Sun Fires Off Two Massive Solar Flares This Week, But Mostly Missing Earth

Published 04/25/26 at 7:55 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Portland, Oregon) - Two intense solar flares erupted from the Sun late Friday and early Saturday, events strong enough that forecasters say northern-tier states may catch a glimpse of the aurora.

Northern Washington may get a taste in coming days, but not Oregon.

According to NASA, the first flare peaked at 9:07 p.m. ET on April 23, followed by a second flare at 4:13 a.m. ET on April 24. Both were captured by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, which continuously monitors solar activity.

The eruptions were classified as X2.4 and X2.5 flares - part of the strongest category of solar flares. X-class flares represent the most powerful bursts the Sun produces, with the accompanying number indicating relative intensity.

NASA released some interesting images of the events:

NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captured these images of solar flares — seen as the bright flashes in the top right — on April 23 and 24, 2026. The images show a subset of extreme ultraviolet light that highlights the extremely hot material in flares and which is colorized in gold and blue on the immediately above and teal at the very top photo.

“Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy. Flares and solar eruptions can impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts,” NASA said.

NASA and NOAA track such events closely to assess potential impacts on Earth.

The Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) said there could be a show of northern lights in northern Washington, but nothing south of that area.

“Aurora may be visible at high latitudes, i.e., northern tier of the U.S. such as northern Michigan and Maine,” said the SWPC.

The agency sent out a G1 alert: Apr 25: G1 (Minor) Apr 26: G1 (Minor) Apr 27: None (Below G1).

See Washington Coast Weather - See Oregon Coast Weather -- See weather for Inland Oregon

NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center provides official forecasts, watches, and alerts for geomagnetic activity, while NASA continues to supply research and real-time observations through its fleet of solar-monitoring spacecraft.

In the meantime, satellites above Oregon, Washington and their coastlines are doing fascinating things at times. Now Begins the 'Season of Satellites' Above Oregon, Washington: Summer's Surreal Show - Not even counting meteors, these can create wild colors and streaks

This Weekend's Aurora Displayed Some Rarities Mostly to Central Oregon Coast - What could be light pillars, the STEVE effect and a rare red glow

Oregon Coast Hotels for this event - South Coast Hotels - Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours

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