Author: sitemill

  • Solar Watch — July 04, 2026 | 06:00 UTC

    Solar Flare Activity — Last 12 Hours
    Peak: M-class @ 18:11 UTC (9h 49min ago)
      M @ 23:58 UTC  ·  M @ 00:29 UTC  ·  M @ 01:06 UTC  ·  M @ 01:57 UTC  ·  M @ 03:28 UTC

    ☀ HELIOS SOLAR WATCH · 2026-07-04 04:00 UTC
    Geomagnetic activity spikes to G2; persistent M-class flare activity
    SOLAR: UNSETTLED
    GEO: ACTIVE

    Active Regions
    4
    X-Ray
    M1–M4

    Geomagnetic activity has reached G2 (Kp 6) levels, driven by recent solar disturbances. Multiple active regions are currently producing frequent M-class flares, sustaining an R1 radio blackout environment.

    HMI Continuum Intensity

    HMI Continuum · Visible Light

    SUVI 304 — Extreme UV

    SUVI 304Å · Extreme Ultraviolet

    R1
    Radio Blackouts
    24h max: R0

    S0
    Solar Radiation
    24h max: S0

    G0
    Geomagnetic Storm
    24h max: G1

    Planetary Kp-Index
    6.0
    0–9 scale · ≥5 = geomagnetic storm

    F10.7 Solar Flux
    132.0
    sfu · >150 = high activity

    The geomagnetic field is significantly disturbed with a Kp-index of 6.0, indicating a G2-level storm in progress. Solar activity is high, with 33 active regions identified and five M-class flares recorded in the last 12 hours. The F10.7 flux remains at a moderate 132 sfu, reflecting the high complexity of the current solar disk.

    Key Metric

    The Kp-index of 6.0 is the critical metric, confirming a G2 geomagnetic storm that may induce minor power grid fluctuations and affect satellite tracking for low-earth orbit assets.

    Geomagnetic conditions are expected to gradually subside from G2 to unsettled levels (Kp 4) over the next 12 hours. Persistent M-class flare activity remains likely given the complex magnetic configurations of AR4478, AR4479, and AR4480.

    🌌 Aurora Outlook

    Auroral displays are currently possible at mid-latitudes, including northern regions of the United States and Central Europe, as the G2 storm persists. Observers should look toward the northern horizon, though visibility will likely decrease as the storm wanes over the next 6-12 hours.

    Region Location Class Flares C/M/X
    AR4481 N14E62 Hsx/A 0/0/0
    AR4479 N17W66 Fkc/BGD 6/1/0
    AR4480 S18W70 Eai/BG 1/2/0
    AR4478 S06W46 Fko/BG 2/2/0
    2026-07-04 02:56:46.667Space Weather Message Code: ALTK06
    2026-07-04 02:56:21.950Space Weather Message Code: WARK04
    2026-07-04 02:55:48.280Space Weather Message Code: WARK05
    2026-07-04 02:54:56.360Space Weather Message Code: WARK06
    2026-07-04 02:28:14.883Space Weather Message Code: WARK06

    Monitor the M-class flare rate for potential escalation to X-class intensity, which would significantly increase the risk of R3+ radio blackouts.