Scientists have recorded the strongest solar flare of 2025, accompanied by coronal mass ejections (CMEs) which have triggered auroras in the polar regions, Europe, parts of Canada and the US.
The eruption occurred on the sunspot AR4274 on November 11, causing radio blackouts across Africa and Europe. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has warned of strong geomagnetic storm (G3) for November 12 and a minor one (G2) for November 13 due to the CMEs.
CME passage continues and G1-G4 (Minor-Severe) storm levels are expected to continue to occur throughout the overnight. Follow https://t.co/TV7Yw6Lq1Y for the latest updates. Key critical infrastructure operators have been notified to mitigate any potential effects. pic.twitter.com/3UDzJhJetr
— NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (@NWSSWPC) November 12, 2025
Solar flares are intense burst of radiation and light from the Sun whereas CMEs are release of charged solar particles which create auroras when they interact with Earth’s magnetosphere and atmospheric gases in the polar regions.
The recent CME burst reportedly occurred on November 9 and 10, and they are now reaching Earth. On the same days, the sunspot AR4274 produced X1.7 and X1.2-class flares, and their combined effect could bring a severe geomagnetic storm (G4).
The Sun just produced an X5.1 class #SolarFlare. This is the largest flare of 2025 so far, and 6th largest of the past two years. It triggered a strong ‘Radio Blackout’ and moderate ‘Solar Radiation Storm’ at Earth, and released what is most likely an Earth-directed eruption! pic.twitter.com/7PhSzvC8P5
— Dr. Ryan French (@RyanJFrench) November 11, 2025
“CME passage continues and G1-G4 (Minor-Severe) storm levels are expected to continue to occur throughout the overnight,” the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center said in a statement, explaining that the magnetic cloud is now passing over Earth and will continue to do so for several hours.
Here is a view of today’s eruption from the Sun, currently en route to Earth. You can see a full ‘halo’ in the data, indicating the plasma is coming our way. You can also see the ‘fuzzy snow’ in the images, caused by particles from the solar flare hitting the camera! pic.twitter.com/CqbNG1kRH6
— Dr. Ryan French (@RyanJFrench) November 11, 2025
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“SWPC forecasters believe that Earth was and is being impacted by the first two of three anticipated CME arrivals. We believe the final and most energetic CME has yet to arrive and may still be on track for a midday (EST) or so arrival,” the NOAA said. “We are seeing indications of another, perhaps stronger CME moving through space and that could be the third CME we are still awaiting according to our forecast and noted in the included model run.”
OH MY GOD I CAN SEE IT IN ARIZONA https://t.co/Kkzq55lv1w pic.twitter.com/0CokeAsXAm
— Andrew McCarthy (@AJamesMcCarthy) November 12, 2025
Several solar scientists like Dr. Ryan French have shared visuals of the solar eruptions along with images of auroras captured from their regions. Others posted pictures of colourful night skies seen in states as far south as Arizona in the US.
Some final aurora photos from me tonight, taken during the recent substorm at Coot Lake, Boulder CO. What a night! Let’s wait and see if tomorrow brings the expected round two. pic.twitter.com/IZIj44xoRV
— Dr. Ryan French (@RyanJFrench) November 12, 2025
Only picture I have pulled from the camera so far! Will have more later. Was taken around 8:30pm in central MN. #Mnwx #Mn #Aurora #northernlights @StrmchsrHunterF @landon_wx pic.twitter.com/3Z1n2Exyuf
— Nicholas (@Nick_LaLonde15) November 12, 2025
Here’s some extra shots of the remarkable red colour of the Aurora Borealis / Northern Lights over Courtmacsherry areas in West Cork , Ireland as that intense Geomagnetic Storm continues!! 🤩🥰📸🌠🌌💥🌊✨💚♥️ #auroraborealis #aurora #NorthernLights #merrydancers… pic.twitter.com/tjeAo8HjxJ
— Alan Mac Cárthaigh 🇮🇪 (@AlanMcC82) November 12, 2025
THIS IS INSANE WTF IS HAPPENING pic.twitter.com/Pnb59IAOoK
— Ryan Scholl GBR (7-3) |-/ (@WxScholl) November 12, 2025
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