Though seeing was predicted to be "bad", the sky was clear and blue, and transparency was very good. So, with the temperature at 14°F, and the wind ripping around the observatory, we recorded images of the sunspot at AR4366. They turned out well. Good thing, too, since the enormous sunspot complex is moving toward Sun's western horizon and will soon disappear. We may have another opportunity tomorrow! For now, we're pretty happy. #sunspots #AR4366 #solar #astronomy

Sonnenfleck AR 4366 sorgt für extreme Aktivität auf der Sonne

Sonnenfleck AR 4366 zählt derzeit zu den aktivsten Regionen auf der Sonne und zeichnet sich durch einen außergewöhnlich hohen Flare-Output sowie ein großes Potenzial für weitere Eruptionen aus. Mit seiner enormen Energiedichte übertrifft er sogar AR 3664, die am 10. und 11. Mai 2024 für beeindruckende Polarlichter sorgte. Die komplexe magnetische Struktur von AR 4366 und die anhaltenden Ausbrüche erhöhen die Wahrscheinlichkeit von koronalen Massenauswürfen (CMEs). Bisher wurde […]

https://nordhessen-rundschau.de/wissenschaft-natur/sonnenfleck-ar-4366-sorgt-fuer-extreme-aktivitaet-auf-der-sonne/

#SolarFlares (Magnitude 2+) in the past 72hours (via #SolarHam)

Flare Events (M2+) Past 72 Hours

M5.2 AR 4366 2/2/26 @ 02:50 UTC
X2.8 AR 4366 2/2/26 @ 00:36 UTC
X8.1 AR 4366 2/1/26 @ 23:57 UTC
M5.1 AR 4366 2/1/26 @ 16:07 UTC
M5.8 AR 4366 2/1/26 @ 12:50 UTC
X1.0 AR 4366 2/1/26 @ 12:33 UTC
M6.7 AR 4366 2/1/26 @ 12:12 UTC
M2.8 AR 4366 2/1/26 @ 10:13 UTC
M6.6 AR 4366 2/1/26 @ 10:02 UTC

Source:
https://solarham.com/

#SolarFlares #SolarCycle25 #AR4366

My estimation (based on the position of #AR4366) is that it will be Earth-facing in 4-5 days...

#SolarFlares #SolarCycle25 #XClassFlares

From #SolarHam - Progression of new #Sunspot #AR4366 (not yet Earth-facing, but will be soon):

"Sunspot Watch
January 31, 2026 @ 04:15 UTC
Newly assigned sunspot region 4366 continues to gradually develop as it turns into view in the northeast quadrant. It is currently producing minor C-Class flares and it is likely now a threat for a moderate M-Flare. Something to keep an eye on this weekend. Image by SDO/HMI.

Growing Flare Threat
January 31, 2026 @ 14:50 UTC
AR 4366 continued to expand over the past 12 hours in both size and magnetic complexity. The region has a Beta-Delta magnetic configuration and is producing frequent mid level minor C-Flares. A moderate M-Flare will remain possible on Saturday.

M6.6 Solar Flare
February 1, 2026 @ 10:40 UTC
Solar activity increases even further with an M6.6 solar flare peaking at 10:02 UTC (Feb 1). The source, AR 4366, is magnetically complex and is now a threat for an isolated X-Flare. Image below by SDO/AIA.

High Solar Activity
February 1, 2026 @ 16:50 UTC (UPDATED)
What a difference a few days make on the Sun. Active sunspot region 4366 turned into a firecracker on Sunday with at least fifteen M-Class solar flares and one X-Flare (so far). Despite the brightness of these events, the mechanics have so far failed to launch any noteworthy coronal mass ejections into space and towards our planet. That could change over the next few days as the region continues to develop and currently sports a Beta-Gamma-Delta magnetic configuration. More solar flares including another X-Flare will remain possible.

[And today...]

Impulsive X8.1 Solar Flare
February 2, 2026 @ 00:10 UTC
An impulsive X8.1 solar flare was just detected peaking at 23:57 UTC (Feb 1). This is the second strongest flare in terms of peak X-Ray flux of the current solar cycle. Although a bright flare, new imagery suggests that if a CME is associated, it will likely be fairly mild. Stay tuned to SolarHam where you will get the most up to date and accurate information regarding this space weather event."

https://solarham.com/

#SolarFlares #SolarCycle25 #KesslerEffect #KesslerSyndrome #XClassFlares

Space Weather by SolarHam