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

Gee, I was just thinking that if the Sun decides to go "#ZeroDay" on us, that could put the damper on the AI menace that's been unleashed upon the planet...

The U.S. Ran Its First Space Weather Preparedness Drill—Here’s How It Went
Ironically, the exercise last May was interrupted by a real scenario, when Earth was hit by the strongest solar storm in two decades

Margherita Bassi - Daily Correspondent
May 21, 2025

"According to the NASA statement, the exercise demonstrated 'a critical need' for 'more robust forecasting capabilities of space weather drivers and effects.' The report also emphasizes the need to educate the public, continue developing response plans, make critical infrastructure less vulnerable and collaborate with both the private sector and international agencies."

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/the-us-ran-its-first-space-weather-preparedness-drill-heres-how-it-went-180986659/?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us

#SolarFlares #CarringtonEvent #LightsOut #XClassFlares #SpaceWeather

Another #XFlare / Severe #GeomagneticStorm Watch

via #SolarHam

October 9, 2024 @ 15:50 UTC (UPDATED)

"A moderate (S2) to Strong (S3) radiation storm remains in progress following the energetic X-Flare produced by #AR3848.

"A severe (G4) geomagnetic storm watch was officially added beginning tomorrow when the fast moving CME associated with the flare event is expected to sweep past Earth. While there are no guarantees, a repeat of the geomagnetic storm and aurora event back in May could be on the horizon.

"Oh... and an impulsive X1.4 solar flare was observed around departing AR 3842 at 15:47 UTC (Oct 9)."

Source:
https://solarham.com/

#SolarCycle25 #XClassFlares #Auroras #RadioInterference #CMEs #SolarFlares #SolarFlare

Estimated X12 #SolarFlare from [presumed] #AR3664, which is on the far side of the Sun right now.

#CarringtonEvent was believed to be X45.

#AR3664 will be Earth-facing again soon.

#SpaceWeather via #SolarHam

"A fast moving, full halo coronal mass ejection (CME) is seen leaving the Sun this morning beginning around 05:30 UTC (May 20). Based on updated imagery, this event occurred on the farside of the Sun and is not Earth directed. Perhaps our old friend AR 3664 is up to its old tricks again. We should begin to see the big sunspot region turn back into view early next week."

https://solarham.com/

#SolarCycle25 #SolarFlares #SolarFlare #CMEs #XClassFlares

#SpaceWeather via Spaceweather.com

THE FLARES WILL CONTINUE UNTIL MORALE IMPROVES: A new source of #SolarFlares is emerging over the sun's southeastern limb. Today at 1438 UT, it emitted a dramatic X3-class explosion, shown here in a movie from NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory:

https://spaceweather.com/images2024/15may24/newsourceofflares.gif

#XClassFlares #SolarCycle25 #CarringtonEvent? #SolarFlare

#SolarHam #Spaceweather Update:

Largest #SolarFlare Of #SolarCycle25 Observed

May 14, 2024 @ 17:05 UTC (UPDATED)

"The largest solar flare of the current solar cycle 25, and largest since 2017 was just observed around deparing #AR3664 off the west limb. The #X8.7 event peaked at 16:51 UTC (May 14) causing a strong R3 level radio blackout directly over North America. More to follow.

"And Then...

"An eruption in the vicinity of newly assigned #AR3682 measuring M4.4 was observed at 17:38 UTC (May 14). This event looks to be eruptive, meaning a #CME will be produced.

"Solar Cycle 25 just kicked it up a notch!"

via https://solarham.com/

#AmateurRadio #CMEs #SolarFlares #ParkerSpiral? #XClassFlares #SpaceWx