AR4493 appeared and expanded from the Center of the Sun.
SPACEWEATHER.COM NEWS: 07/21/2026
INCREASING CHANCE OF X-FLARES: New sunspot 4493 is emerging rapidly from the depths of the sun–and it has taken the shape of a gigantic ring. Maximilian-Vlad Teodorescu photographed the 100,000-km-wide structure from the Institute of Space Science in Romania:
Fast evolving sunspot, Taken by Maximilian-Vlad Teodorescu on July 20, 2026 @ Institute of Space Science, Romania
SPACEWEATHER.COM NEWS; 07/20/2026 UPDATED
FAST-EVOLVING ACTIVE SUNSPOT: Yesterday, this sunspot was barely detectable. “Today, it is the biggest sunspot group on the Earthside of the sun,” reports Maximilian-Vlad Teodorescu, who photographed the growing ring from the Institute of Space Science, Romania:
Very Bright Alpha Capricornid Meteor, Taken by Frankie Lucena on July 6, 2026 @ Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico
SPACEWEATHER.COM NEWS; 07/20/2026
ALPHA CAPRICORNID METEORS: A meteor storm is coming, but don’t get excited. The peak is still 300 years away. Frankie Lucena of Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico photographed one of the first arrivals on July 6th:
Rotation of a sunspot – AR4482, Taken by Maximilian-Vlad Teodorescu on July 11, 2026 @ Institute of Space Science, Romania
Photo Details:
Sunspots rotate. It is known for some time now, but it is nice to actually see that for yourself. Here is a crude animation showing sunspot group AR4482 over the course of 5 days (7 to 11 of July, 2026). Note the different sections rotate differently. The upper part rotates anticlockwise quite fast, while the lower part has different motions inside it. More on sunspot rotation here.
SPACEWEATHER.COM NEWS: 07/14/2026
A SPINNING SUNSPOT: Planets spin. Moons spin. Stars spin. Is it any surprise that sunspots also spin? Maximilian-Vlad Teodorico photographed the phenomenon last week (July 7-11) when sunspot AR4482 pinwheeled across the solar disk:
Earth reached Aphelion today, July 6, 2026, at 17:30 UTC (12:30 PM CDT). The Days of Earth’s Perihelion and Aphelion positions are significant astronomical measures, though they are rarely acknowledged in the news.
The words come from ancient Greek, in which helios means “Sun,” apo means “far,” and peri means “close.”
At Aphelion, Earth was roughly 94.5 million miles (152.1 million kilometers) away from the Sun, about 3.1 million miles farther than at its closest point (perihelion). Despite being at its farthest point from the Sun, the entire planet actually receives about 7% less intense sunlight, though the distance does not dictate the seasons. Summer in the Northern Hemisphere is caused by the planet’s 23.5-degree axial tilt, which points the northern half of the globe towards the Sun for longer, warmer days. (Old Farmer’s Almanac)
Earth-orbiting satellites have just detected a M5.3 class solar flare at 05-Jul-2026 at 17:57:00 UTC: 07/05/2026. The strong solar flare was in progress at 17:51 UTC and reached Maximum 6 minutes later.
Full details will be forthcoming on Spaceweather.com.
Realtime Space Weather Photo Gallery
SPACEWEATHER.COM NEWS: 07/05/2026
SOMETHING FLARE-Y THIS WAY COMES: A new and active sunspot is emerging over the sun’s eastern limb. It announced itself on July 4th with an X1.3-class solar flare:
Aurora, Taken by Dave N. on July 3, 2026 @ Santa Fe County, New Mexico
SPACEWEATHER.COM NEWS: 07/04/2026
STRONG GEOMAGNETIC STORM–NOW! A strong G3-class geomagnetic storm is underway as Earth passes through the wake of a CME that struck on July 3rd. Observers in more than 30 US states are reporting auroras–some mixed with 4th of July fireworks.
This iPhone photo taken by Dave. N of Santa Fe County, New Mexico, shows auroras as far south as latitude +36N:
Sandy and Luna, 07/03/2026 – Jackie and Shadow’s nest with a view of the rising Sun and the Big Bear Valley Solar Observatory
The Eagles favorite view looks toward the East where the Sun rises. Sandy and Luna may have fledged 2 weeks earlier than sisters Sunny and Gizmo in the last brood. Sandy was accidentally knocked off her perch by little brother Luna. Then Luna had to spend the night alone and fledged the next day.
The timing may have been turned to the highest good. They both made their way back home where they can use the safety of the nest as their base of operations. Eating fish on a branch is a little tricky. They only have to call on Jackie for home delivery.
They have the best accommodations (with room service). They know they can fly and make their way back, so they are free to come and go.
SPACEWEATHER.COM NEWS: 07/04/2026
GEOMAGNETIC STORM UNDERWAY: A G2-class (Moderate) geomagnetic storm is underway as Earth passes through the wake of a CME that struck on July 3rd. There is a chance that the storm could escalate to category G3 (Strong). If that happens, auroras would be come visible in rural areas at mid-latitudes.
