M6.9 Solar Flare Could Spark Aurora Friday

An M6.9 solar flare erupted from sunspot AR4513, with a CME forecast to glance Earth by Friday.

On Aug. 25, 2026, the sun unleashed a powerful M6.9 solar flare from an active Earth-facing sunspot region, firing off a barrage of intense eruptions within a 24-hour span. According to Yahoo, NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured the event from sunspot AR4513 in multiple wavelengths. Space reports the flare peaked at 6 a.m. EDT from sunspot region 4513, which had been particularly active, producing five M-class eruptions. FOX Weather notes the flare ranked in the second-strongest of five solar flare categories.

The eruption was significant enough to cause immediate effects on Earth. Space reports the flare triggered a moderate R2 radio blackout across the sunlit side of Earth, affecting high-frequency communications over parts of Africa, Europe and the Arctic. FOX Weather notes solar flares can impact radio communications, electric power grids, and navigation signals, posing risks to spacecraft and astronauts. The event drew attention because M-class flares are only one tier below the most powerful X-class eruptions.

Beyond the flash of radiation, the eruption also produced a coronal mass ejection now on a path that could reach Earth. FOX Weather reports early models show Earth could receive a glancing blow by Friday around 6 to 7 a.m. EDT. Space adds that aurora chaser Jure Atanackov noted NASA's model predicts arrival around 10-11 GMT with an uncertainty of roughly seven hours. He described the CME as slow-moving and said he was not expecting much from the glancing encounter alone.

Despite the CME's modest forecast, a second space weather factor may amplify geomagnetic activity. According to Space, the Solar Influences Data Analysis Center expects a high-speed solar wind stream from a positive-polarity coronal hole to begin influencing Earth starting Aug. 27. FOX Weather reports that if the CME arrival coincides with this high-speed solar wind stream, the two could combine to enhance geomagnetic activity and increase the odds of an aurora display on Friday.

The potential aurora display is generating anticipation, but viewing may be limited. FOX Weather notes that only a limited number of locations in North America will be able to view the celestial event. The publication shared an aurora viewing map for those hoping to catch the display. Space emphasizes that the CME's ultimate impact depends heavily on the orientation of its magnetic field upon arrival, with a strong southward magnetic field interacting more effectively with Earth's field to drive stronger geomagnetic activity.

Scientists and skywatchers are now monitoring models as Friday approaches. FOX Weather reports that the CME's impact will determine the exact arrival time when its magnetic field hits Earth. Space states that the publication will keep a close eye on the latest models and space weather forecasts and will update the story as more information becomes available. The combination of a glancing CME and a high-speed solar wind stream makes the outcome uncertain but potentially rewarding for aurora chasers.