Solar Watch — July 23, 2026 | 18:00 UTC

☀ HELIOS SOLAR WATCH · 2026-07-23 19:49 UTC
Geomagnetic activity elevated to G2 levels; G1 storm conditions persisting
SOLAR: MODERATE
GEO: ACTIVE

Active Regions
4
X-Ray
A/B (quiet)

Earth is currently experiencing a G2 geomagnetic storm, with Kp levels reaching 5.3. This activity is a result of recent solar wind interactions and is expected to persist at G1 levels through the next 24 hours.

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: G2

Planetary Kp-Index
5.3
0–9 scale · ≥5 = geomagnetic storm

F10.7 Solar Flux
128.0
sfu · >150 = high activity

The planetary K-index has climbed to 5.3 following a period of relative calm, indicating moderate geomagnetic instability. While X-ray flux remains quiet, with only minor C-class flare activity, the F10.7 solar flux of 128 sfu reflects a moderate and healthy level of solar cycle activity. No major radiation storms are currently affecting satellite operations or polar aviation.

Key Metric

The Kp index of 5.3 is the primary indicator, as it confirms that the geomagnetic field is actively responding to solar wind inputs, necessitating awareness for power grid and satellite monitoring.

Geomagnetic activity is expected to gradually subside, remaining at G1 (minor) storm levels for the next 24 hours. Fluctuations between Kp 4 and 5 are likely as the current solar wind influence wanes.

🌌 Aurora Outlook

Aurora visibility is currently elevated for high latitudes and potentially visible at mid-latitudes (northern US, Scandinavia, Canada). Observers in these regions should look for low-horizon displays in the coming hours as the storm persists.

Region Location Class Flares C/M/X
AR4493 N06W32 Eki/BGD 6/0/0
AR4492 N16E20 Hhx/A 0/0/0
AR4489 S07W67 Hsx/A 0/0/0
AR4494 S04E41 Cao/B 1/0/0
2026-07-23 16:40:47.233Space Weather Message Code: WARK06
2026-07-23 16:21:57.240Space Weather Message Code: ALTK05
2026-07-23 16:20:07.837Space Weather Message Code: WARK05
2026-07-23 15:59:32.603Space Weather Message Code: ALTK04
2026-07-23 14:35:42.900Space Weather Message Code: WARK04

Monitor for any sudden flare activity from AR4493, which remains the most magnetically complex region currently visible on the solar disk.