A powerful 'cannibal' solar storm, described as potentially the most significant in two decades, is sweeping across Britain today, Wednesday, 12th November 2025. The event has already forced NASA to postpone a crucial space launch and is expected to create a dazzling display of the Northern Lights, while posing a serious risk to power grids and satellite communications.
Launch Scrapped as Solar Fury Intensifies
The dramatic space weather event led to the last-minute postponement of a high-profile rocket launch. Blue Origin, the space company founded by Amazon's Jeff Bezos, was set to launch its New Glenn rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The mission was tasked with carrying two NASA spacecraft, named ESCAPADE, on their journey to Mars.
However, citing the extreme solar activity, Blue Origin announced the delay on Twitter. The company stated: "New Glenn is ready to launch. However, due to highly elevated solar activity and its potential effects on the ESCAPADE spacecraft, NASA is postponing launch until space weather conditions improve." Teams are now assessing the next available launch window.
Understanding the 'Cannibal' Storm Phenomenon
The British Geological Survey (BGS), which upgraded its forecast to the maximum level, explained the nature of this extraordinary event. The ongoing solar storm is so powerful that it is predicted to "cannibalise" another subsequent storm, absorbing its energy to become one of the largest geomagnetic disturbances in 20 years.
This event has already generated the most significant geoelectric field at ground level since the BGS began its records. Gemma Richardson, a geomagnetic hazard specialist at the BGS, emphasised the real-world impact, stating, "Our data suggests that this event could be one of the biggest storms we've seen in 20 years."
UK Braces for Auroras and Infrastructure Disruption
While the storm promises a spectacular celestial show for many in the UK, it carries serious implications. The BGS confirms the storm has already interfered with communications and satellite navigation. It has the potential to reach a G5 rating, the highest level, which warns of possible widespread power blackouts and GPS failures lasting for days.
On a brighter note, the same solar particles are responsible for supercharging the aurora borealis, or Northern Lights. Following impressive sightings overnight, there is a strong chance for further displays this evening, assuming clear skies. The best views are anticipated in Scotland, northern England, and Northern Ireland, with a possibility of a glimpse as far south as southeast England if cloud cover breaks.
Solar storms, caused by explosions of particles and magnetic fields from the sun, are listed as a primary hazard on the UK's National Risk Register due to their capacity to disrupt energy infrastructure and navigation. Fortunately, NASA confirms that these storms do not pose a direct physical threat to humans, as Earth's magnetic field and atmosphere provide a protective shield.
