Author: sitemill

  • Solar Watch — May 22, 2026 | 18:00 UTC

    Solar Flare Activity — Last 12 Hours
    Peak: M-class @ 10:29 UTC (5h 31min ago)
      M @ 10:16 UTC  ·  M @ 10:47 UTC

    ☀ HELIOS SOLAR WATCH · 2026-05-22 16:00 UTC
    Quiet geomagnetic conditions despite elevated flare probabilities
    SOLAR: QUIET
    GEO: QUIET

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

    Geomagnetic conditions remain quiet with a Kp-index of 0.7, indicating a stable magnetosphere. While the sun is geomagnetically calm, there is notable underlying flare activity from recent 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: G0

    Planetary Kp-Index
    0.7
    0–9 scale · ≥5 = geomagnetic storm

    F10.7 Solar Flux
    99.0
    sfu · >150 = high activity

    The planetary K-index is currently at 0.7, reflecting a tranquil environment for satellite operators and power grids. Despite the lack of current geomagnetic storms, solar activity is brewing; multiple active regions remain, and we have observed two M-class solar flares within the last 12 hours. The F10.7 solar radio flux is holding steady at 99.0 sfu, sitting right at the threshold of low-to-moderate activity.

    Key Metric

    The 75% probability for M-class flares is the primary metric to monitor, as it suggests the potential for future short-term radio blackouts despite the current quiet status.

    We anticipate quiet to unsettled conditions over the next 24 hours, with Kp levels expected to peak near 2.67. Geomagnetic stability should persist, though the 75% probability of M-class flares suggests that further impulsive X-ray bursts are likely.

    🌌 Aurora Outlook

    Aurora visibility for mid-latitudes (40-60°N) is currently unlikely. Observers at very high northern latitudes may see minor activity if minor solar wind enhancements arrive, but no significant displays are forecast.

    Region Location Class Flares C/M/X
    AR4441 N08W58 Eai/BG 0/0/0
    AR4443 S16W05 Dao/B 0/0/0
    AR4439 N06W17 Cro/B 0/0/0
    AR4444 S20E53 Hsx/A 0/0/0
    2026-05-22 05:07:16.083Space Weather Message Code: ALTEF3
    2026-05-21 05:09:08.390Space Weather Message Code: ALTEF3
    2026-05-20 10:06:55.493Space Weather Message Code: ALTEF3
    2026-05-19 23:56:50.663Space Weather Message Code: WARK04
    2026-05-19 20:57:51.727Space Weather Message Code: WARK04

    Watch for any sudden X-ray flux increases in the GOES data, which would indicate an M-class flare event and potential high-frequency radio signal degradation on the sunlit side of Earth.