Solar Watch — September 18, 2026 | 06:00 UTC

☀ Helios Solar Watch · 2026-09-18 04:00 UTC
QUIET

Current solar conditions are quiet, with the planetary K-index holding at low levels following a period of minor geomagnetic unrest. No significant solar flares or space weather disturbances are currently impacting Earth.

HMI Continuum Intensity

Visible light · 1 active region

SUVI 304 — Extreme UV

Extreme UV · 304 Å

Kp Index
1.7
5 or above = storm

Geomagnetic
G0
24 h max: G0

X-Ray
A/B
quiet


⚠ Kp 4 expected · 4 more below
Next 24 h

Geomagnetic conditions are expected to remain quiet over the next 24 hours, with Kp levels forecast to peak near 2.67.

more

Solar flare activity will likely remain dominated by frequent C-class events, with only a 30% probability of M-class activity.

🌌 Aurora

Aurora visibility is not expected for mid-latitudes, as geomagnetic activity is insufficient to push the auroral oval south of polar regions.

more

Observers at very high latitudes may see minor, localized auroral activity.

👁 Watch for

Monitor the development of the 25 active solar regions, as any unexpected magnetic complexity could rapidly increase the current 30% probability of M-class flares.

▸ Detailed readings

Radio blackout
 R0
(24 h max R0)
Radiation
 S0
(24 h max S0)
F10.7
 94.0
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