Active Region 4513 produces strong M8.1 solar flare

Solar activity reached moderate levels on August 20, 2026, following an M8.1 flare from Active Region 4513. The flare, which occurred between 11:32 and 11:54 UTC, was accompanied by a Type II radio sweep with an estimated velocity of 1,201 km/s, indicating the production of a coronal mass ejection (CME).

Despite the CME, the location of Region 4513 near the Sun’s east limb suggests the ejection is heading away from Earth rather than toward it. Radio signatures during the event were expected to be most degraded over the Atlantic Ocean, Europe, and Africa.

Solar activity is projected to remain at low levels through August 22, though isolated M-class flares may cause R1-Minor to R2-Moderate radio blackouts. Additionally, electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to remain high through August 22 due to the influence of a coronal hole high-speed stream.