Major X1.1 solar flare erupts at 20:50 UTC on June 30, 2026

A major X1.1 solar flare erupted at 20:50 UTC on June 30, 2026.

The flare began at 20:34 UTC, peaked at 20:50 UTC, and ended at 21:00 UTC, originating from solar active region 4479. Today’s flares include the major X1.1 event from region 4479 at 20:50 UTC, a strong M5.8 flare from region 4475 at 12:57 UTC, and a moderate M1.3 flare from region 4475 at 01:16 UTC. Several minor C-class flares were also recorded from various regions throughout the day.

In 24 hours to 12:30 UTC on June 30, solar activity reached moderate levels with frequent C-class flares and one M1.3-class flare. Sunspot region 4475 showed additional spot growth, and region 4479 experienced rapid flux emergence, while region 4478 continued to decay in its central area.

Solar activity will likely reach moderate levels through July 2, with a likelihood of isolated M-class flare activity associated with regions 4475, 4478, and 4479.

Active sunspot regions presently observed on the Earth-facing solar disk include AR 4475 (S09W49 – Beta-Gamma-Delta), AR 4477 (S14W15 – Beta), AR 4478 (S05E08 – Beta-Gamma-Delta), AR 4479 (N16W10 – Beta-Gamma-Delta), and AR 4480 (S18W17 – Beta).

Over the past 24 hours, the greater than 2 MeV electron flux reached a high level with a maximum flux of 2 637 pfu. The greater than 10 MeV proton flux remained at background levels. The electron flux is expected to return to normal to moderate levels on June 30 with the arrival of a CME from June 26 and is expected to remain at these levels through July 2. The greater than 10 MeV proton flux is likely to remain at background levels through July 1, with a slight chance of an S1 – Minor event on July 2 as regions 4478 and 4479 rotate into a favorable position.

Solar wind parameters were at ambient-like levels for most of the period. A weak enhancement was observed around 11:10 UTC, likely related to CME arrival from June 26-27 events. Total interplanetary magnetic field averaged 3–4 nT before increasing to 9 nT, with the Bz component deflecting southward to -5 nT. Solar wind speed was between 350–450 km/s. A disturbed solar wind environment is anticipated for June 30 and July 1, with conditions expected to gradually return to background levels by July 2.

Geomagnetic field activity was quiet over the past 24 hours. G1 – Minor geomagnetic storming is likely on June 30 with a chance for isolated G2 – Moderate periods with the possible arrival of a CME from June 27. Unsettled to active conditions are expected later on July 1 with a second CME arrival and may persist into early July 2 before mostly quiet conditions prevail.