Moderate M2.9 solar flare erupts at 16:11 UTC on August 20, 2026

A moderate M2.9 solar flare erupted at 16:11 UTC on August 20, 2026.

Today’s flares include an M1.8 flare from region 4513 that peaked at 08:05 UTC, with several C-class flares observed, mainly from regions 4513 and 4507, as per the edited events for August 20, 2026. No M2.9 flare appears on the edited event list for 16:11 UTC; highlights are the M1.8 event and multiple minor C-class flares.

In 24 hours to 12:15 UTC on August 20, solar activity reached moderate levels with three M-class flares observed, the largest being an M8.1 flare peaking at 11:42 UTC. Multiple C-class flares also occurred, predominantly from regions 4513 and 4507. Four numbered sunspot regions are currently present on the Earth-facing solar disk.

Solar activity is expected to remain at low levels, with a continued chance for isolated moderate M-class flares, over August 20 to August 22.

Active sunspot regions presently observed on the Earth-facing solar disk include AR 4506 (N12W86 – Beta), AR 4507 (N04W69 – Beta-Gamma-Delta), AR 4508 (N08W37 – Beta), AR 4510 (N12W95 – Beta), and AR 4513 (N03E81 – Beta).

Over the past 24 hours, the greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit remained at normal to moderate levels, while the greater than 10 MeV proton flux continued at background values. The greater than 2 MeV electron flux is likely to cross the 1 000 pfu threshold on August 20, remaining at high levels on August 21–22 due to coronal hole high speed stream influences. The greater than 10 MeV proton flux is expected to stay at background levels through August 22.

Solar wind parameters have continued to show the influence of a negative polarity coronal hole high speed stream, with a total magnetic field near 5 nT, solar wind speeds around 550 km/s, and fluctuations in the Bz component between +/- 5 nT. These conditions are anticipated to persist as the high speed stream influence wanes through August 22.

Geomagnetic field conditions ranged from quiet to unsettled over the last 24 hours. Active levels are likely over August 20–22 as the influence from the current coronal hole high speed stream diminishes.