The first aurora of the year was observed across Russia and from the International Space Station on January 20.
Jan 24, 2026 0
Aurora borealis was visible across Irkutsk Oblast on the night of January 20, 2026.
Source:
Svetlana Yashnova / «Polar Auroras», Telegram
The first aurora of the new year sparkled in the sky over Siberia on January 20. The Telegram channel «Irkutsk Astronomer» reported that the aurora was observed throughout the night. Enthusiasts shared magical photographs in the «Polar Auroras» Telegram group.
The auroral display began around 7:30 PM local time in various parts of the region.
Source:
Alexandra Kirillova / «Polar Auroras», Telegram
There is also video! One of them was shot over Lake Baikal by videographer Stanislav Tolstnev.
The lights persisted in the sky nearly until dawn, providing a prolonged spectacle.
Source:
Liza Medvedeva / «Polar Auroras», Telegram
And a pleasant bonus – the aurora, filmed from the International Space Station!
The aurora was seen across almost the entire oblast, including areas like Osinsky District.
Source:
mockingbird / «Polar Auroras», Telegram
Recall that on January 19, a solar flare occurred on the Sun, which was accompanied by a large plasma ejection directed towards Earth, as reported on the website of the Laboratory of Solar Astronomy of IKI and ISZF. The impact occurred in the early morning, and a geomagnetic storm of level G4.7 is currently happening on Earth.
This image shows the vicinity of the airport in Kirensk, a town in Irkutsk Oblast.
Source:
Natalia / «Polar Auroras», Telegram
A photograph from the north of the region, specifically from the city of Bratsk.
Source:
Sergey Panasenkov / «Polar Auroras», Telegram
Taken very close to Irkutsk, beyond the settlement of Urik in the oblast.
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Sergey Signal-Vezde / «Polar Auroras», Telegram
Residents also admired the aurora in Cheremkhovo, a city within Irkutsk Oblast.
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Анатолий Ф / «Polar Auroras», Telegram
And in Angarsk, near the «Persey» base, another location with clear auroral views.
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Misha / «Polar Auroras», Telegram
The display was particularly beautiful on Olkhon Island, a large island in Lake Baikal.
Source:
Виктор Серебренников / «Polar Auroras», Telegram
The sky appeared to be ablaze with vibrant colors during the intense auroral activity.
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Виктор Серебренников / «Polar Auroras», Telegram
The aurora was both bright and long-lasting throughout the night over multiple locations.
Source:
Виктор Серебренников / «Polar Auroras», Telegram
This shot was taken in Kharantsy, another village in Irkutsk Oblast during the event.
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Виктор Серебренников / «Polar Auroras», Telegram
The glow was so intense it even illuminated interiors of homes in the area.
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Виктор Серебренников / «Polar Auroras», Telegram
Filmed in the sky above Pivovarikha, a settlement in Irkutsk Oblast during the aurora.
Source:
Владимир Смирнов / «Polar Auroras», Telegram
The aurora also shone over the Goloustnensky Tract roadway, a route in the region.
Source:
Власова Светлана / «Polar Auroras», Telegram
This capture shows the very beginning of the auroral event as it developed.
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Евгений / «Polar Auroras», Telegram
Let«s admire the sky over Khuzhir, a village on Olkhon Island in Lake Baikal.
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Екатерина Виноградова / «Polar Auroras», Telegram
A true light show occurred over Ust-Ilimsk, with dramatic displays of aurora borealis.
Source:
Julia / «Polar Auroras», Telegram
The videographer captured the indescribable beauty of the aurora over Lake Baikal at night.
Источник:
Станислав Толстнев
This is how the aurora appears from the International Space Station orbiting Earth.
