Northern lights over Cottbus: The G4 solar storm inspires Lusatia!
A strong G4 solar storm will bring impressive northern lights to Cottbus and southern Brandenburg on January 20, 2026.

Northern lights over Cottbus: The G4 solar storm inspires Lusatia!
On January 19, 2026, something exciting is brewing over southern Brandenburg: a strong solar storm of class G4 will ensure that the northern lights will be visible over Cottbus and Lusatia. How Lower Lusatia currently According to reports, the storm was triggered by a coronal mass ejection (CME) from an X1.9 flare on January 18th. This storm will reach Earth at 8:38 p.m. Central European Time and has the potential to light up the night with colorful lights.
Normally, northern lights are more likely to be found in Scandinavian regions or Iceland. But due to the current storm, the bright phenomena are extending into Germany. For sightings in southern Brandenburg, a Kp index of at least 7 is usually sufficient, which could be reached and even exceeded on the evening in question. Experts offer reassurance: no major technical disruptions are expected and there will be no power outages.
What are solar storms?
Solar storms result from collisions of high-energy solar particles with gas molecules in the Earth's atmosphere, creating the fascinating spectacle of the northern lights. Reddish colors are particularly common in medium latitudes such as Lusatia. Loud sonnen-sturm.info It is predicted that the effects of the G4 storm could last into January 21st, with the storm expected on January 20th between 10am and 2pm CET and again in the evening between 6pm and 10pm CET.
Clear nights in remote locations with little light pollution are ideal for northern lights. Certainly an invitation to all hobby astronomers to hunt for the fantastic color games with their cameras! And how SpaceWeatherLive mentioned, the forecasts are optimistic: the Kp index could even reach peaks of up to 8-9 on January 20th.
Tips for Northern Lights hunters
Those looking to take advantage of the opportunity should keep a few things in mind: clear skies are a must, and the best sightings are often expected from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Warm clothing, a thermos flask and a camera with a tripod are highly recommended. In addition, the current solar cycle 25, which has been running since 2019, is at a high, increasing the likelihood of further light phenomena.
Northern lights are not just a visual spectacle, they remind us that our everyday lives can also be influenced by nature. Technical systems could experience minimal disruption due to the storm, such as GPS inaccuracies or brief radio interference - but don't worry, our everyday lives will remain largely unaffected.
Whether you're an experienced observer or just want to experience the wonders of nature, it's best to have your eyes and cameras ready. The spectacle of the Northern Lights is just around the corner!