Summary and Forecast

Solar Summary

(last updated 22 May 2026 23:30 UT)

Activity 22 May: R1 Flares: none. Observed 10.7 cm flux/Equivalent Sunspot Number for 22 May: 124/77

Solar Forecast

(last updated 22 May 2026 23:30 UT)

23 May 24 May 25 May Activity R0, chance of R1 R0, chance of R1 R0, chance of R1 Fadeouts Possible Possible Possible 10.7cm/SSN 125/78 125/78 130/84 COMMENT: Solar flare activity on UT day 22-May was at the R1 level, with a M2.3 flare observed at 22/1029UT. There are currently five numbered sunspot regions and one unnumbered visible on the solar disk. The largest flare of the UT day was attributed to AR4436 recently rotated off the NW limb. AR4441 (N08W52, beta-gamma) showed some spot development. AR4444 (S19E55, beta) and AR4443 (S16W04, beta) both showed development in their leader spots over the UT day, AR4441 is the largest and most magnetically complex. Unnamed AR (N05W066, beta) has recently rotated onto the visible disk. All other sunspot regions are either stable or in decay. Solar flare activity is expected to be at the R0 level over 23-25 May, with a chance of R1. S0 solar radiation conditions were observed on UT day 22-May. S0 solar radiation conditions are expected over 23-25 May. No Earth-directed coronal mass ejections (CMEs) were observed on 22-May. A northwest-directed CME was observed in LASCO C2 coronagraph imagery at 22/1048UT. Modelling indicates this CME is not geoeffective. The solar wind speed decreased over 22-May. The speed ranged from 350 to 430 km/s and is currently near 370 km/s. The peak total interplanetary magnetic field strength (IMF, Bt) was 8 nT and the north-south IMF component (Bz) range was -4 to +5 nT. The solar wind speed is expected to remain at background levels over 23-25 May.

Solar Activity levels are explained in the SWS Solar Terrestrial Glossary.