SC25 Declining Phase Geomagnetic Storm Risks
Key Questions
What is the current status of Solar Cycle 25 and its storm risks?
SC25 is fading mid-2026 with recent activity including an M5.7 CME near-miss and G3/G2 geomagnetic storms in May. These events carry risks such as GIC impacts and reported melatonin or heart attack spikes.
How does the SMILE mission support geomagnetic storm forecasting?
SMILE's X-ray imaging capability, launching around May 2026, is expected to improve forecasts of solar storms and their effects. This is highlighted in S0 News coverage of ongoing solar activity.
What recent solar features are contributing to storm risks?
A new coronal hole facing Earth and active region AR4436 have driven recent G2-G3 storms and auroras. S0 News May 25 discusses these alongside magnetic field reversal topics.
Despite SC25’s reported decline in mid-2026, recent activity included the AR4436 M5.7 flare/near-miss CME, G3 and G2 conditions, and a 53-day Earth-facing coronal hole. New Carrington Event coverage adds sourced historical storm evidence but stresses sparse 1859 measurements and uncertainty; it does not establish human-behavior effects. The Exeter railway incident is likely dated 1848 rather than 1841.