Multiple intense coronal mass ejections (CMEs) this week compounded into one of the strongest geomagnetic storms in nearly two decades, leading to delayed space missions, widespread communication disruptions, and rare aurora sightings in regions like the southern U.S. Scientists have dubbed this event a "cannibal storm."

The storm was triggered by three consecutive X-class solar flares from sunspot region AR4274, with the X5.1 flare on November 11 being the strongest this year, causing temporary radio blackouts in parts of Africa and Europe. Experts from the British Geological Survey noted that this storm could rank among the most intense in the past 20 years.

The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center reported that geomagnetic activity reached a G4 "severe" level on November 12, the second-highest rating, with ground-level particle radiation reaching rare levels not seen since 2005. As a result, Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket faced multiple launch delays before successfully carrying NASA's Mars orbiter this week, marking the first successful landing of its first-stage booster.

The International Space Station also implemented protective measures, with astronauts temporarily relocating to lower-radiation zones. Meanwhile, the storm created unusual visual phenomena, including widespread auroras in low-latitude regions such as Florida, Texas, and Georgia in the U.S.

This solar storm occurred as the Sun approaches the peak of its 11-year activity cycle. Experts predict similar high-intensity solar activity will persist until around late 2025.