Particle.news
Download on the App Store
10 ARTICLES
·
17h ago

Sunspot AR4366 Unleashes X8-Class Flare as Forecasters Watch for Possible CME Glancing Blow This Week

NOAA models indicate a coronal mass ejection could skim Earth around February 5, with the potential impact still uncertain.

A spacecraft image of a bright orange flare erupting from the sun
Image
X8.1 solar flare on February 1, 2026. Credit: NASA/SDO AIA 304, The Watchers
X1.0 solar flare on February 1, 2026. Credit: NASA/SDO AIA 304, The Watchers

Overview

  • NOAA confirmed an X8.3-class solar flare peaking at 23:57 UTC on February 1 from Active Region 4366, the strongest flare reported in 2026 so far.
  • The fast-growing, magnetically complex region produced multiple X-class events—including X1.0, X2.8 and X1.6—alongside dozens of M-class flares within roughly 36 hours.
  • The X-class eruptions caused strong R3-level shortwave radio blackouts across the South Pacific, affecting eastern Australia and New Zealand.
  • NOAA and NASA imagery and modeling point to one or more CMEs largely directed away from Earth, though a grazing passage on February 5 remains possible and could enhance auroras.
  • Geomagnetic conditions are currently quiet with low K indices, but SWPC has raised flare probabilities through February 4 and notes brief proton flux elevations are possible.