A G4 geomagnetic storm gives us a low chance to see the northern lights once again in parts of the state.

ATLANTA — The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, may be visible across north Georgia Monday night. 

The sun emitted a strong Solar Flare and Coronal Mass Ejection Sunday, that has now arrived at the earth’s outer atmosphere. This is causing two main impacts: A Strong Geomagnetic Storm and also a Very Strong Solar Radiation Storm.

A G4 geomagnetic storm was observed on Monday afternoon. As this energy makes it to the earth on Monday night, it disturbs the magnetic field and interacts with molecules in our outer atmosphere. This create auroras in the sky.

The last time this phenomenon happened here in Georgia wasn’t very long ago! It actually happened back toward the beginning of November, on back-to-back nights. It was visible on Nov. 11 and Nov. 12 of 2025.

According to Shawn Dahl, Space Weather Prediction Center’s Service Coordinator, posted a briefing on X. In the briefing, he Dahl described the G4 conditions, but also the very rare S4 solar radiation storm that has arrived, which is the highest intensity since before the October 2003 “Halloween” space weather storms.

SWPC Video Update from Shawn Dahl, SWPC Service Coordinator about the severe G4 and S4 ongoing storms. Apologies for the hastiness of this, but we have been very busy notifying aviation, power grid, FEMA, and more about these storms. Stay aware at https://t.co/TV7Yw6Lq1Y pic.twitter.com/rT0iNTng4B

— NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (@NWSSWPC) January 19, 2026

The Space Weather Prediction Center has been in contact with NASA, FEMA, entities involved in the Power Grid, and the FAA among others. Solar storms can cause impacts to communications and the power grid, amongst other things.

As the CME passes by earth, we’ll also have the aurora borealis developing tonight. The chances for visibility are higher in the northern part of the United States. However, the Space Weather Prediction Center shows a Kp “planetary index” forecast to reach an 8 or 9. This would put the “visibility line” as far south as Georgia and Alabama. This line is an area where faint auroras could be visible on the bottom of the horizon.


If we were able to see any aurora in the sky tonight, it would be low on the horizon looking north. 

It’s also best to get away from city lights or any light pollution. Make sure the sky is dark. Also, it may be hard to view with the naked eye. The last time we had the northern lights this far south, many could only see them by looking through their phone camera or a long-exposure camera.



What other impacts

This geomagnetic storm could also cause issues with satellite transmissions. Your GPS systems could also have some interference. Not all solar storms are good. They can play huge implications on our power grid, spacecraft operations, radios, and satellites. The magnetosphere protects us here on earth.



Recent northern lights in Georgia

Twice in 2024 and once in 2025, you could also look up into the Georgia sky and see the northern lights. A powerful G5 storm took aurora visibility to the Caribbean in May 2024. These are photos from that event.


May 2024 phenomenon in Georgia

Photos | Northern lights around metro Atlanta


October 2024 phenomenon in Georgia

PHOTOS | Northern lights over Georgia on Oct. 10


November 2025 phenomenon in Georgia

Northern Lights seen over North Georgia