The sky above parts of the United States is poised for an electrifying display: dazzling auroras could be visible as far south as northern California and Alabama this week. This celestial spectacle stems from three powerful eruptions of solar plasma, known as coronal mass ejections (CMEs), hurtling towards Earth.
These CMEs originated from a particularly active sunspot named AR4274, which is currently focused on our planet. The first two CMEs erupted on November 9th and 10th, respectively, each triggered by powerful X-class solar flares – the most intense type of solar flare according to NOAA’s space weather prediction scale. These flares were classified as X1.7 and X1.2.
On Tuesday morning, a colossal X5.1 solar flare erupted from AR4274 – almost five times stronger than the previous flares and marking the strongest solar flare of 2025 so far. This monstrous flare triggered radio blackouts across Europe and Africa shortly after its release.
The most powerful CME associated with this intense flare is predicted to strike Earth on Wednesday, November 12th. Combining with the effects of the two preceding CMEs, it could significantly disrupt Earth’s magnetic field, potentially reaching a “severe” G4 level – the second highest category on NOAA’s scale.
What Does a ‘Severe’ Geomagnetic Storm Mean?
A G4-class geomagnetic storm isn’t just about spectacular auroras. It can also cause power grid fluctuations, interfere with low-frequency radio communications, and lead to GPS errors. However, there’s no need for everyday individuals to take any special precautions against these potential impacts.
Aurora Hunters Prepare Your Telescopes!
The best way to experience this celestial light show? If you’re hoping to catch the aurora borealis – which can sometimes stretch as far south as northern California and Alabama during particularly strong solar events – head for a location with minimal light pollution, allowing about 20 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness.
No special equipment is needed to witness the aurora; however, digital cameras or phone screens can enhance the colors due to their larger aperture which lets in more light.
