National Solar Observatory

🔎☀️ Close-up view of a solar active region observed in hydrogen H-alpha light (656.3 nm) with the Visible Broadband Imager from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, operated by the NSF National Solar Observatory! The elongated dark features, known as fibrils, trace the Sun’s magnetic field lines. Their top-to-bottom orientation reveals how the magnetic field connects regions of opposite magnetic polarity across the solar atmosphere.

This image was created using scientific data processed for general audiences and is not intended for scientific analysis.
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Solar Activity Report: May 11-17, 2026

Solar activity during the reporting period remained mostly at low levels, rising to moderate levels at the end of the week when several low‑intensity M‑class flares were produced. The X‑ray flux generally stayed in the B range, with only a few low‑level C‑class flares until May 13. Activity then increased gradually, with medium‑ to high‑intensity C‑class flares, followed by four M‑class flares on May 16 and 17. The strongest events were two M1.9 flares on May 16. The remaining M‑class flares were an M1.3 on May 16 and an M1.7 on May 17. These events originated from active regions 14435 and 14436, with AR 14436 also producing a C9.7 flare on May 17. No Earth‑directed CMEs were detected during this period.

The latest helioseismic map of the Sun’s far side (second image) shows a large active region that has continued to strengthen since it first appeared. It is expected to rotate onto the East limb late on May 23. This substantial region has also been observed by ESA’s Solar Orbiter and NASA’s Perseverance rover, both of which currently have partial views of the Sun’s far hemisphere. Solar Orbiter has already detected a couple of X‑class flares and nearly a dozen M‑class flares over the past three days. If the region maintains its magnetic structure and continues to intensify, solar activity levels are likely to increase toward the end of the week.

Data by NSF-NOAA GONG, operated by NSF NSO.
Additional Credits: Jain/Oien/NSF/GONG/NSO/AURA with contributions by NOAA.