Moderate M1.0 solar flare erupts at 06:43 UTC on July 1, 2026

A moderate M1.0 solar flare erupted at 06:43 UTC on July 1, 2026.

Today’s flares include a C-class response event beginning at 00:00 UTC and ending at 04:29 UTC, an unclassified radio burst at 02:31 UTC, and an M-class flare starting at 03:59 UTC, peaking at 04:02 UTC, and ending at 04:14 UTC from region 4479 (N17W21).

In 24 hours to 00:30 UTC on July 1, solar activity reached high levels due to an X1.1 flare observed at 20:50 UTC on June 30. Additional activity included an M5.8 flare at 12:57 UTC and a C9.1 flare at 19:58 UTC, both on June 30. Three active regions were noted to be in a growth phase.

Solar activity is likely to reach moderate levels (R1-R2, Minor-Moderate) with a slight chance for X-class flares (R3-Strong) due to the flare potential of several active regions.

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 was at background levels. The greater than 2 MeV electron flux is expected to reach high levels on July 1 and July 3, with moderate levels likely on July 2 due to a potential CME. There is a slight chance for a greater than 10 MeV proton event (S1 – Minor) linked to the currently active sunspot regions.

Solar wind parameters were nominal until 11:02 UTC on June 30, when an interplanetary shock was observed. Wind speeds increased from approximately 330 km/s to 430 km/s, with the total magnetic field reaching up to 16 nT and southward deflections of Bz down to -11 nT. Solar wind parameters are expected to remain enhanced on July 1 with ongoing CME activity, with further enhancements possible late on July 1 into early July 2 if another CME arrives. A return to nominal conditions is expected by July 3 pending CME analysis.

The geomagnetic field was initially quiet, becoming unsettled to G1 – Minor conditions in the latter half of the day following a CME arrival. G1 – Minor storming is expected, with chances for isolated periods of G2 – Moderate conditions through early July 1. Unsettled to active conditions are anticipated on July 2 with the possible arrival of another CME, but confidence for this event is lower. Mostly quiet conditions are likely by July 3 pending additional CME analysis.