X2.5 solar flare erupts at 08:13 UTC, second X-class event of April 24
An X2.5 solar flare erupted from Active Region 4419 at 08:13 UTC on April 24, 2026, marking the second X-class event within hours after an earlier X2.4 flare at 01:07 UTC. The event started at 08:01 UTC and ended at 08:18 UTC. A large coronal mass ejection (CME) was produced.
X2.5 solar flare on April 24, 2026. Credit: NASA SDO/AIA 304, The Watchers
A Type II Radio Emission with an estimated velocity of 1 869 km/s was associated with the event, suggesting a coronal mass ejection (CME) was produced.
This event was also associated with a 10 cm Radio Burst (TenFlare) from 08:09 to 08:15 UTC, with peak flux of 570 sfu. Such bursts are associated with short-duration radio interference capable of affecting radar systems, satellite communications, and navigation signals, including GPS.
Radio frequencies were estimated to be most affected over the Middle East at the time of the flare.
Earlier the same day, an X2.4 solar flare erupted from Active Region 4419, peaking at 01:07 UTC. According to observational analysis based on coronagraph imagery (NASA/SDO and associated datasets), the event produced a CME directed away from Earth due to the region’s position near the Sun’s west limb.
The X2.4 flare was accompanied by a 10 cm Radio Burst lasting approximately 6 minutes, with a peak flux of 570 sfu.
Active Region 4419 exhibits a beta-gamma-delta magnetic configuration, supporting repeated flare production. The region generated multiple M-class flares during the preceding 24-hour period, including events associated with CMEs and Type II and Type IV radio emissions.
Additional activity from Active Region 4420, also classified as beta-gamma-delta, added to the eruptive output during this period. According to the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), one CME associated with earlier activity is expected to produce a glancing influence near Earth on April 26.
In 24 hours to 00:30 UTC today, five M-class flares were recorded, including an M4.9 event at 17:08 UTC on April 23 from Region 4419.
SWPC forecasts calls for continued M-class activity through April 26, with a 10–15% probability of X-class flares. The probability of S1 – Minor solar radiation storms remains at 10% over the same period.
Geomagnetic conditions are expected to remain mostly quiet to unsettled on April 24 and 25. SWPC forecasts isolated G1 – Minor geomagnetic storm conditions on April 26 due to the anticipated arrival of a glancing CME associated with earlier solar activity.
References:
1 Forecast Discussion – NOAA/SWPC – Issued at 00:30 UTC on April 24, 2026
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