Moderate M4.2 solar flare erupts at 01:56 UTC on July 2, 2026

A moderate M4.2 solar flare erupted at 01:56 UTC on July 2, 2026.

Today’s flares include a B-class event from region 4478, which began at 23:57 UTC on July 1, 2026 and ended at 00:17 UTC on July 2, 2026. No X-class or M-class flares were reported in the events file as of the latest update.

In 24 hours to 00:30 UTC on July 2, solar activity was high with multiple M-class flares reported. The largest flare observed was an M3.5 at 19:43 UTC on July 1, 2026.

Solar activity is likely to remain at moderate levels, with a slight chance for major (X-class) flares in the near term, especially from active region 4479.

Active sunspot regions presently observed on the Earth-facing solar disk include AR 4475 (S09W74 – Beta), AR 4478 (S05W20 – Beta-Gamma-Delta), AR 4479 (N17W38 – Beta-Gamma-Delta), and AR 4480 (S16W43 – Beta-Gamma).

Over the past 24 hours, the greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit reached moderate levels, peaking at 452 pfu. The greater than 10 MeV proton flux remained at background levels. There is a slight chance for an S1 – Minor solar radiation storm due to the flare activity in regions 4479 and 4478.

During the last day, solar wind parameters were enhanced as a result of CME passage, with peak total field strength at 19 nT and wind speeds between 360 and 425 km/s. Solar wind conditions are expected to return to nominal levels before disturbance from the June 30 CME beginning early on July 3 and lasting into July 4. An earlier arrival late on July 2 is possible due to timing uncertainty.

Geomagnetic field activity over the past 24 hours included a G1 – Minor storm period between 00:00 and 03:00 UTC associated with CME influence, followed by mostly quiet to unsettled conditions. A G2 – Moderate geomagnetic storm is anticipated to begin on July 3, with a potential arrival late on July 2. Conditions are forecast to decrease to minor storm levels by July 4.