The largest active region of 2026 has appeared on the Sun, scientists from the Solar Astronomy Laboratory of IKI RAS and ISZF SB RAS reported. Sunspot group No. 4478 has grown to almost 1200 units of area – its size is currently estimated at 1190. In two days, it will be precisely aligned with the Sun-Earth line.
The previous record belonged to the February group No. 4366 with an area of 1100 units. At that time, it produced an X8.1 flare and simultaneously set a 21st-century record for the number of strong flares.
The new region is behaving more quietly so far. It is actively changing and probably accumulating energy, but it has not yet shown a tendency for large explosions. Several weak plasma clouds have already left it: one should reach Earth on June 30, another on July 1.
The main intrigue is whether the nature of the region will change by the time it is directly opposite our planet. For now, the largest group of the year looks like a solar introvert: large, noticeable, and unpredictable.
Read more on the topic:
- The Sun broke a two-week lull: an M1.3 class flare was recorded in sunspot group 4472
- Magnetic Storm Hits Earth: Coronal Hole Accelerates Solar Wind
- Coronal Hole Awakens Earth: Peak of Magnetic Storm Recorded in the Morning