The solar activity surge in early July 2026 has ended
One of the strongest solar activity surges of the year, observed in late June and early July 2026, has ended. The increase in activity was caused by the formation of two large sunspot groups on the Sun—Nos. 4478 and 4479. The former was the largest this year and the second largest in the last decade. Although an exceptionally large number of solar flares (approximately 140) were recorded during this period, the surge in activity was objectively mild. Only two high-magnitude flares occurred over two weeks, and in both cases, the intensity of these events was at the lower limit of their respective class. The Sun also experienced a magnetic storm on July 4, the second strongest this year.
Currently, both active centers are relocated by the Sun's rotation to its far side, from where they have no potential to influence Earth. Theoretically, the sunspot groups could return to Earth on July 20-21, when the Sun has completed half its rotation, but the chances are slim. Rapid disintegration processes were already observed in both regions in the final days before their departure. Most likely, only fragments will return to Earth in two weeks.
With the departure of both centers, flare activity, as expected, has sharply declined. No solar flares have been recorded over the past 20 hours. We'll see how long this lasts.
Laboratory of Solar Astronomy, SRI RAS
Contacts: send message