Sun news: Three chunks of solar stuff to provide mild enhancements at Earth

Sun news June 23: Three chunks of solar stuff may provide mild enhancements at Earth

Today’s top story: After the high activity caused by an M6.8 (moderate) eruption from AR4473 on June 21, sun activity returned to very low levels. But the blasts released earlier along with this M flare hurled slow coronal mass ejections (CMEs) – into space.  Analysis show they may reach each other on their paths and along with a co-rotating interaction region (CIR) they may reach us at Earth to provide minor glancing blows on late June 23, June 24 and June 28.  Three regions on the Earth-viewed solar disk show today a beta-gamma complexity but they remained stable during this period. More action is expected from the far side via the east horizon. A beautiful prominence, see animation below, testify they’re coming. Stay tuned!

Past 24 hours of sun news

(11 UTC June 22 – 11 UTC June 23)

Flare activity

Over the past day, solar activity dropped to very low levels. The sun only fired 3 faint flares: 3 B-class (weak) events. Each of the three flares were produced by an each different active region during the period.

• Strongest flare: B9.1 from an incoming active region as-yet-unnumbered at 11:31 UTC on June 22.

Sunspot regions

Currently the Earth-facing solar disk shows 5 numbered active regions. Three of the active sunspots developed a gamma configuration and now the three of them show a beta-gamma magnetic complexity. They are AR4473, AR4474 and AR4475. The largest in extent is AR4475, numbered during this period after splitting former AR4473 into two separate regions. They remained stable over the period or fired faint B flares. The rest of the sunspot regions on the solar disk show either alpha or beta configurations.

Blasts from the sun?

Analysis of the several eruptions on June 20-21, the M6.8 included, show slow coronal mass ejections (CMEs) that may reach each other along their path. Altogether with the addition of an anticipated co-rotating interaction region (CIR) may provide a glancing blow at Earth on late June 24 and June 28.

The June 19 CME might deliver a minor glancing blow late on June 23.  And the June 20 CME may arrive late on June 24. Kp estimates also range from 3 to 5. But timing carries considerable uncertainty for both events.

Past 24 hours in space weather

Solar wind

Solar wind conditions continued at its slow background regime throughout the period. Meanwhile, the total interplanetary magnetic field stayed weak with a slight increase.

Bz and magnetic coupling

The Bz component showed mostly southward late yesterday – early today. But the Bz component showed a north orientation that peaked at 4:30 UTC this morning and lasted about two hours. At the time of this writing the Bz component returned to south orientation. As always,  auroras are favored by a continued south orientation.

Earth’s magnetic field

Over the past day, Earth’s magnetic field continued at quiet levels (Kp 0–2). No geomagnetic storm levels were reached. Aurora visibility remained limited to the highest latitudes. And the short hours of northern summer darkness further constrained any viewing opportunities.

What’s ahead? Sun–Earth forecast

Flare activity forecast

Forecasters expect predominantly low levels through June 24. Chance for M-class flares decreased from 40% yesterday to 30% today.

The small but rising chance to (5%) for X-class (strong) activity remains. Today the main drivers are AR4473, AR4474 and AR4475 with their respective beta-gamma configurations. They remained stable through the period though. AR4474 are prompt to depart to the far side via the west horizon but there are newcomers now close to east limb or edge that may start to show in the next days.

Geomagnetic activity forecast

Northern hemisphere auroras remain negligible due to the solstice twilight. But southern hemisphere observers at high latitudes have better darkness conditions.

• June 23: Mostly quiet conditions may continue. But a slight enhancement is possible if the June 19 CME glancing blow later on during the day. But northern hemisphere viewing remains severely limited by seasonal daylight.
• June 24: This is the most geomagnetically active day in the forecast window. A negative-polarity coronal hole high-speed stream should arrive. And the slow June 20 CME may also reach Earth around 10 UTC. Combined, these could push Kp to 4–5, bringing unsettled-to-active conditions and a chance of isolated G1 (minor) storm periods. Southern hemisphere aurora watchers in southern New Zealand and similar latitudes have the best prospects this week.

Sun news June 22: M6.8 flare erupts, activity surges!

Today’s top story: The sun fired its strongest flare in days! An M6.8 (moderate) eruption from AR4473 peaked at 19:17 UTC on June 21. The blast released a burst of sun-stuff – a coronal mass ejection (CME) – into space, although it doesn’t appear to be heading toward Earth. AR4473 was the undisputed star of the period, producing every significant flare of the 24-hour window. And an earlier M2.6 from the same region on Sunday morning had already set the tone for an active day. This region is growing rapidly and its beta-gamma complexity makes it the one to watch. Stay tuned!

Past 24 hours of sun news

(11 UTC June 21 – 11 UTC June 22)

Flare activity

Over the past day, solar activity reached high levels. In total, the sun fired 8 flares: 1 M-class, 3 C-class (common) and 4 B-class (weak) events. AR4473 was the sole driver, producing every flare of the period.

• Strongest flare: M6.8 from AR4473 at 19:17 UTC on June 21. It triggered an R2 (moderate) radio blackout over the Americas and eastern Pacific.
• Earlier M-class activity: An M2.6 from AR4473 peaked at 2:46 UTC on June 21. It also produced a faint, west-directed CME.

Sunspot regions

The Earth-facing solar disk showed 3 or 4 numbered active regions. The exact count in the far southeast remains uncertain due to viewing geometry as new spots rotate into view.

AR4473 (beta-gamma) was the star of the period. It continued vigorous development and was responsible for all significant flaring. As it rotates further onto the disk, its complexity is likely to grow further.

Blasts from the sun?

Multiple CMEs were observed during the period, but none are expected to have a direct impact on Earth. Analysis of the M6.8-associated CME from AR4473 is still being refined, but because AR4473 sits well east of the sun-Earth line, the CME should sweep east of Earth.

And the M2.6-associated CME from 2:46 UTC on June 21 was a faint, west-directed event. Earth arrival is not expected from that one either.

However, two CMEs from prior days remain in the forecast pipeline. The June 19 CME might deliver a glancing blow around 8:00 UTC on June 23. Kp estimates range from 3 to 5, suggesting at most G1 (minor) geomagnetic storm potential. And the June 20 CME may arrive around 10:00 UTC on June 24. Kp estimates also range from 3 to 5. But timing carries considerable uncertainty for both events.

Past 24 hours in space weather

Solar wind

Solar wind conditions remained firmly in a slow background regime throughout the period. Meanwhile, the total interplanetary magnetic field stayed well within normal bounds.

Bz and magnetic coupling

The Bz component showed no significant southward dips. It stayed weak and variable. As a result, Earth’s magnetic shield remained effectively closed and aurora activity stayed suppressed.

Earth’s magnetic field

Over the past day, Earth’s magnetic field stayed quiet (Kp 0–2). No geomagnetic storm levels were reached. Aurora visibility remained limited to the highest latitudes. And the short hours of northern summer darkness further constrained any viewing opportunities.

What’s ahead? Sun–Earth forecast

Flare activity forecast

Forecasters expect predominantly low levels through June 24. But the chance (40%) for M-class flares is increasing. AR4473 remains the primary driver. And a larger region expected to rotate into view mid-week could compound the flare threat.

A small but rising chance (5%) for X-class (strong) activity exists as AR4473 continues to develop. And as it rotates further westward, any future CMEs will have a progressively better chance of being Earth-directed.

Geomagnetic activity forecast

• June 22: Expect mostly quiet conditions (Kp 1–3). A possible glancing blow from the June 19 CME could arrive late in the day. But any effects should be minor. Northern hemisphere auroras remain negligible due to the solstice twilight. But southern hemisphere observers at high latitudes have better darkness conditions.
• June 23: Mostly quiet conditions continue. But a slight enhancement is possible if the June 19 CME glancing blow arrives around 8:00 UTC. Kp may briefly reach 4–5, potentially producing G1 (minor) geomagnetic storm conditions. If G1 levels are reached, aurora could reach Anchorage, Reykjavik and far southern New Zealand. But northern hemisphere viewing remains severely limited by seasonal daylight.
• June 24: This is the most geomagnetically active day in the forecast window. A negative-polarity coronal hole high-speed stream should arrive. And the slow June 20 CME may also reach Earth around 10 UTC. Combined, these could push Kp to 4–5, bringing unsettled-to-active conditions and a chance of isolated G1 (minor) storm periods. Southern hemisphere aurora watchers in southern New Zealand and similar latitudes have the best prospects this week.

Sun news June 21: M flare brightens the June solstice!

Happy June solstice! And what a way to mark it. The sun continued to simmer at moderate to high levels on the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Newly numbered AR4473 stole the spotlight, firing an M2.6 flare at 2:25 UTC this morning. It was the strongest blast of the period. The flare triggered an R1 (minor) radio blackout, briefly disrupting HF communications over the Pacific and eastern Asia. And AR4473 is just getting started. It’s growing as the sun’s rotation carries it further onto the visible disk. Its increasing magnetic complexity makes it the region to watch over the coming days. Earlier in the period, neighboring AR4472 contributed its own M1.0 flare along with a string of C-class events. The solstice also marks a turning point for aurora watchers. Today is the peak of the seasonal disadvantage for aurora viewing in the Northern Hemisphere. The sun-Earth geometry works against displays right now. But from here, the nights gradually grow longer again. And as they do, aurora opportunities will slowly improve. In the Southern Hemisphere, today is the winter solstice, and darkness is at its peak, giving southern aurora chasers their best seasonal window in terms of light.

Past 24 hours of sun news

(11 UTC June 20 – 11 UTC June 21)

Flare activity

Over the past day, solar activity reached moderate levels. In total, the sun fired 12 flares: 2 M-class and 6 C-class events, plus several B-class flares.

• Strongest flare: M2.6 from AR4473 (S07E65) at 2:25 UTC on June 21. It triggered an R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Pacific region.
• Other M-class flare: M1.0 from AR4472 at 14:50 UTC on June 20. It also produced an R1 (minor) radio blackout, affecting the sunlit African and European sectors.
• Notable C-class events: C4.9 from AR4472 at 21:22 UTC on June 20; C1.3 from AR4472 at 23:01 UTC on June 20; C1.1 from AR4472 at 1:01 UTC on June 21; C1.2 from AR4473 at 8:31 UTC on June 21.
• Lead flare producers: AR4473 fired the period’s strongest event, the M2.6. And AR4472 generated the bulk of the overall activity with an M1.0 and multiple C-class flares. Together they drove all the significant activity of the period.

Sunspot regions

The Earth-facing solar disk showed approximately 7 numbered active regions. But the majority remained small and quiet.

AR4473 (beta) received its official number this period. It is growing as it rotates further onto the visible disk. It produced the period’s strongest flare, the M2.6, plus additional C- and B-class events. Its increasing magnetic complexity makes it the primary region of concern going forward.

AR4472 (beta) was the most prolific flare producer of the period. It fired an M1.0 and several C-class events. Its position near the southeast limb makes full analysis difficult. But it shows some mixed-polarity magnetic structure worth monitoring.

The remaining 5 numbered regions were small and simple. They were either stable or in gradual decay. Several areas of pores appeared in the western hemisphere. But most decayed before developing into numbered sunspot groups.

Blasts from the sun?

Two CMEs were observed during the period. But neither is expected to deliver a direct hit to Earth.

Past 24 hours in space weather

Solar wind

On the space weather front, solar wind conditions remained subdued. The influence of a waning coronal hole high-speed stream faded further. Speeds ranged between 350–420 km/s, settling near 400 km/s by the end of the period. Meanwhile, the total interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) ranged from 5–7 nT.

Bz and magnetic coupling

The Bz component was variable throughout. It briefly dipped as far south as ?7 nT. But it recovered quickly. That southward dip was too brief and weak to drive significant geomagnetic activity. As a result, Earth’s magnetic shield stayed mostly closed.

Earth’s magnetic field

Over the past day, Earth’s magnetic field ranged from quiet to unsettled (Kp 1–3). No geomagnetic storm thresholds were reached. Conditions continued transitioning toward background levels.

The sun in recent days

Sun images from our community

We sometimes feature sun images obtained using hydrogen-alpha filters. Read why.

Bottom line: Sun news for June 22, 2026: M6.8 (moderate) flare erupts from AR4473! This sunspot fired all the significant flares in the past day and is continuing to grow stronger.

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