Solar Watch — September 17, 2026 | 18:00 UTC

☀ Helios Solar Watch · 2026-09-17 16:00 UTC
QUIET

Solar activity is currently in an unsettled state with a Kp-index of 3.0. The magnetic environment is showing signs of increased interaction, with a minor geomagnetic disturbance expected later today.

HMI Continuum Intensity

Visible light · 1 active region

SUVI 304 — Extreme UV

Extreme UV · 304 Å

Kp Index
3.0
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 activity is expected to peak at Kp 4.67 around 21:00 UTC today, potentially reaching G1 minor storm levels briefly. Following this peak, conditions will likely subside back to unsettled levels by the early hours of September 18.

🌌 Aurora

At a Kp of 4.67, auroral activity will be largely confined to high-latitude regions.

more

Observers at mid-latitudes are unlikely to see significant displays, though clear dark skies at high latitudes may offer faint viewing opportunities.

👁 Watch for

Monitor for any unexpected flare activity from the four active regions, as a sudden surge in X-ray flux could escalate current geomagnetic conditions beyond the present forecast.

▸ Detailed readings

Radio blackout
 R0
(24 h max R0)
Radiation
 S0
(24 h max S0)
F10.7
 97.0
sfu

Region Location Class Flares C/M/X
AR4528 S11W83 Hsx/A 0/0/0
NOAA messages
2026-09-16 05:38  Kp 4 expected (WARK04)
2026-09-16 00:34  Kp 4 reached (ALTK04)
2026-09-15 18:56  Kp 5 (G1) expected (WARK05)
2026-09-15 17:37  Kp 20 possible (WATA20)
2026-09-14 11:03  Electron flux F3 reached (ALTEF3)


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