X-class flare on the Sun will cause a strong magnetic storm on January 20

According to information provided by astronomers from the Solar Astronomy Laboratory of the Institute of Space Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences and meteorological services, powerful magnetic storms of levels G3 and G4 are expected as a result of an X-class solar flare recorded on January 18.

It is noted that this flare, the first of the current year, led to a coronal mass ejection directed towards our planet, which will cause a magnetic storm with a G3-G4 index on January 20. On the international scale, these levels denote "strong" and "very strong" geomagnetic activity.

Magnetic storms can have a negative impact on human health, especially for those who are sensitive to weather changes, and can disrupt the operation of satellites, communication systems, and power grids. Interruptions in radio communication and navigation systems are possible.

Experts emphasize that such solar flares and the associated geomagnetic disturbances are becoming increasingly frequent due to the current solar activity and recommend closely monitoring space weather forecasts.