Sun news: Cannibal CME arrives … More to come?

Sun news June 5: Cannibal CME arrives … More to come?

Today’s top story: The cannibal CME we reported on yesterday has started arriving. An abrupt jump in solar wind speed around 4:30 UTC this morning marked the arrival of CME material at Earth. It hasn’t caused any significant disturbance yet, but cannibal CMEs are complex structures. More solar material may be trailing behind, soon to reach us. If more CME material does arrive, conditions could escalate to G2 (moderate) and possibly even G3 (strong) geomagnetic storms. And that would likely mean beautiful auroras! So stay tuned.

Past 24 hours of sun news

(11 UTC June 4 – 12 UTC June 5)

Flare activity

Over the past day, solar activity continued at low levels. Only C-class flares occurred. In total, the sun fired 8 C-class (common) flares.

• Strongest flare: C2.1 from AR4458 in the southwest at 20:59 UTC on June 4.
• Lead flare producer: AR4457 topped the list this period. It fired 3 of the 8 flares, all C-class events.

Sunspot regions

The Earth-facing side of our sun shows 6 numbered active regions today. Three sunspot regions carry beta-gamma configurations: AR4455, AR4458, and AR4459. Notably, AR4458 gained a gamma component during the period, while AR4461 lost its gamma.

AR4455 quieted down significantly. It sparked only one C-class flare this period. But its anti-Hale instability could wake it up again at any time.

Blasts from the sun?

Available coronagraph imagery showed no new Earth-directed coronal mass ejections (CMEs) during the period. The cannibal CME from the June 3 eruptions has now begun arriving at Earth. Monitoring continues to assess whether additional components follow.

Past 24 hours in space weather

Solar wind

Solar wind speeds averaged moderate levels until 4:20 UTC this morning on June 5. Then an abrupt spike to moderate-high levels was observed. That jump marked the arrival of the cannibal CME material at Earth. Speeds returned to moderate levels at the time of this writing. The total interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) showed similar behavior. It remained relatively weak, then surged to strong levels at 4:30 UTC. Cannibal CMEs are complex structures. More material may follow over the next day.

Bz and magnetic coupling

The Bz component pointed northward through the entire period. That orientation kept Earth’s magnetic shield closed. As a result, no significant geomagnetic coupling occurred. This morning on June 5, the Bz still shows a northward orientation. As always, a sustained southward shift is needed to open the door for auroral displays. If trailing CME material arrives with a southward Bz, the picture could change quickly.

Earth’s magnetic field

Over the past day, geomagnetic conditions ranged from quiet to unsettled (Kp 1–3). No geomagnetic storm conditions occurred. Currently, the Kp index sits just above level 3. The initial CME arrival has been registered. But the full impact remains to be seen.

What’s ahead? Sun–Earth forecast

Flare activity forecast

Forecasters expect low-to-moderate levels of solar activity to continue. M-class flare odds dipped slightly from 60% yesterday to 50% today. But chances remain elevated. Three active regions drive the outlook: AR4455, AR4458, and AR4459. All three carry beta-gamma configurations.

X-class (strong) flare chances remain at 10%. AR4455’s anti-Hale instability keeps it as the top candidate for a powerful eruption.

Geomagnetic activity forecast

• June 5: Active conditions expected. The cannibal CME has begun arriving, and additional components may follow. If they carry a sustained southward Bz, enhancements may reach G2 (moderate) geomagnetic storm levels. And G3 (strong) storming is not ruled out. If G3 develops, aurora could push well into mid-latitudes. Combined effects of fast solar wind from a coronal hole and the cannibal CME should drive the activity. Aurora watchers, the show may still be coming!
• June 6: A component of the CME from the M3.3 flare on June 2 may also arrive. That could bring an additional round of enhanced geomagnetic activity atop lingering cannibal CME effects. Forecasters will continue monitoring the solar wind for further CME signatures. Stay tuned!
• June 7: Expect quiet-to-unsettled conditions as CME influences fade. Solar wind should return toward background levels.

Sun news June 4: Cannibal sun-stuff heading for Earth!

Amid yesterday’s flurry of 4 M (moderate) flares and an X (strong) flare on our star, 2 major bursts of solar material – coronal mass ejections or CMEs – were fired our way. Interestingly, the first CME, from the M7.7 flare, was bigger than the second CME from the X flare. But smaller CME is much faster, and so will soon catch up and merge with the first. This so-called cannibal CME is set to hit Earth’s magnetic field late today into early tomorrow. This should trigger geomagnetic storms up to G2 (moderate) and possibly even G3 (strong) levels. That means auroras are on the way! Get those cameras out and prepare for gorgeous displays!

Past 24 hours of sun news

(11 UTC June 3 – 12 UTC June 4)

Flare activity

Over the past day, solar activity dropped to low levels. Only C-class flares occurred. In total, the sun fired 13 C-class (common) flares.

• Strongest flare: C5.1 from AR4459 in the northeast at 23:43 UTC on June 3.
• Lead flare producer: AR4455 dominated once again. It fired 8 of the 13 flares, all C-class events.

Sunspot regions

Currently, the Earth-facing side of our sun shows 8 numbered active regions. Two newcomers received official numbers during the period. Notably, three sunspot regions carry beta-gamma configurations: AR4455, AR4459, and AR4461. The remaining regions show simpler beta setups.

AR4455 is the standout. After briefly reaching the strongest beta-gamma-delta configuration, it has settled back to beta-gamma. But specialists observed that a series of spots appeared around the main spot. They developed instability due to an unusual distribution of magnetic polarities known as an anti-Hale region. That means this sunspot region is unstable. It remains capable of producing more M-class or even X-class flares.

Blasts from the sun?

After modeling the M-class and X-class flares from AR4455, specialists determined that two blobs of solar stuff head toward Earth. A larger, slower CME will be caught by a faster one. Together they form a cannibal CME. Arrival is expected late today, on June 4, into early June 5. Geomagnetic enhancements are likely upon arrival.

Past 24 hours in space weather

Solar wind

Solar wind speeds averaged at moderate levels during the period. Think of it as the calm before the storm. A pretty large CME is now approaching Earth. Meanwhile, the total interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) stayed relatively weak.

Bz and magnetic coupling

The Bz component pointed mostly southward through the period. A brief northward peak occurred around 21 UTC on June 3. It lasted about two hours before returning to a southward orientation. As always, southward favors geomagnetic coupling and auroral displays. This morning on June 4, the Bz still shows southward. That bodes well for what is coming.

Earth’s magnetic field

Over the past day, geomagnetic conditions ranged from quiet to unsettled (Kp 2–3). No geomagnetic storm thresholds were reached. Currently, the Kp index sits just below level 3. But that number could climb quickly once the cannibal CME arrives.

Sun news June 3: X flare from an unlikely source!

The sun has come alive over the past day! Sunspot region AR4455 blasted out 4 M flares, including an M9.3 that almost breached the X flare threshold. And then just after we finished writing today’s update, it fired an actual X flare! AR4455’s X1.07 flare peaked at 11:48 UTC. Surprisingly, its producer spent much of the past day with a relatively simple beta magnetic configuration, indicating a low chance for big flares. And yet it’s been explosive! Read on for the full details of AR4455’s impressive flaring over the past day. Plus, don’t miss the imagery of several fiery eruptions that have been taking place elsewhere on our star. It’s been a busy day on the sun!

Past 24 hours of sun news

(11 UTC June 2 – 12 UTC June 3)

Flare activity

Over the past day, solar activity jumped to high levels, after 4 M-class flares and an X flare. In total, it produced 14 flares: 1 X-class (strong), 4 M-class (moderate), and 9 C-class (common).

• Strongest flare: X1.07 from AR4455 in the northwest at 11:48 UTC on June 3. The event triggered an R3 (strong) radio blackout.
• Other M-class flares: AR4455 did not stop there. It also fired an M9.3 at 1:36 UTC (R2 radio blackout southeast of Japan), an M1.3 at 10:05 UTC on June 3 (R1 blackout over Egypt), an M3.3 at 16:50 UTC on June 2 (R1 blackout over Puerto Rico), and an M7.7 at 7:00 UTC on June 3 (R2 blackout over India). Four M flares and an X flare from a single region in 24 hours!
• Lead flare producer: AR4455 dominated the period. It fired 11 of the 14 flares: all 5 M- and X-class events plus 6 C-class flares. Meanwhile, newcomer AR4461 contributed 2 C-class events.

Sunspot regions

Currently, the Earth-facing side of our sun shows 7 numbered active regions. Two newcomers received official numbers: AR4461 in the southeast and AR4462 in the northeast near the limb (edge).

Blasts from the sun?

Specialists are currently modeling the M and X flares from AR4455 to determine if any sun-stuff has been sent toward Earth. The strong prominence at 12:04 UTC on June 2 in the southeast and the far-side prominence in the northeast at 16:56 UTC on June 2 are both too far off the sun-Earth line for any component to reach us.

Past 24 hours in space weather

Solar wind

Solar wind speeds averaged at moderate levels during the period. A couple of brief peaks reached moderate to high. That signals the remnant influence of fast solar wind from a coronal hole. Meanwhile, the total interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) stayed relatively weak late on June 2, but it has started increasing to moderate levels as of this writing.

Bz and magnetic coupling

The Bz component pointed mostly southward through the period. That orientation favors geomagnetic coupling and auroral displays. But at 2:30 UTC this morning on June 3, the Bz shifted northward.

Earth’s magnetic field

Over the past day, geomagnetic conditions ranged from quiet to unsettled. Kp reached level 3. No geomagnetic storm thresholds were reached. Currently, the Kp index sits just above level 2.

Sun news June 2: M1.2 flare breaks the quiet spell

After an unusual 21 hours without a single flare, the sun blasted out a powerful M1.2 flare at 4:45 UTC this morning. The flare came from an as-yet-unnumbered sunspot region that’s just started rotating into view over the southeast horizon. Quite the introduction! Let’s see what else this region has in store.

Past 24 hours of sun news

(11 UTC June 1 – 11 UTC June 2)

Flare activity

Over the past day, solar activity jumped to moderate levels with an isolated M-class (moderate) flare. In total, the sun fired 6 flares: 1 M-class and 5 C-class (common).

• Strongest flare: M1.2 from a newcomer on the southeast horizon at 4:45 UTC on June 2. The event triggered an R1 (minor) radio blackout over Taiwan.
• Lead flare producer: AR4455 topped the list with 3 C-class flares. Meanwhile, the southeast newcomer contributed 2 flares: a C-class event and the M1.2.

Sunspot regions

The Earth-facing solar disk continued showing 8 numbered active regions. Two newcomers received official numbers during the period: AR4458 in the southeast and AR4459 in the northeast near the limb (edge). All numbered sunspot regions on the disk carry simpler alpha or beta configurations. As a result, the risk of strong flares stays low from the currently numbered regions.

Blasts from the sun?

Available coronagraph imagery showed no Earth-directed coronal mass ejections (CMEs) during the period.

Past 24 hours in space weather

Solar wind

Solar wind speeds dropped from moderate to moderate-low levels during the period. That signals the waning influence of fast solar wind from a coronal hole. Meanwhile, the total interplanetary magnetic field stayed relatively weak.

Bz and magnetic coupling

The Bz component pointed southward during most of this period. A sustained southward Bz favors auroral displays.

Earth’s magnetic field

Over the past day, geomagnetic conditions ranged from quiet to unsettled. Kp reached just above level 3. The coronal hole stream drove the increase. But conditions started to wane. Currently, the Kp index sits just below level 2.

Sun news June 1: Quiet sun as coronal hole winds ease

Over the past earthly day, the sun took a breather. Flare production stayed at low levels. Only C-class (common) flares peppered the visible disk. The strongest event was a modest C1.9 from near the sun’s northeast limb late on May 31. At the same time, Earth stayed under the waning influence of a coronal hole high-speed stream. Solar wind speeds held slightly elevated in the 450–550 km/s range. Geomagnetic conditions were mostly quiet to unsettled.

Looking ahead, unsettled-to-active conditions might return to Earth’s magnetic field today, as residual coronal hole effects linger. A new coronal hole now crossing the sun’s central meridian might drive enhanced activity by June 3. It might bring a chance for G1 (minor) geomagnetic storm conditions. But limited hours of darkness in the Northern Hemisphere will make aurora sightings challenging for most northern observers. Southern Hemisphere watchers at high latitudes have the better shot!

Past 24 hours of sun news

(11 UTC May 31 – 11 UTC June 1)

Flare activity

Over the past day, solar activity held at low levels. In total, the sun fired 8 C-class flares and 1 high B-class (weak) event. No M-class (moderate) or X-class (strong) flares occurred.

• Strongest flare: C1.9 from near the sun’s east limb at 21:42 UTC on May 31. As a C-class event, it produced no radio blackout.
• Lead flare producer: AR4446 topped the list. It fired 5 events: C1.8, C1.5, C1.2, C1.0, and B9.5. Meanwhile, AR4449 contributed 2 C-class flares. And AR4447 fired the period’s broadest event, a C3.1 at 2:09 UTC on May 31.

Sunspot regions: key players

The Earth-facing solar disk showed 8 numbered active regions. Several continued to decay. The overall magnetic complexity was low. No delta configurations are present at the time of this writing (11 UTC on June 1).

Blasts from the sun?

Two coronal mass ejections (CMEs) left the sun’s southwest limb in the past day. But both were assessed as non-Earth-directed. One originated from the sun’s far side. The other came from a region already too far west to threaten Earth.

Past 24 hours in space weather

Solar wind

Solar wind speeds reflected the ongoing influence of the negative-polarity coronal hole high-speed stream. Speeds oscillated between roughly 450 km/s and 550 km/s. Meanwhile, the total interplanetary magnetic field was relatively weak, ranging from 3–7 nT after declining from earlier elevated values near 11 nT.

Bz and magnetic coupling

The Bz component started the period with brief southward dips reaching -5 nT. But it then settled to near-neutral or northward for most of the remainder. That configuration limited geomagnetic coupling. As a result, auroral activity stayed subdued over the past day.

Earth’s magnetic field

Geomagnetic conditions started at unsettled-to-active levels in the past day. Kp reached 3 to 4+ between 18:00 UTC on May 30 and 3:00 UTC on May 31. The onset of the coronal hole stream drove the increase. But conditions then settled to mostly quiet levels (Kp 1–2) for the rest of the period. No G1 or higher geomagnetic storm thresholds were reached.

The sun in recent days

Earlier sun images

Sun images from our community

More sun images from our community

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

Bottom line: Sun news for June 5, 2026: The cannibal CME has arrived! But is there more? G2–G3 storms are still possible if trailing solar material starts to arrive.

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