A severe G4-class geomagnetic storm is currently underway in Peru, driven by a high-speed coronal mass ejection (CME) launched from the Sun two days ago and associated with an X1.9 solar flare recorded at 13:09 local time, according to the
IGP Chief Hernando Tavera reported that the coronal mass ejection (CME) reached Earth in just 25 hours, making it one of the fastest such events observed since 1995.
"Typical CMEs take between three and four days to arrive. This was the first X-class flare of the year and it triggered an S4-level solar radiation storm, the most intense in more than 20 years," the scientist detailed.
"As it passed, sustained disturbances were recorded, leading to geomagnetic activity fluctuating between G1 (minor) and G4 (severe) levels, as well as widespread auroras," the official stated.
"Auroras were observed on the night of January 19, stretching from Germany to the southwestern United States, including New Mexico," Scipion indicated.
He added that energy transfer to Earth's magnetosphere was intensified by a strong southward-oriented interplanetary magnetic field (IMF).
Observations from the ACE satellite showed solar wind speeds close to 1,150 km/s, total magnetic field intensities of around 90 nT, a southward-oriented IMF component ranging from -50 to +80 nT, Kp (geomagnetic index) = 9—the highest level of magnetic activity—and Dst (disturbance storm time index) below -235 nT, indicating an intense geomagnetic storm.
This cloud of electrically charged particles does not travel alone: it carries a powerful structure of the Sun's magnetic field which, upon impacting and coupling with Earth's magnetosphere, triggers the disturbances that have been recorded.
Using certified solar filters or eclipse-viewing glasses, the most prominent sunspots from AR 14341, as well as another active region (AR 14342), are currently visible without a telescope, although this also depends on individual visual acuity.
However, it is emphasized that the Sun should never be observed directly without proper protection, as the risk of eye damage is real and permanent.
How does it affect Peru?
Scipion explained that measurements carried out by the IGP—using instrumentation installed at its Jicamarca facilities—on January 19 and 20 revealed significant disturbances in the equatorial electric field and the development of ionospheric irregularities over the country.
He also noted that "these storms can significantly affect space systems, aviation, power grids, GNSS, and low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites; therefore, the IGP continues to monitor near-Earth space conditions, always with a focus on Disaster Risk Management (DRM)."