The sunspot that caused auroras in November has returned

The enormous sunspot responsible for a remarkable display of northern lights last November has reappeared on the side of the sun facing Earth.

Previously identified as AR4274, this sunspot now carries the designation AR4299 and has already unleashed a significant solar flare on Monday. While Earth will experience only a glancing impact from this flare, the sunspots current position increases the likelihood of more powerful, Earth-directed flares in the near future.

Should larger flares occur in the coming days, the potential for auroras to appear at lower latitudes rises. Observers may be in for another spectacular show of northern lights within the next one to two weeks.

Photo Credit: Bruce Thornton, Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Shannon County, November 12, 2025

Author: Sophia Brooks