Coronal mass ejection of the M7,4 flare (11/05)
Sun Unleashes Dual M-Class Flares: Merging Plasma Clouds Race Towards Earth, Raising Fears of Extreme G5 Magnetic Storm
Author: Uliana S.
After a protracted period of relative quietude, the Sun has abruptly entered a phase of dramatically heightened activity. Several significant and volatile active regions are currently oriented directly toward our planet, and these areas have already signaled their presence by unleashing a series of powerful solar outbursts. This sudden surge in solar dynamism marks a dramatic shift in space weather conditions, putting global infrastructure operators and space weather agencies on high alert as they prepare for potential geomagnetic disruption and its subsequent effects on technology and communications worldwide.
NOAA's space weather model for the latest solar activity
Space weather scientists are alerting the public that Earth is scheduled to experience the full repercussions of two substantial coronal mass ejections (CMEs) this Friday, November 7, 2025. The first major event, classified as an M7.4 class flare, erupted from the solar surface on November 5 at 11:19 UTC. Initial analysis following this first outburst suggested that the resulting plasma cloud would only deliver a glancing blow to our planet's protective magnetic field, leading to manageable space weather effects and perhaps minor aurora displays.
Heliophysicist Стефан Бернс talks about the impact of two plasma eruptions on Earth and the forecast.
However, the scenario intensified dramatically less than 24 hours later when a second, even more potent eruption occurred. A massive M8.65 class flare followed on November 6 at 22:07 UTC. Crucially, this newer plasma ejection is traveling at an estimated velocity of approximately 1000 km/s and is rapidly closing the distance on the preceding cloud. Modeling calculations now strongly indicate that these two distinct ejections will coalesce into a single, formidable stream of charged particles before impact. This combined solar assault is projected to strike Earth on November 7, specifically around 09:00 UTC, demanding immediate attention from space defense teams.
The preliminary space weather forecasts had initially anticipated a severe geomagnetic storm, likely reaching G3 or G4 levels. Such an event would typically guarantee spectacular and widespread displays of the aurora borealis for residents in northern latitudes, a beautiful but harmless side effect of solar activity. Yet, the imminent, combined impact of these twin solar outbursts has compelled specialists to urgently reassess their hazard predictions. Due to the merging CMEs and their increased momentum and magnetic complexity, they are now seriously considering the possibility of a top-tier, extreme G5 category magnetic storm—the highest level on the geomagnetic scale, capable of causing widespread power grid failures, satellite malfunctions, and significant disruption to GPS and radio communications.
Experts are maintaining constant vigilance, closely tracking the evolution of this developing situation using advanced satellite data and ground-based observatories. The definitive forecast regarding the storm's ultimate intensity is expected to materialize during the critical overnight hours spanning November 6 into November 7, once the most recent telemetry data from sophisticated space monitoring instruments has been fully received and processed. Until that time, the planet’s magnetosphere faces a critical test, needing to demonstrate its robustness and resilience against this significantly escalated level of solar aggression. The world waits with bated breath to see if our protective shield can successfully weather the impending storm.
Read more news on this topic:
Did you find an error or inaccuracy?
We will consider your comments as soon as possible.
