Minor C7.2 solar flare erupts at 17:54 UTC on March 24, 2026

A minor C7.2 solar flare erupted at 17:54 UTC on March 24, 2026.

Today’s flares include a B9.0 flare from region 4402 (08:17–08:45 UTC), along with two C-class radio bursts observed at 10:03 UTC and 10:05 UTC, and another at 11:10 UTC. No X-class or M-class flares were reported for this period.

In 24 hours to 12:30 UTC on March 24, solar activity was at low levels, with only isolated C1 flares observed. Activity originated mainly from regions showing moderate magnetic complexity.

Solar activity is expected to be low with a chance for M-class flares from March 24 to 26.

Active sunspot regions presently observed on the Earth-facing solar disk include AR 4392 (S17W77 – Beta), AR 4397 (N16W01 – Beta), AR 4398 (S16W01 – Beta), AR 4399 (S18E54 – Beta), AR 4400 (S12W40 – Beta-Delta), AR 4401 (N24E52 – Beta), and AR 4402 (N17E56 – Beta).

Over the past 24 hours, electrons greater than 2 MeV at geosynchronous orbit peaked at 8 285 pfu, while proton flux remained elevated but below alert levels. The greater than 2 MeV electron flux is expected to remain high through March 25, then decrease to normal levels by March 26. Proton flux is expected to remain near background values.

Solar wind parameters reflected diminishing negative polarity coronal hole high speed stream influences, with speed decreasing from approximately 675 km/s to 600 km/s, total IMF between 4–6 nT, and Bz fluctuating between +/-5 nT. The solar wind environment is expected to stay enhanced through March 25 and may increase again late on March 26 due to passage of the March 22 CME.

The geomagnetic field reached G1 – Minor storm levels under waning coronal hole high speed stream influences. Isolated periods of G1 – Minor geomagnetic storming are possible on March 24, with mostly unsettled conditions and isolated active periods likely on March 25. By late March 26, geomagnetic activity may increase to active levels with the approach of the March 22 CME.