Solar Watch — July 18, 2026 | 18:00 UTC

☀ HELIOS SOLAR WATCH · 2026-07-18 16:00 UTC
Quiet solar conditions persist with stable geomagnetic activity
SOLAR: MODERATE
GEO: QUIET

Active Regions
2
X-Ray
A/B (quiet)

Solar activity remains at low levels with the planetary K-index holding steady at Kp 1-2. No significant geomagnetic disturbances are expected, maintaining a quiet environment for satellite and radio operations.

HMI Continuum Intensity

HMI Continuum · Visible Light

SUVI 304 — Extreme UV

SUVI 304Å · Extreme Ultraviolet

R0
Radio Blackouts
24h max: R0

S0
Solar Radiation
24h max: S0

G0
Geomagnetic Storm
24h max: G0

Planetary Kp-Index
1.3
0–9 scale · ≥5 = geomagnetic storm

F10.7 Solar Flux
136.0
sfu · >150 = high activity

The solar disk currently features three active regions, though X-ray flux remains firmly in the background levels with only a single minor C-class flare observed in the last 12 hours. With an F10.7 flux of 136 sfu, the solar output is moderate but stable. The magnetosphere is undisturbed, reflecting the lack of significant solar wind drivers.

Key Metric

The current Kp-index of 1.3 is the primary indicator that the geomagnetic environment is stable and free from storm-level activity.

Geomagnetic conditions are expected to remain quiet with Kp indices between 1 and 2 for the next 24 hours. While an 80% probability for C-class flares remains due to active region complexity, the lack of eruptive potential suggests no impact on Earth’s near-space environment.

🌌 Aurora Outlook

Aurora activity is currently restricted to high-latitude polar regions and is unlikely to be visible at mid-latitudes. Observers in northern regions should expect only faint or quiet auroral displays, if any.

Region Location Class Flares C/M/X
AR4489 S07W01 Hax/A 1/0/0
AR4491 S11E36 Hrx/A 0/0/0
2026-07-18 15:26:56.300Space Weather Message Code: ALTEF3
2026-07-17 18:22:33.660Space Weather Message Code: ALTEF3
2026-07-15 08:53:19.650Space Weather Message Code: WARK04
2026-07-15 05:58:03.170Space Weather Message Code: ALTK04
2026-07-15 05:54:15.747Space Weather Message Code: WARK04

Monitor the evolution of active region AR4491 as it rotates further into view; its magnetic configuration currently supports a minor 15% probability for M-class flare activity.