The Laboratory of Solar Astronomy at the Institute of Cosmic Research (IKI) of the Russian Academy of Sciences reported the strongest solar flare of August 2026 on August 20. The measured score was M1.88 (often rounded to M1.8 in global catalogs). While not an absolute record, the event stood out against the backdrop of a generally calm summer and declining solar activity. The source was active region 4513, which had just become visible from Earth after emerging from the Sun’s far side. Scientists predict the energy in this area should dissipate in 1–2 days, and no X-class flares are expected.
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