Recent Solar Activity: Multiple Flares and CMEs Produce Geomagnetic Storms and Auroras

Solar Storms from 2024 to 2026: A Timeline of Flares, CMEs, and Auroras

A series of powerful solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from several active sunspot regions has occurred from 2024 through 2026, causing radio blackouts, geomagnetic storms, and aurora displays at unusually low latitudes.

2024

April 23-24
Sunspot region AR4419, located on the Sun's western limb, emitted two X2.5 solar flares. The first flare, on April 23 at 9:07 p.m. EDT, caused radio blackouts over the Pacific Ocean and Australia. The second, on April 24 at 4:14 a.m. EDT, disrupted radio communications over East Asia.

Both flares were accompanied by CMEs. Forecasters modeled their paths, noting a possible glancing blow to Earth's magnetic field that could trigger geomagnetic storms and aurora.

2025

May 10
Sunspot region AR4436, on the Sun's northeastern limb, produced an M5.7 solar flare peaking at 9:39 a.m. EDT, causing a radio blackout over the Atlantic Ocean. The associated CME was directed mostly east of Earth, but a portion was forecast to deliver a glancing blow around early May 13.

This event occurred exactly two years after the extreme G5 geomagnetic storm of May 10, 2024.

Forecasters predicted minor (G1) geomagnetic storm conditions and enhanced aurora at high latitudes.

2026

Sunspot region AR4366 unleashed an extraordinary burst of activity, emitting at least 18 M-class flares and three X-class flares within 24 hours. This included an X8.3 flare peaking at 6:57 p.m. EST on February 1—the strongest solar flare recorded in 2026 to date.

• The X8.3 flare caused strong (R3) radio blackouts across parts of the South Pacific, affecting shortwave radio communications in eastern Australia and New Zealand.
• An X8.1 flare was also recorded on a Sunday.

Analysis of the CME linked to the X8.3 eruption indicated most material would pass north and east of Earth, with a possible glancing impact forecast around February 5.

A later X4.2 solar flare on February 4, peaking at 7:13 a.m. EST, caused brief radio communication disruptions across parts of western Africa and southern Europe. No CME signatures were detected following that eruption.

AR4366 was described as a large region estimated to be approximately 15 Earths wide.

Sunspot region AR4455 produced three solar flares within 24 hours:

The M9.3 flare was accompanied by an Earth-directed CME expected to arrive June 4.

Sunspot AR4455 was classified as an "anti-Hale" sunspot with reversed magnetic polarity, a rare configuration occurring in fewer than 10% of sunspots. The region remained active and was forecast to produce further strong flares.

Cannibal CME and Geomagnetic Storm (June 2026)

A CME from sunspot region AR4455 on June 2 merged with a slower preceding CME, forming a "cannibal" CME. The combined eruption was predicted to impact Earth around mid-afternoon EDT on June 4.

• Forecast: The UK Met Office and NOAA issued a strong geomagnetic storm watch. Forecasts indicated potential for strong (G3) to severe (G4) geomagnetic storm conditions on a scale of G1 (minor) to G5 (extreme).

Expected Impacts:

• Aurora Visibility: Auroras were forecast to be visible at lower latitudes than usual.
  • In the US, potential visibility included:
    • Northern tier: Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Maine.
    • Southern extent: Oregon, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire.
  • In the UK, auroras were forecast to be visible as far south as central England and Wales.
• Disruptions: Potential disruptions to telecommunications, satellite systems, radios, electric power grids, and navigation systems were forecast.

Forecast Challenges: The variability of a CME's magnetic orientation (Bz component) makes impact predictions difficult. A southward orientation facilitates interaction with Earth's magnetic field, while a northward orientation deflects energy. The exact orientation is determined when the CME reaches Earth's upstream monitoring satellites (DSCOVR and ACE).

Sunspot Region Characteristics

• AR4366: Active in February 2026, this large region (approximately 15 Earths wide) produced the strongest flare of 2026 (X8.3) and was considered likely to produce additional eruptions as it rotated into an Earth-facing position.
• AR4455: Active in June 2026, classified as an "anti-Hale" sunspot with reversed magnetic polarity—a rare and unstable configuration associated with powerful eruptions.
• AR4436: Active in May 2025, located on the Sun's northeastern limb.
• AR4419: Active in April 2024, located on the Sun's western limb.

Solar Cycle Context

The Sun is currently in the peak phase of its 11-year activity cycle, a period known as the solar maximum, which began in 2024.

This phase is characterized by increased solar activity, including sunspots, solar flares, and CMEs.

This period has been marked by a continued emission of strong solar flares and geomagnetic storms, resulting in an increased frequency of northern lights. Intense magnetic activity is anticipated to persist through 2026.

Classification Systems

• Solar Flares: Classified by strength as A, B, C, M, and X, with X being the most powerful. Each letter represents a tenfold increase in intensity.
• Radio Blackouts: Categorized as R1 (minor), R2 (moderate), or R3 (strong), caused by ionospheric ionization from flare radiation disrupting high-frequency radio communications.
• Geomagnetic Storms: Classified from G1 (minor) to G5 (extreme), caused by interaction of CMEs with Earth's magnetosphere.