Space weather on September 30, 2026
A lull in solar activity continues, marked by periodic, unsuccessful attempts to rise from the minimum. Another such attempt is underway right now. A C8.6-class flare occurred this morning—the strongest since September 5, or in nearly a month. Additionally, fairly large active regions emerging from the far side are visible on the Sun's left limb, above the equator.
The impact of the coronal hole on Earth did not result in a magnetic storm.
The impact of the latest coronal hole on Earth—forecast for Thursday, September 24—proved to be relatively mild. As expected, the Kp geomagnetic activity index rose from values of 0–1 to around level 3; it even briefly crossed the Kp=4 threshold—indicating geomagnetic disturbance (yellow level)—during the middle of the day yesterday, but it never reached the threshold for a geomagnetic storm.
Space weather on September 22, 2026
Nothing significant has occurred on the Sun over the past few days; the star remains in a quiet state. The most notable event in the coming days will likely be the second magnetic storm of autumn, expected on September 24—this coming Thursday.
For the first time since 2021, not a single solar flare has occurred on the Sun over a four-day period.
Solar activity—to the dismay of some and the delight of others—continues to set new record lows. For the first time since December 2021, not a single solar flare of Class C or higher has been recorded on the star over a four-day period.
Solar activity has decreased threefold over the past two years.
Solar activity has dropped nearly threefold over the past 24 months, falling from a level of 216 units in August 2024 to 76 units this past August, 2026.
The first magnetic storm of autumn has begun on Earth.
On Earth, at approximately 11 o'clock Moscow time, the first magnetic storm of September began. The event is currently weak and belongs to the first category on a 5-point scale.
The Sun has ejected new clouds toward Earth.
Multiple plasma ejections observed on the Sun over the past few days are set to result in at least two impacts on Earth on September 8 and 9—that is, tomorrow and the day after. This is indicated by data from space-based coronagraphs as well as the results of numerical modeling.
Multiple emissions of radiation into space are being detected from the Sun.
A sharp surge in solar activity is evident in images from space telescopes and coronagraphs. Its primary indicator is multiple plasma ejections on the star's left (eastern) limb.
The number of strong solar flares in the summer of 2026 was 30% higher than a year ago.
Contrary to predictions based on expectations of a declining solar cycle, the summer of 2026 was more active than last year's. From June 1 to August 31, 82 strong flares of magnitude M or higher were recorded on the star, including three of the highest magnitude X. During the same period in 2025, there were 62 strong flares. The number of X-flares was also lower: two versus three.
Space weather on August 31, 2026
The period of heightened geomagnetic activity forecast for Friday and Saturday has ended. Magnetic storm levels were not reached; conditions remained limited to moderate disturbances. At present, the geomagnetic activity index is slightly elevated but has remained in the "green zone" for over two days.