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3h ago

New X4.2 Solar Flare From Active Region 4366 Keeps Earth on Watch as Earlier X8.1 CME Nears

Forecasters expect a glancing G1 geomagnetic disturbance from the Feb. 1 eruption, prompting heightened monitoring of satellites and radio links.

© NOAA SWPC
X4.2 solar flare on February 4, 2026. Credit: NASA/SDO AIA 304, The Watchers
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Overview

  • NOAA confirmed an impulsive X4.2 flare from AR4366 on Feb. 4 with no coronal mass ejection detected so far.
  • AR4366 has produced multiple X‑class events since Feb. 1, including an X8.1 flare that ranked among this solar cycle’s strongest.
  • SWPC forecasts the X8.1‑associated CME to brush Earth around Feb. 5–6, with unsettled to G1 (Minor) geomagnetic conditions possible.
  • Recent flares caused R3 shortwave radio blackouts, with disruptions reported across Australia and New Zealand and risk zones shifting with local daylight.
  • ISRO warned of a strong possibility of radio blackouts and said it is closely monitoring more than 50 satellites using Aditya‑L1 data, with contingency plans ready.