First X-class solar flare of Solar Cycle 25

Saturday, 3 July 2021 15:03 UTC

Today's X-class solar flare is the first X-class solar flare of Solar Cycle 25 and the first X-class solar flare since the massive X8.2 solar flare that took place on 2017/09/10. Yes, it has indeed been almost 4 years since we last breached the X-class threshold. Isn't it crazy? Our Sun is one day early with her fireworks display to celebrate Independence Day with our American friends but we will take it nonetheless!

This morning we already got an M2.7 solar flare from sunspot region 2838. This solar flare peaked at 07:17 UTC and who would have guessed that this was a sign of things to come! A shame that this newly developed region is already on the north-west limb. It will transit onto the far-side of the solar disk in the next 24 to 48 hours and any future eruptions coming from it are for sure not going to be directed towards our planet.

Header image: The X1.5 solar flare as captured by GOES-16.

Major X1.59 flare from sunspot region 12838
Follow live on https://t.co/3Xxrvc3cpA pic.twitter.com/7MJI68we0A

— SpaceWeatherLive (@_SpaceWeather_) July 3, 2021

Today's X-class flare is the first X-class flare of Solar Cycle 25 and the first X-class solar flare since 2017/09/10.

We could expect the launch of a modest sized CME but it is not likely to have an earth-directed component.

More info: https://t.co/LKnrpinFf8

SIDC/SolarDemon pic.twitter.com/SSkj4hdLDF

— SpaceWeatherLive (@_SpaceWeather_) July 3, 2021