CRBC News
Culture
Society
Security
Health
Conflict
Science
Technology
Politics
Environment
Lifestyle
Economy

Largest Sunspot in a Decade and an X-Class Flare Boost Aurora Chances for Minnesota

The Sun produced powerful CMEs and flares on Nov. 11–12, pushing the Kp index to 8.67 — the second-strongest storm since 1989. Scientists have identified sunspot groups 4294–96 as the largest complex in about a decade, with multiple cores larger than Earth. A newly formed active region above that complex released an X-class flare that caused a radio blackout over Australia. Increased solar activity raises aurora odds, but Minnesota’s cloud cover will be the limiting factor; a Kp near 5 could light up northern Minnesota, while Kp ≈ 6 is typically needed farther south.

07:24 AM, 12/02/2025Science
Largest Sunspot in a Decade and an X-Class Flare Boost Aurora Chances for Minnesota

On Nov. 11–12 the Sun launched multiple coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and flares that slammed into Earth's magnetic field, producing spectacular auroras — some bright enough to be recorded at unusually low latitudes. The Kp index peaked at 8.67 on Nov. 11, making that storm the second-strongest since 1989.

What happened on the Sun

Observers and NASA have identified a very large sunspot complex labeled 4294–96, which they describe as the largest sunspot region seen in about a decade. The structure was so vast that Amrit Seecharan at SpaceWeather.com had to combine two image panels to show it in full. Within the complex are at least five core areas, each larger than Earth.

Late Sunday night a newly formed, as-yet-unnamed active region above the large complex produced an X-class solar flare — the most intense category on the A-B-C-M-X scale. That flare triggered a notable radio blackout over parts of Australia. Strong flares and CMEs can disrupt radio communications, aviation links, GPS signals and other electronic systems.

Why this matters for aurora watchers

Not every flare or CME produces visible northern lights at a given location. For an auroral display to appear, the eruption must be directed toward Earth and couple efficiently with our planet’s magnetic field. Still, the emergence of this exceptionally large sunspot complex and a recent X-class flare are clear signs of heightened solar activity as the Sun moves through the active phase of its roughly 11–12 year cycle — a welcome development for aurora enthusiasts.

Minnesota outlook

The primary obstacle for Minnesota viewers is local weather: a colder, more active pattern has produced persistent low clouds across the region. Forecast models currently project a Kp of about 5 for Thursday, which could make auroras visible across northern Minnesota. Generally, a Kp of around 6 or higher is needed to see the lights in the Twin Cities and much of southern Minnesota.

How to improve your chances of seeing the aurora

- Watch space-weather alerts and official forecasts for updated Kp and CME arrival times.
- Find a dark location with an unobstructed northern horizon and allow your eyes 20–30 minutes to adjust to the dark.
- Be prepared for only one to two days’ notice when a CME is confirmed to be Earth-directed; timing and clear skies must align.

Sources: NASA; Amrit Seecharan / SpaceWeather.com

Similar Articles

Trending