Russian scientists say one of 2026's strongest solar activity waves has ended

MOSCOW — The Laboratory of Solar Astronomy, part of the Russian Academy of Sciences, announced that one of the most powerful solar activity waves recorded this year has concluded. According to the laboratory's report, the wave occurred between late June and early July 2026. Researchers attributed the increase during the latest wave to the formation of two large active regions on the sun's surface, designated 4478 and 4479. They said region 4478 was the largest of the year, while 4479 ranked as the second largest of the past decade. Approximately 140 solar flares were recorded during the period, but the wave followed what scientists described as a "calm scenario," with only two top-level X-class flares measured. The laboratory reported that both active centers have moved to the far side of the sun due to its rotation and cannot currently affect Earth. It added that, theoretically, the two regions could return to the Earth-facing side of the sun on July 20-21.