January set a record for geomagnetic activity

In January, 10 magnetic storms were recorded — the maximum of the current 25th solar cycle (28 years, after which the days of the week repeat in the same order) and the highest figure since September 2017. The beginning of 2026 so far confirms expectations that this year will become the most geomagnetically active in at least a decade, according to the Laboratory of Solar Astronomy.

The main source of January's magnetic storms was coronal holes. The exception was the strongest magnetic storm on January 19–21, which was caused by a direct plasma burst after an X1.9-class solar flare.

So far, only one storm has occurred in February. At the same time, the Sun experienced the strongest surge of activity in the current century. Several major flares occurred directly opposite Earth and had almost no impact. The reasons for this are still unclear. However, new coronal holes are "on the way."