Geomagnetic storm sparks vivid northern lights across mid-latitudes.

A fast coronal mass ejection triggered a G4 geomagnetic storm that produced auroras visible far from the poles, with reports from Germany to New Mexico.

A fast coronal mass ejection from the sun produced a severe G4 geomagnetic storm that lit up auroras well beyond their usual polar range. The shock arrived at about 2:38 p.m. EST on Jan. 19, and the event followed an X1.9 solar flare on Jan. 18, according to NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center. Geomagnetic conditions fluctuated through G1 to G4 levels as the CME passed, and the U.K. Met Office reported repeated surges of auroral activity. Photographers and skywatchers in mid-latitude regions reported vivid displays and shared images from Europe, North America and Asia. Notable details: - A fast CME struck Earth's magnetic field around 2:38 p.m. EST (1938 GMT) on Jan. 19, following an X1.9 solar flare on Jan. 18, NOAA reported. - Geomagnetic storm levels rose as high as G4 (severe) and fluctuated through G1–G3 as the CME passed, according to NOAA and the U.K. Met Office. - Auroras were reported and photographed across mid-latitudes, including Germany, France, Hungary, the Netherlands, Canada, China and the southwestern United States (New Mexico). - Photographers mentioned in reports included Greg Gage (Deming, New Mexico) and Chi Shiyong (Mohe City, China), and many other skywatchers shared images and timelapses online. - Space weather forecasters said activity is expected to gradually ease but remains unsettled, leaving a chance of further auroral displays. Summary: The fast CME and preceding X1.9 flare produced a geomagnetic storm that made auroras visible far from their usual polar zones and generated widespread photography of the event. Forecasters expect geomagnetic activity to ease gradually while noting conditions remain unsettled, so another appearance of the aurora is possible tonight. Monitoring by space weather centers continues.