Type II radio emission detected at 18:48 UTC with estimated velocity of 927 km/s

A Type II radio emission was detected on August 20, 2026, beginning at 18:48 UTC with an estimated velocity of 927 km/s. This alert was issued by NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center at 20:49 UTC.

Type II radio emissions are signatures of shock waves propagating through the solar corona, often linked to energetic solar events such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). The detection of this radio emission indicates the presence of a shock wave, but no Earth-directed CMEs were observed in available imagery at this time. According to NOAA’s space weather scales, such emissions can sometimes precede disturbances in Earth’s space environment, but the forecast discussion notes no immediate significant threats.

The event occurred shortly after enhanced X-ray and radio activity. The closest notable event preceding the radio emission began at 18:35 UTC (radio noise storm) and was followed at 18:48 UTC by the onset of the Type II radio emission. This suggests a possible association with elevated solar activity during this period.

According to the latest forecast discussion, solar activity has reached moderate levels, with several M-class flares observed over the previous 24 hours, particularly from Region 4513 and 4507. Despite the increased activity, no Earth-directed CMEs have been detected, and the geomagnetic field has remained quiet to unsettled. The geomagnetic field is likely to reach active levels as the influence of a coronal hole high-speed stream wanes, but conditions are overall expected to be quiet to unsettled through August 22, 2026.