aurora?
The aurora is a result of a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME), which occurs when the Sun emits large clouds of particles, the Met Office explained. When these particles collide with oxygen and nitrogen gases in Earth’s atmosphere, they produce different colors. Oxygen atoms glow green – the most commonly seen color in the Northern Lights – while nitrogen atoms emit purple, blue, and pink.
“Oxygen atoms glow green – the colour most often seen in the Northern Lights, while nitrogen atoms emit purple, blue and pink,” according to the Met Office.
Background and Context
Geomagnetic storms are disturbances in Earth’s magnetosphere caused by solar wind. These storms can disrupt radio communications,GPS systems,and power grids,though no such disruptions have been reported at this time. While auroras are common in high-latitude regions like Iceland and Norway, sightings as far south as Italy are relatively rare and indicate an exceptionally strong geomagnetic event.
Pro tip– To maximize your chances of seeing the aurora, find a location away from city lights with a clear view of the northern horizon. Check aurora forecasts online for predicted activity levels.
The recent geomagnetic storm was triggered by a significant CME that left the Sun on January 17th. The storm reached Earth late on January 19th, causing the dramatic auroral displays. As of Tuesday, January 21st, the storm’s intensity is decreasing, and the aurora is expected to become less frequent and visible only in higher latitude regions. No major infrastructure disruptions were reported as an inevitable result of the event, and the met Office continues to monitor solar activity for further potential impacts.
Reader question– Have you ever witnessed the aurora? What was your experience like? Share your thoughts and observations in the comments below.
