Coronagraph of the X1.2 flare from the Space Weather Prediction Center showing a coronal mass ejection heading directly towards Earth.
By Cole Walters
The Ramspondents
Active sunspot region 4274 has produced two flares measuring at X1.7 and X1.2 strength, respectively. Both flares are considered major solar flares that could result in strong geomagnetic storms, potentially bringing aurora visibility to the central United States.
Space physicists are expecting geomagnetic storming to reach G3 conditions, which could make the northern lights visible primarily through cameras and long-exposure photography in northern Colorado. However, during stronger “substorms” during G3 conditions, aurora could be visible to the naked eye in the middle latitudes of the United States.
On Sept. 14, 2025, similar G3 geomagnetic conditions allowed the northern lights to be visible here in northern Colorado. With similar (potentially even prolonged and stronger) conditions expected due to multiple solar flares, there is a good chance that a similar event will occur this week.
The best conditions are expected to occur on Tuesday, Nov. 11, through Thursday, Nov. 13. However, this is subject to chance due to the irregular speed of geomagnetic storms.
To view the aurora, head north to find an area with limited light pollution and a clear view north. To learn more about seeing the northern lights in and around Fort Collins, refer to our previous article covering September’s geomagnetic storm: The northern lights aren’t just for Alaska: Here’s how to spot them in Colorado.
The northern lights visible from Buckeye, Colorado, on Sept. 14, during a brief G3 geomagnetic storm. Photo by Cole Walters.
Cole Walters is a junior at Colorado State University majoring in Communication Studies and minoring in Science Communication. He has a diverse background in journalism and communication, including social media, written journalism and photojournalism.