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Solar storm on November 12th: Northern lights and risks for technology!
A severe solar storm will hit Earth on November 12, 2025, bringing northern lights to Germany and warning of geomagnetic disturbances.
Solar storm on November 12th: Northern lights and risks for technology!
Today, November 12, 2025, we will witness an impressive celestial spectacle as a powerful solar storm moves towards Earth at a rapid speed of over 2,000 km/s. This intense Category X5.1 solar flare has caused NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) to issue a Category G4 warning. A storm of this intensity can cause both auroras and potential disruption to technical systems in the next few days. Dr. Volker Bothmer from the Institute for Astrophysics at the University of Göttingen has confirmed the arrival of the solar storm, and there is excitement about what the night could bring us. Mercury reports, that a level G3 (strong) warning is expected on November 13th. Previous solar storms have already triggered auroras in Germany as well as parts of the United States and Mexico, and visibility could last into the night of November 13th.
But what does that actually mean for us? Like a cosmic dance, geomagnetic disturbances of level G4 are looming, which not only provide an impressive spectacle in the sky, but can also have negative effects on our technology. Experts warn of a “cannibal” solar storm, with coronal mass ejections (CMEs) carrying the power of a shock wave that can amplify geomagnetic storms. These special CMEs have the ability to merge with each other, intensifying the effects on Earth. News.de explains, that the best chances to see the Northern Lights are between 2:30 and 5:30 a.m.
Visible northern lights and technical risks
Solar storms are fascinating natural phenomena caused by violent electromagnetic activity on the sun. These activities are part of the solar cycle, which has peaks and troughs approximately every 11 years. The current 25th solar cycle began in 2019 and is expected to last until 2030. Such solar storms bring with them auroras, which are caused by charged particles colliding with our atmosphere. The phenomenon could even become visible as far as Central Europe if the conditions are right. These surprises make the next few nights even more exciting to watch! Ingenieur.de has some interesting facts about this compiled.
But let's not forget the potential risks: recent historical events such as the geomagnetic storm of 1989 reminded us that these forces of nature can also cause technical damage. Satellites, power grids and even air traffic are not safe from the effects of solar storms. High-energy particle storms can disrupt satellites or impair their function. The power supply can also be affected when geomagnetic storms invade our lives as uninvited guests. It is therefore important to pay attention to warnings from experts and prepare for possible disruptions.
The coming days promise an exciting spectacle in the night sky, but also a challenge for our technology. Keep an eye out for the Northern Lights and stay informed about the latest developments surrounding this exciting solar storm!