The US Space Weather Prediction Center reported this Wednesday (November 12, 2025) that the strength of the solar storm that has recently affected Earth’s magnetic field will remain at “severe” levels until Thursday, potentially impacting some power grid systems and disrupting GPS navigation.
The agency, which relies on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), warned in its latest bulletin that the storm, which reached “severe” levels today, will subside by Friday and its effects will be completely gone by Saturday.
The various alert levels set by NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center range from “G1” (mild) to “G5” (extreme).
Magnetic storms, which occur when particles emitted by the sun collide with Earth’s electromagnetic field, reached alert level G4 (severe) on Wednesday this week.
The center said the storm could cause problems with the power grid, particularly voltage control and grid protection systems, as well as GPS navigation, which “may be affected or rendered inoperable for many hours.”
He also warned of impacts to spacecraft and high-frequency radios, and the possibility of an increase in aurora borealis, which could be seen “as far as Alabama and northern California.”
NASA postpones launch of Escapade mission
High solar activity is precisely why NASA postponed the launch of the Escapade mission this Wednesday to study the interaction of the solar wind and Mars’ magnetic field.
U.S. officials said this morning that the magnetic field from the storm’s passage remained stable at about eight times normal background levels. According to the center, there have been three ejections of solar material that have triggered solar storms in recent days.
To see the Northern Lights, enthusiasts are advised to look for dark skies away from city lights and carry a camera or smartphone. If not visible to the naked eye, the light may be visible in long exposure photos.
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