Solar radiation storm warning issued and canceled after M5.8 solar flare, major X1.1 flare erupts at 20:50 UTC
A powerful solar flare has triggered radio blackouts and could spark northern lights over the July 4 weekend.
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📍 How it ended
A powerful X-class solar flare triggered radio blackouts across North America and an Earth-bound CME. A solar radiation storm warning was issued and then canceled following an M5.8 solar flare, while a major X1.1 flare erupted at 20:50 UTC.
Epilogue added 15d ago, after coverage quieted.
The brief
A major X1.1 solar flare erupted at 20:50 UTC on June 30, 2026, causing radio blackouts across North America. The flare also released a coronal mass ejection (CME) headed towards Earth. Coverage from Yahoo, Space, and India Today emphasizes the potential for geomagnetic storms and auroras.
The Watchers and NASA Science also reported on the event. The flare prompted a solar radiation storm warning, which was later canceled. Coverage does not yet specify the extent of the radio blackouts or the expected duration of the geomagnetic storm.
Watch for updates on the geomagnetic storm's impact on Earth, particularly around the July 4 weekend. Coverage from outlets like Space and The Watchers may provide more details on potential aurora sightings.
Synthesized by Archynetys from the headlines below under a strict no-invention contract. ✓ fact-checked: all claims supported by sources Updated 19d ago.
Quick answers
What caused the radio blackouts in North America?
The radio blackouts were caused by a major X1.1 solar flare that erupted at 20:50 UTC on June 30, 2026.
What is a coronal mass ejection (CME)?
A coronal mass ejection is a significant release of plasma and magnetic field from the solar corona. The CME released by the recent solar flare is headed towards Earth and could spark geomagnetic storms and auroras.
When is the geomagnetic storm expected to hit Earth?
The geomagnetic storm is expected to hit Earth on July 2, 2026, according to coverage from AKIpress News Agency.
Coverage (10)
- Powerful X-class solar flare triggers radio blackouts across North America Yahoo · 22d ago
- Sun unleashes powerful X-class solar flare and Earth-bound CME that could spark northern lights for July 4 weekend Space · 22d ago
- Strongest Geomagnetic Storm in Recent Months Expected on Earth Zamin.uz · 22d ago
- Powerful X-class solar flare triggers radio blackouts across North America Space · 22d ago
- Powerful explosion occurred on the Sun Modern.az · 22d ago
- Solar eruption triggers radio blackout over North America, geomagnetic storm coming India Today · 22d ago
- Strong G3-Class magnetic storm expected to hit Earth on Jul 2 AKIpress News Agency · 22d ago
- 17 flares in 24 hours: The Sun returns to dangerous activity levels www1.ru · 22d ago
- Sun Releases Strong Flare NASA Science (.gov) · 22d ago
- Solar radiation storm warning issued and canceled after M5.8 solar flare, major X1.1 flare erupts at 20:50 UTC The Watchers - Watching the world evolve and transform · 22d ago
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