Minor C7.9 solar flare erupts at 19:47 UTC on April 4, 2026

A minor C7.9 solar flare erupted at 19:47 UTC on April 4, 2026.

Today’s flares include an M7.5 flare peaking at 01:17 UTC from region 4409, an M1.7 flare peaking at 07:58 UTC from region 4409, and an M1.2 flare peaking at 12:11 UTC also from region 4409. Several minor C-class flares were also recorded throughout the day.

In 24 hours to 12:30 UTC on April 4, solar activity reached high levels, with the largest event being an M7.5 flare. Region 4409 was the primary source of activity, showing spot growth and consolidation, while other spotted regions remained mostly stable or in gradual decay. No Earth-directed coronal mass ejections were observed.

Solar activity is likely to reach moderate (R1–R2/Minor–Moderate) levels over April 4–6, with a slight chance of X-class (R3–Strong) flares, primarily driven by activity from region 4409.

Active sunspot regions presently observed on the Earth-facing solar disk include AR 4399 (S16W92 – Alpha), AR 4401 (N25W97 – Alpha), AR 4403 (N15W53 – Beta), AR 4404 (N13W34 – Beta), AR 4405 (S27W20 – Beta), AR 4406 (N07W29 – Alpha), AR 4408 (N08W02 – Alpha), AR 4409 (N02W01 – Beta-Gamma), AR 4410 (N10W0* – Beta), and AR 4411 (S05E46 – Alpha).

Over the past 24 hours, the greater than 2 MeV electron flux reached high levels, and the greater than 10 MeV proton flux remained elevated but below S1 – Minor storm thresholds. High electron flux is expected to continue over April 4–6, with a slight chance for an S1 – Minor solar radiation storm.

Solar wind parameters reflected the influence of a negative polarity coronal hole high speed stream until 15:03 UTC on April 3, followed by a shock from a CME that departed the Sun on April 1, increasing the magnetic field strength and wind speeds before declining. The solar wind environment is forecast to remain enhanced through April 6 due to waning CME effects and continued high speed stream influences.

The geomagnetic field reached G3 – Strong geomagnetic storm levels following the CME arrival. G1 – Minor storm levels are expected on April 4 with possible isolated periods of G2 – Moderate storming. Periods of active conditions are forecast for April 5, with quiet to unsettled conditions expected by April 6 as coronal hole stream influences gradually subside.