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Solar storm triggers biggest radiation surge in 20 years
04 Dec 2025

A recent study by the Surrey Space Centre (SSC) in the UK has revealed a sharp spike in radiation levels due to a solar storm.

The event was so powerful that it was detected from the ground, something not seen in nearly two decades.

"This was the strongest ground-level event we've seen since December 2006," said Clive Dyer, a climate scientist at the University of Surrey.

Solar flare impacts radiation levels in flight zone
Radiation spike

On November 11, an intense solar flare hit Earth, prompting the UK and Netherlands meteorological offices to launch weather balloons.

The balloons, flying at an altitude of 40,000 feet (a height more commonly associated with business jets and supersonic transport), recorded radiation levels 10 times higher than normal. This was the highest reading in two decades.

"This was our first chance to use the new rapid-reaction balloon sensors in a real event," said Keith Ryden, head of SSC.

Concerns over potential future geomagnetic storms
Future risks

The study has raised concerns over the possibility of a more powerful geomagnetic storm hitting Earth in the future.

Such an event could be detrimental to onboard aircraft electronic systems and corrupt data critical for flight controls.

"We know from historical observations that significantly bigger events are possible, and we need to be ready," Dyer warned.

The Carrington Event: A historical precedent
Past incident

The Carrington Event of 1859 is the strongest solar storm in recorded history. It was so powerful that it triggered auroras visible at lower latitudes and near the equator.

Telegraph systems across Europe and North America failed, with some operators even receiving electric shocks.

This incident serves as a historical precedent for the potential impact of geomagnetic storms on Earth.