Solar Watch — October 21, 2026 | 06:00 UTC

☀ Helios Solar Watch · 2026-10-21 04:00 UTC
QUIET

Geomagnetic activity is currently elevated with a Kp-index of 3.7, trending toward minor G1-level disturbance in the next few hours. While solar flare activity remains low, the increasing planetary K-index indicates a period of unsettled space weather.

HMI Continuum Intensity

Visible light · 3 active regions

SUVI 304 — Extreme UV

Extreme UV · 304 Å

Kp Index
3.7
5 or above = storm

Geomagnetic
G0
24 h max: G1

X-Ray
A/B
quiet


⚠ Kp 4 expected · 4 more below
Next 24 h

Geomagnetic conditions are expected to peak at G1 (minor) storm levels around 06:00 UTC before subsiding to quiet levels by the afternoon.

more

Flare activity remains largely limited to minor C-class events, with a low probability of significant M-class eruptions.

🌌 Aurora

At a Kp of 4 to 5, aurora displays may be possible for high-latitude observers in northern regions of Canada and Scandinavia.

more

Mid-latitude observers are unlikely to see significant activity, but should keep an eye on the horizon during the 06:00 UTC peak if skies are dark and clear.

👁 Watch for

Monitor the geomagnetic index for any sustained rise beyond Kp 5, which would indicate a confirmed G1-level minor storm requiring minor corrections for satellite operations.

▸ Detailed readings

Radio blackout
 R0
(24 h max R0)
Radiation
 S0
(24 h max S0)
F10.7
 115.0
sfu

Region Location Class Flares C/M/X
AR4551 S15W71 Eko/BG 1/0/0
AR4557 N07W41 Dsi/BG 7/0/0
AR4560 N13W14 Dai/BG 0/0/0
NOAA messages
2026-10-21 02:05  Kp 4 expected (WARK04)
2026-10-20 19:12  Kp 20 possible (WATA20)
2026-10-19 09:09  SUM10R (SUM10R)
2026-10-16 19:39  Kp 4 reached (ALTK04)
2026-10-16 14:19  Electron flux F3 reached (ALTEF3)


Helios Observer · Data: NOAA SWPC · updated every 12 h