Sun unleashes colossal solar flare and coronal mass ejection, raising the chances of northern lights this week

• Copy link
• Facebook
• X
• Whatsapp
• Reddit
• Pinterest
• Flipboard
• Email

A powerful M5.7 solar flare erupted from the sun on May 10, unleashing an impressive coronal mass ejection (CME) that could deliver Earth a glancing blow later this week and potentially spark northern lights displays at high latitudes.

The eruption peaked at 9:39 a.m. EDT (1339 GMT) from sunspot region AR4436, now rotating into Earth's "strike zone" on the sun's northeastern limb. As the active region swings further into view over the next few days, any major flares or CMEs it produces will have a greater chance of being directed toward Earth.

While most of the recently launched CME appears to be racing east of Earth, NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center and the U.K. Met Office say part of the expanding plume of solar material may still brush past Earth around early May 13. If that happens, it could trigger minor (G1) geomagnetic storm conditions, enhancing aurora displays across the northern U.S. and the U.K.

Solar flares are ranked using a scale A, B, C, M and X — the latter being the most powerful category. Each step represents a tenfold increase in energy output. The May 10 event reached M5.7 strength, making it a powerful flare capable of disrupting radio communications on Earth.

The solar flare eruption triggered a radio blackout over the Atlantic Ocean, according to NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center. These blackouts occur when intense X-ray and ultraviolet radiation from solar flares ionize Earth's upper atmosphere, interfering with high-frequency radio signals used by aviators, mariners and amateur radio operators.

The timing of the eruption is especially notable for aurora chasers. Almost exactly two years ago, on May 10, 2024, Earth experienced the first "extreme" G5 storm since 2003 — the strongest in more than two decades. The historic event produced dazzling auroras visible far beyond their usual high latitude range, with skywatchers reporting northern lights deep into mid-latitudes such as southern Florida and Mexico.

While the latest CME is not expected to produce anything close to the May 2024 storm, forecasters say a weak glancing blow from the May 10 eruption could still produce minor geomagnetic storm conditions later this week.

Looking ahead, both NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center and the U.K. Met Office are warning that more solar activity could be on the way. Both agencies agree there is a chance for additional M flares and maybe even X-class eruptions over the coming days as sunspot regions AR4436 and AR4432 continue to evolve.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.

Daisy Dobrijevic joined Space.com in February 2022, having previously worked as a staff writer for All About Space magazine. She completed an editorial internship with BBC Sky at Night Magazine and worked at the National Space Centre, communicating space science to the public.

Daisy holds a PhD in plant physiology and a Master's in Environmental Science. Based in Nottingham, U.K., she covers all things space, with a special focus on solar activity and space weather. She also has a keen interest in astrotourism and is always on the lookout for the next northern lights adventure.

She will be a guest speaker aboard HX's Solar Eclipse Expedition in August 2026 and will join Hurtigruten as an onboard astronomer for a northern lights sailing in January 2027.