Space forecasters say severe solar storms could hit Earth and trigger
auroras
[November 12, 2025]
By ADITHI RAMAKRISHNAN
NEW YORK (AP) — Space weather forecasters issued an alert on Tuesday for
incoming severe solar storms that could produce colorful northern lights
and temporarily disrupt communications.
In the past few days, the sun has burped out several bursts of energy
called coronal mass ejections that could reach Earth Tuesday night and
early Wednesday. The potential severe geomagnetic storms could disrupt
radio and GPS communications, according to forecasters with the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
How bright the auroras are and how far south they are visible will
depend on when the solar bursts get here and how they interact with
Earth's atmosphere. The vibrant displays could be visible across much of
the northern U.S., and as far south as Alabama and Northern California.
How northern lights happen
The sun is at the maximum phase of its 11-year activity cycle, making
the light displays more common and widespread. Colorful northern lights
have decorated night skies in unexpected places and space weather
experts say there are more auroras still to come.
Aurora displays known as the northern and southern lights are commonly
visible near the poles, where charged particles from the sun interact
with Earth’s atmosphere.
Skygazers are spotting the lights deeper into the United States and
Europe because the sun is going through a major face-lift. Every 11
years, its poles swap places, causing magnetic twists and tangles along
the way.
Last year, the strongest geomagnetic storm in two decades slammed Earth,
producing light displays across the Northern Hemisphere. And soon
afterward, a powerful solar storm dazzled skygazers far from the Arctic
Circle when dancing lights appeared in unexpected places including
Germany, the United Kingdom, New England and New York City.
The sun’s active spurt is expected to last at least through the end of
this year, though when solar activity will peak won’t be known until
months after the fact, according to NASA and NOAA.
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An aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, lights up the
night sky off Lake Michigan and the St. Joseph Lighthouse, Oct. 10,
2024, in St. Joseph, Mich. (Don Campbell/The Herald-Palladium via
AP, File)
How solar storms affect Earth
Solar storms can bring more than colorful lights to Earth.
When fast-moving particles and plasma slam into Earth’s magnetic field,
they can temporarily disrupt the power grid. Space weather can also
interfere with air traffic control radio and satellites in orbit. Severe
storms are capable of scrambling other radio and GPS communications.
In 1859, a severe solar storm triggered auroras as far south as Hawaii
and set telegraph lines on fire in a rare event. And a 1972 solar storm
may have detonated magnetic U.S. sea mines off the coast of Vietnam.
Space weather experts aren’t able to predict a solar storm months in
advance. Instead, they alert relevant parties to prepare in the days
before a solar outburst hits Earth.
How to see auroras
Northern lights forecasts can be found on NOAA’s Space Weather
Prediction Center website or an aurora forecasting app.
Consider aurora-watching in a quiet, dark area away from city lights.
Experts recommend skygazing from a local or national park. And check the
weather forecast because clouds can cover up the spectacle entirely.
Taking a picture with a smartphone camera may also reveal hints of the
aurora that aren’t visible to the naked eye.
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