November 12, 2025
The biggest geomagnetic storm of the year to date is currently in progress, causing possible disruptions to technological systems.
The Sun has been active over past three days with three X-class (strong) solar flares observed. A solar flare is a sudden burst of light from the Sun and takes about 8 minutes to reach Earth. The impact causes high frequency radio blackouts in day- time regions. X-class or strong solar flares were observed on Sunday 9 November, Monday 10 November and Tuesday 11 November. All three solar flares were accompanied by coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which are clouds of charged particles hurled into space. The two CMEs that were triggered by the solar flares on Sunday and Monday combined and impacted Earth from early this morning at about 01:30, causing G4 or Severe geomagnetic storm conditions.
Geomagnetic storm levels range from G1 (minor) to G5 (extreme).
The coronal mass ejection associated with Tuesday’s X-class solar flare is expected to hit Earth later tonight or early tomorrow morning, resulting in continued geomagnetic activity. The SANSA Space Weather Centre expects storm conditions to reach between G1 and G4 levels, which will affect Earth and our technological systems up until 14 November 2025.
Aurora is rarely seen in South Africa due to our distance from the polar region. However, photographers might want to keep their cameras handy. A dark, cloudless night is needed to observe aurora.
This image of the sun shows the X-class solar flare on Tuesday 11 November.
This image shows the direct impact of the solar flare on Tuesday 11 November on high frequency radio communications over the African region.
What are Geomagnetic Storms?
Geomagnetic storms are caused by coronal mass ejections (CMEs) which are vast clouds of charged particles released during a solar explosion. When these particles reach Earth and interact with its magnetic field, they can trigger geomagnetic storms. These storms are responsible for producing the spectacular auroras visible near the North and South poles. These storms also cause disruptions in technological systems such as Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) that affect aviation, maritime and drone industries. Other systems affected include communication, electrical power grids and electronic infrastructure.
Geomagnetic Storm Classifications (G-scale)
The G-scale, used by space weather centres globally, categorises geomagnetic storms based on their intensity and potential impact. It ranges from G1 (minor), G2 (moderate), G3 (strong), G4 (severe) and G5 (extreme).
Monitoring and Tracking space weather
SANSA monitors the impact of the storm as it arrives at Earth through a network of ground-based instruments over the African continent, the Southern Ocean and Antarctica. SANSA works with space weather centres across the globe to monitor these storms.
There is no way to prevent geomagnetic storms from impacting Earth, however, industries working with these technological systems can implement mitigating steps to minimise the impact.
For more information on daily space weather conditions, visit https://spaceweather.sansa.org.za/
For more information contact:
Daleen Fouche, Communications Practitioner dfouche@sansa.org.za
Vaneshree Maharaj, Communications Manager vmaharaj@sansa.org.za
About the South African National Space Agency
At SANSA we believe in creating an infinite impact for the benefit of all South Africans through technological advancement and innovation. The agency was established in 2010 through the South African National Space Agency Act, 36 of 2008. SANSA aims to promote cooperation in space-related activities, foster research in space science, advance scientific engineering through human capital and support development of an environment conducive to industrial development
