Space weather alert: NOAA warns multiple coronal mass ejections could reach Earth late Tuesday into Wednesday, potentially triggering severe geomagnetic storms. Bright auroras may be visible across much of the northern U.S. and as far south as Alabama and northern California. The Sun is near the peak of its 11-year activity cycle, increasing the chance of displays and short-lived disruptions to radio, GPS and satellite services. Check NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, choose dark viewing sites, and monitor local weather.
Powerful Solar Eruptions Headed for Earth — Bright Auroras Possible, Short Radio/GPS Disruptions Expected
Space weather alert: NOAA warns multiple coronal mass ejections could reach Earth late Tuesday into Wednesday, potentially triggering severe geomagnetic storms. Bright auroras may be visible across much of the northern U.S. and as far south as Alabama and northern California. The Sun is near the peak of its 11-year activity cycle, increasing the chance of displays and short-lived disruptions to radio, GPS and satellite services. Check NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, choose dark viewing sites, and monitor local weather.
04:45 AM, 11/12/2025Science
Solar eruptions headed toward Earth; vivid auroras and short-lived communications disruptions possible
NEW YORK — Space weather forecasters on Tuesday warned that a series of powerful solar eruptions is en route to Earth and could produce bright northern lights and temporary disruptions to radio, GPS and satellite services.
Over the past several days the Sun has launched multiple coronal mass ejections (CMEs) — bursts of charged particles and magnetic fields — that forecasters say could arrive late Tuesday night or early Wednesday. Officials with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) say the incoming events have the potential to trigger severe geomagnetic storms.
Where and how far the auroras may appear
How vivid the auroras become and how far south they will be visible depends on the timing and strength of each CME and how the solar particles interact with Earth's magnetic field and upper atmosphere. Forecasters say colorful displays could stretch across much of the northern United States and might be seen as far south as Alabama and northern California.
Why this is happening now
The Sun is near the peak of its approximately 11-year activity cycle, a period when solar eruptions and auroral displays become more frequent and widespread. Around solar maximum the Sun’s magnetic field reorganizes and its magnetic poles reverse — processes that tend to increase explosive activity on the solar surface.
Beyond the light show: potential impacts
Solar storms can do more than create spectacular skies. When fast-moving solar plasma and energetic particles collide with Earth’s magnetosphere, they can induce currents that briefly affect power grids. Space weather can also interfere with satellite operations, disrupt air-traffic-control radio, and scramble GPS and other radio communications.
Historical storms underline the risks: an 1859 event produced auroras visible as far south as Hawaii and caused telegraph systems to catch fire; a 1972 storm has been linked to the detonation of magnetic sea mines off Vietnam’s coast.
Preparedness and viewing tips
- NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center and NASA continuously monitor solar activity and issue alerts to utilities, satellite operators and airlines so they can take precautions.
- For aurora watchers: check forecasts at NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center or use an aurora-forecasting app, choose a dark viewing site away from city lights, and verify local weather — cloud cover will hide the display.
- Smartphone photography tip: long-exposure or night-mode shots can sometimes capture auroral glows that are faint or invisible to the naked eye.
Officials expect the Sun’s current active phase to continue at least through the end of the year, although the exact timing of any peak in activity is typically confirmed only months later.
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