Cannibalistic solar storm causes northern lights in more than 30 US states and threatens GPS
A rare solar storm, known as “cannibal”, hit Earth in the early hours of November 11 to 12, 2025, Brasília time, after two coronal mass ejections merged in space. The phenomenon occurred in the United States, where northern lights were observed in more than 30 states, including southern regions such as Florida and Texas. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) initially classified the event as G3, but updates indicated G4 intensity due to the merging of the eruptions.
The second, faster ejection reached the first and absorbed it, intensifying the impact on the Earth’s magnetic field. Experts monitor activity to predict possible interference with technologies. Sunspot AR4274, responsible for the eruptions, remains active.
- Eruptions of class X1.7 and X1.2 on November 9th and 10th, followed by X5.1 on the 11th.
- Fusion of plasma clouds creates “cannibal jet” with greater particle density.
- Energized particles interact with the atmosphere, generating colored lights visible at low latitudes.
UPDATE
— Geól. Sergio Almazán (@chematierra) November 12, 2025
La Tierra is experiencing a powerful Solar Geomagnetic Storm
☀️——- G4 Kp8 ———- 🌎
Severe from 00:00 to 06:00 UTC
☀️——- G3 Kp7 ———- 🌎
Fuerte from 06:00 to 12:00 UTC
Generating an impressive spectacle of #Auroraborealis and #AurorasAustrales visibles en… pic.twitter.com/L5EeEDPjqg
Origin of solar flares
The solar region AR4274 expelled plasma and magnetic fields in rapid sequence between November 9 and 11.
These explosions released billions of tons of coronal material aimed at Earth.
Mais sobre o assunto: “Cannibal” solar storm generates auroras and risks to communications this week
The combination resulted in a simultaneous arrival of the particles, amplifying the geomagnetic effect.
Cannibal Fusion Details
Two main ejections came together during the 150 million kilometer path to the planet. The fastest, launched on November 10, surpassed the previous one and incorporated its plasma, forming a denser and more energetic structure. This process, recorded by NOAA satellites, increased the potential for atmospheric disturbance.
Computer models predicted the exact meeting of the masses, confirming the name “cannibal” due to the absorption of the slower front.
Aurora sightings in the USA
Auroras were captured in photos of residents in the Midwest and Northwest during the night of November 11.
Green and red lights covered the sky in states like Wisconsin and Arizona, far from theusual polar zones.
Reports indicate visibility as far as Alabama, lasting hours in urban areas.
The show took place between 10pm and 4am local time and may be repeated on subsequent nights.
Veja Também
Anomalia interrompe voo de teste de foguete SEBIT lançado da Base de Alcântara
Estrela de alta velocidade ao redor de Sagitário A* pode revelar rotação do buraco negro
Falha espacial frustra plano da Nasa de ajustar órbita do telescópio Swift
Amateur camera records show color variations due to interaction with atmospheric gases such as oxygen and nitrogen.
Cobertura completa: Ciência
Risks for modern technologies
The storm induced currents in electrical grids, with continuous monitoring to prevent transformer failures.
Satellites in low orbit faced additional drag, affecting real-time positioning maneuvers.
- Temporary degradation in the GPS signal, impacting vehicle and agricultural navigation.
- High frequency radio propagation interrupted for up to 12 hours in affected regions.
- Possible blackouts in aviation communications, with alerts issued to air traffic controllers.
NOAA Continuous Monitoring
NOAA agents track the AR4274 spot, which remains facing Earth and could generate new ejections until November 14.
Equipment at ground stations recorded spikes in S1 to S2 radiation, with no immediate damage reported.
Daily updates include forecasts forintensity, with a focus on mitigating effects on critical infrastructure.
Solar cycle 25, at its peak, explains the high frequency of events like this, with more than ten strong storms in 2025.
Acompanhe: tudo sobre cannibal solar storm
Reports of initial impacts
Farmers in the Midwest reported GPS-guided tractor failures on the morning of November 12.
Authorities invited reports of anomalies for further analysis in official reports.
No serious incidents on power grids have been confirmed to date, but surveillance persists.
