Heavenly colors: strong auroras were seen by Russians for the first time in 10 years

The most powerful solar flare in ten years on November 13 caused a rare and bright aurora observed over a large part of Russia, especially in the northern regions. Plasma emissions reached the Earth, causing a strong magnetic storm. Its peak has already passed, but geomagnetic activity continues to persist. Experts from the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences explained the complex dynamics of solar emissions and predicted a decrease in solar activity in the near future. About how magnetic storms affect people and where residents of Russia could see the Aurora borealis — in the material of Izvestia.

A powerful solar flare on November 13 caused the strongest auroras in 10 years.

The plasma release from the most powerful solar flare of 2025 reached Earth on November 13. Because of this, some of the brightest auroras have been observed in the sky over the past ten years, the Laboratory of Solar Astronomy of the IKI RAS reported in the Telegram channel.

According to experts, the third plasma release has already reached the Earth. The aurora borealis could be seen from about 45 degrees latitude, and the polar oval itself shifted towards Europe and Canada. At the same time, scientists noted that some observers would most likely be able to see the phenomenon before sunrise.

In addition, the Laboratory's website clarifies that a G3.3 magnetic storm remains on Earth, which belongs to the category of severe.

Where in Russia have they seen the Aurora Borealis

The area of active auroras on the eve covered almost the entire territory of Russia. This was due to an increase in the parameters of the solar wind and an increase in geomagnetic activity — the intensity index reached 11.7 units, exceeding the upper limit of the scale.

The polar oval has dropped to the 45th parallel, which runs through southern Russia, as well as through northern China, Mongolia and Kazakhstan. But due to the proximity of dawn, few people managed to see the phenomenon. Large-scale northern lights with red rays were observed over Kamchatka. The phenomenon caused by plasma emissions from a powerful solar flare has become one of the most striking in the last decade.

Also, at night and early in the morning on November 13, the northern Lights were observed by residents of the northern regions of the Krasnoyarsk Territory, Sverdlovsk and Leningrad regions, where the sky remained open and the urban glare did not interfere. On social media, users posted images of scarlet and crimson flashes coloring the sky.

By now, the main polar oval has shifted to the western hemisphere, to the USA and Canada.

A magnetic storm has been going on on Earth for two days now

The peak of the geomagnetic storm observed on Earth for two days has already passed, but its influence may persist until the end of the day. The maximum values of the Kp index yesterday reached G4.3–G4.7, which was a record for 2025, although the G5 level was not recorded.

The sequence of events proved difficult to trace due to the unstable operation of the satellites: it is difficult to distinguish the arrival of individual plasma clouds on the solar wind graphs. This was reported in the Laboratory of Solar Astronomy at the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences. According to experts, the most powerful outburst, which was the third, overtook the previous ones and compressed them, forming a single extended structure with increased impact force. The first impact caused by such compressed clouds turned out to be the strongest, and the main core of the plasma stream passed by the planet, reducing the expected intensity.

Solar activity is now decreasing: the probability of new powerful flares is low, as the active areas have moved away from the Sun-Earth axis, and after the final decline of this storm, a long period of calm is expected — possibly until the end of November.

Magnetic storms could cause headaches

Magnetic storms can cause headaches, irritability and pressure drops, especially in people with chronic diseases, Olga Ryabenkova, Deputy Chief Physician for inpatient care, head of the Department of Cardiology at the multidisciplinary clinic K+31, reminded Izvestia.

The greatest risk is experienced by patients with hypertension, cardiovascular and neurological disorders, as well as those who have reduced adaptation to environmental changes. During magnetic storms, they may experience insomnia, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, cardiac arrhythmias, and pressure surges, she pointed out.

People with a healthy body usually feel only slight fatigue or emotional swings. However, the expert advises to prepare for such periods in advance — to monitor forecasts of magnetic storms, observe sleep patterns, reduce stress and give up bad habits. If these measures do not help, it is recommended to consult a doctor for an individual selection of therapy.