Minor C8.2 solar flare erupts at 17:12 UTC on July 1, 2026

A minor C8.2 solar flare erupted at 17:12 UTC on July 1, 2026.

Today’s flares include several M-class and C-class events, primarily from regions 4478 and 4479. Noteworthy activity includes M1.1, M1.0, M1.5, M2.5, M1.3, M1.1, and M2.6 class flares throughout the day, with the most frequent source being AR 4479. Additional C-class flares, including a C7.6 and C4.3, were observed from AR 4479 and AR 4478 respectively.

In 24 hours to 12:30 UTC on July 1, solar activity reached high levels, led by an X1.1 flare and several impulsive low-level M-class flares. Other regions were less active, with AR 4478 producing a C9.1 flare. The active regions are in a growth phase.

Solar activity is likely to reach moderate levels (R1 – Minor to R2 – Moderate radio blackouts) with a slight chance for R3 – Strong events due to the flare potential of regions 4475, 4478, and 4479.

Active sunspot regions presently observed on the Earth-facing solar disk include AR 4475 (S09W63 – Beta), AR 4477 (S14W31 – Beta), AR 4478 (S05W06 – Beta-Gamma-Delta), AR 4479 (N16W24 – Beta-Gamma-Delta), and AR 4480 (S18W30 – Beta).

Over the past 24 hours, the greater than 2 MeV electron flux was at moderate to high levels, peaking at 5 687 pfu. The greater than 10 MeV proton flux remained at background levels. The greater than 2 MeV electron flux is expected to again reach high levels on July 1 and July 3. Moderate levels are likely on July 2 due to the possible arrival of the June 27 CME. There is a slight chance for an S1 – Minor solar radiation storm due to the flare potential of regions 4475, 4478, and 4479.

Solar wind parameters were enhanced due to CME arrival, with the total magnetic field strength increasing to 18 nT and solar wind speeds steady near 425 km/s. The Bz component was variable with some southward deflections. These enhanced solar wind conditions are expected to continue as CME activity persists. Further enhancements are possible late on July 1 to early July 2 with the likely arrival of the June 27 CME; additional enhancement is possible by July 3 due to a CME that left the Sun late on June 30.

The geomagnetic field was initially quiet but became active, reaching G1 – Minor conditions after the arrival of a CME that left the Sun on June 26. G1 – Minor storming is expected to continue, with a chance for isolated periods of G2 – Moderate conditions through early July 1. Unsettled to active conditions are forecast for July 2 with the potential arrival of another CME. G1 – Minor to G2 – Moderate conditions are possible by July 3 pending further analysis of the most recent CME.