March-April 2026 Geomagnetic Storms
Key Questions
What is a G3 geomagnetic storm?
A G3 geomagnetic storm is a severe level event on NOAA's scale, characterized by Kp indices of 7, often caused by coronal mass ejections (CMEs). It can lead to widespread auroras at mid-latitudes, power grid instabilities, and disruptions to satellites and GPS. Recent observations linked it to events like the Shiveluch volcano activity and wild weather.
Where were auroras visible during the March-April 2026 G3 storm?
Auroras were visible as far south as Pennsylvania due to the G3 storm's intensity, with mid-latitude auroral ovals expanding (Kp 5-7). ASWFC SWS snapshots confirmed G2/G3 conditions affecting northern US states. Forecasts predicted visibility in northern US tonight from ongoing G2 storms.
What caused the San Francisco grid outage during the geomagnetic storm?
Magnetic storms induced currents that greatly impacted San Francisco's power grid, leading to a widespread outage. Localized power sources were used during the event, as reported in related coverage. This highlights vulnerabilities of power infrastructure to geomagnetic disturbances.
What are the current forecasts for geomagnetic storms in April 2026?
A new G3 storm is forecast with Kp7 CMEs, alongside ongoing G2 conditions (Kp 5.67 per NOAA). An asymmetric halo CME from AR4403 is expected to deliver a glancing blow around April 4. Solar flare and CME risks remain elevated.
How do geomagnetic storms affect aviation?
Geomagnetic storms can breach Earth's magnetic shield, leading to events like NASA detecting a breach that grounded 6,000 planes globally. Increased solar radiation during storms like those amplified by the South Atlantic Anomaly poses risks to aircraft electronics. This underscores the need for monitoring during high Kp events.
What is NASA's AI model for Artemis II?
NASA is testing an AI model using Ebihara MMS/Parker/Artemis data to protect Artemis II astronauts from solar radiation outside Earth's magnetic field. It predicts radiation exposure from geomagnetic storms and CMEs. This addresses vulnerabilities during deep space missions.
What prior solar events led to the current storm sequence?
The sequence stems from AR4403 halo CMEs, Forbush decreases, auroras, GPS, and power disruptions. A filament eruption on April 1 produced an asymmetric halo CME forecast for April 4. These events correlate with ongoing G2/G3 storms.
Where can I monitor live geomagnetic activity?
Live dashboards like SWS Latest Conditions - Geomagnetic Indices and Auroral Oval Forecast provide real-time Kp, Kaus, and auroral data. ASWFC SWS 2026-04-07 snapshots confirm current G2/G3 levels. Global monitors also track volcanoes, weather, and space weather correlations.
G3 storm observed (Shiveluch volcano/wild weather/SF grid outage); new G3 forecast (auroras to PA, Kp7 CMEs); G2 ongoing (northern US, Kp 5.67 NOAA); ASWFC SWS 2026-04-07 confirms G2/G3, mid-lat auroral ovals (Kp5-7); solar flare/CME risks to grids/GPS; ties to animal magnetoreception disruptions; Ebihara MMS/Parker/Artemis AI; reversal hype; monitoring behavior correlations; live dashboards.