Minor C8.6 solar flare erupts at 02:46 UTC on September 30, 2026

A minor C8.6 solar flare erupted at 02:46 UTC on September 30, 2026.

Today’s flares include no reported X-class or M-class solar flares, and no other events have been recorded for September 30, 2026, according to available observational data.

In 24 hours to 00:30 UTC on September 30, solar activity remained at low levels. No Earth-directed coronal mass ejections were observed during the summary period.

Solar activity is likely to remain at low levels with a slight chance for an M-flare (R1 – Minor to R2 – Moderate) through October 2, 2026.

Active sunspot regions presently observed on the Earth-facing solar disk include AR 4535 (N11W46 – Beta-Gamma), AR 4536 (N02W0 – Beta), and AR 4544 (S09W15 – Beta).

Over the past 24 hours, the greater than 2 MeV electron flux reached high levels, while the greater than 10 MeV proton flux remained at background values. The 2 MeV electron flux is expected to continue reaching high levels through October 1, with normal to moderate levels expected on October 2. Proton flux is expected to remain at background levels through October 2.

The solar wind showed ambient-like conditions, with a slight decrease in speed from about 350 km/s to 300 km/s, total magnetic field strength below 5 nT, and Bz varying between +/- 2 nT. The phi angle was predominantly positive in the past 24 hours. Undisturbed solar wind conditions are expected through October 1, with enhanced solar wind likely on October 2 due to the influence of a CME from September 28, 2026.

The geomagnetic field was quiet in the past 24 hours. The geomagnetic field is expected to remain mostly quiet from September 29 to October 1, but active to G1 – Minor storm levels are likely on October 2 due to influences from the September 28 CME.