Earth is set to be impacted by a powerful burst of solar material as a coronal mass ejection (CME) released from the Sun is expected to arrive late on January 2, potentially triggering a moderate geomagnetic storm through January 3, according to forecasts issued by the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
NOAA’s space weather prediction models indicate that the CME a vast cloud of magnetised plasma hurled into space during a solar eruption is moving in Earth’s direction and may interact strongly with the planet’s magnetic field. Scientists classify the expected disturbance as a G2-level geomagnetic storm, which falls under the “moderate” category on NOAA five-tier storm scale.
A geomagnetic storm of this strength can cause voltage fluctuations in power systems, particularly at higher latitudes, and may temporarily disrupt radio communications, navigation signals and satellite operations. While such storms are not considered dangerous to life on Earth, they can affect technological infrastructure that relies on stable electromagnetic conditions.
The arrival of the solar storm coincides with the full Wolf Moon, a factor that may limit the visibility of auroras. Although geomagnetic storms often produce vivid northern and southern lights, the intense brightness of the full moon could wash out auroral displays, even if they extend toward mid-latitude regions.
Scientists say the event highlights the heightened activity of the Sun as it moves through the peak phase of Solar Cycle 25. This cycle, which governs the rise and fall of solar activity roughly every 11 years, is currently producing frequent sunspots, solar flares and coronal mass ejections.
According to NOAA’s long-range forecasts, elevated solar activity is expected to continue throughout much of 2026 before gradually declining toward the next solar minimum later in the year. During this period, scientists anticipate more episodes of space weather capable of affecting satellites, GPS systems, airline communications on polar routes and other space-based technologies.
As Earth braces for the latest solar impact, researchers emphasise that such events are a natural part of the Sun–Earth relationship. They also offer valuable opportunities to study how solar energy interacts with Earth’s magnetic shield, helping improve forecasting systems and strengthen preparedness for future space weather events.