Overview
- IKI RAN logged an M4.8 flare on October 15, the second-strongest event in the past four months.
- The flare activity index rose to 8.1, crossing the red level for the first time since June as solar output increased sharply.
- Researchers forecast an imminent multi-month peak in flare strength and say X-class eruptions are possible today.
- Two large active regions roughly 150,000 km across are sustaining frequent C- and M-class flares, with dozens recorded since October 13.
- Models indicate the first geomagnetic response could begin Thursday, with stronger disturbances and auroras possible from Friday through Sunday.