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

☀ Helios Solar Watch · 2026-08-21 04:00 UTC
QUIET

Solar activity remains at moderate levels with four active regions currently on the visible disk. While geomagnetic conditions are largely quiet, the potential for further M-class flaring persists from AR4513.

⚡ Flare activity — last 12 h
Peak: M @ 16:11 UTC (11h 49min ago) · M @ 16:02 UTC
HMI Continuum Intensity

Visible light · 4 active regions

SUVI 304 — Extreme UV

Extreme UV · 304 Å

Kp Index
3.3
5 or above = storm

Geomagnetic
G0
24 h max: G0

X-Ray
A/B
quiet


⚠ ALTTP2 · 4 more below
Next 24 h

Geomagnetic conditions are expected to subside from current unsettled levels to quiet by the 09:00 UTC period.

more

While further C-class flares are likely, the 55% probability of additional M-class events suggests that satellite operators should remain attentive to intermittent X-ray flux increases.

🌌 Aurora

Aurora visibility is not expected at mid-latitudes (40-60°N) over the next 24 hours.

more

The current Kp index is insufficient to push the auroral oval south of its standard high-latitude boundaries.

👁 Watch for

Monitor the magnetic complexity of AR4513 as it rotates further across the disk, as its recent flare history suggests a continued potential for mid-level impulsive activity.

▸ Detailed readings

Radio blackout
 R0
(24 h max R0)
Radiation
 S0
(24 h max S0)
F10.7
 111.0
sfu

Region Location Class Flares C/M/X
AR4514 S10W56 Cro/B 0/0/0
AR4508 N09W50 Hrx/A 0/0/0
AR4507 N04W82 Ehi/BG 4/0/0
AR4513 N04E69 Dac/B 6/3/0
NOAA messages
2026-08-20 20:49  ALTTP2 (ALTTP2)
2026-08-20 12:12  X-ray flare M5 summary (SUMXM5)
2026-08-20 11:39  X-ray flare MF reached (ALTXMF)
2026-08-19 17:57  Kp 4 expected (WARK04)
2026-08-19 05:45  Kp 5 (G1) reached (ALTK05)


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