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  • Solar Watch — August 18, 2026 | 06:00 UTC

    ☀ Helios Solar Watch · 2026-08-18 04:00 UTC
    UNSETTLED

    Geomagnetic conditions are currently unsettled with a Kp index of 4.0, following a steady increase over the last 24 hours. While solar activity remains moderate, current models suggest a brief reach into G1 storm thresholds later today.

    HMI Continuum Intensity

    Visible light · 4 active regions

    SUVI 304 — Extreme UV

    Extreme UV · 304 Å

    Kp Index
    4.0
    5 or above = storm

    Geomagnetic
    G0
    24 h max: G1

    X-Ray
    A/B
    quiet


    ⚠ Kp 4 expected · 4 more below
    Next 24 h

    Conditions are expected to dip briefly before rising again, with a forecasted peak of Kp 4.67 (G1 level) expected around 09:00 UTC.

    more

    The remainder of the day will likely see a return to quiet-to-unsettled levels as the current geomagnetic impulse passes.

    🌌 Aurora

    Aurora visibility is generally restricted to high latitudes.

    more

    Observers in northern Canada and Scandinavia may catch minor displays during the 09:00 UTC window; however, mid-latitude visibility (40-60°N) remains unlikely.

    👁 Watch for

    Monitor the 09:00 UTC peak for any sustained increase in magnetic activity that could push beyond the G1 forecast.

    ▸ Detailed readings

    Radio blackout
     R0
    (24 h max R0)
    Radiation
     S0
    (24 h max S0)
    F10.7
     115.0
    sfu

    Region Location Class Flares C/M/X
    AR4508 N08W09 Cao/B 0/0/0
    AR4507 N04W41 Eki/BG 3/0/0
    AR4510 N12W68 Cai/B 6/0/0
    AR4506 N12W58 Dao/B 0/0/0
    NOAA messages
    2026-08-18 02:27  Kp 4 expected (WARK04)
    2026-08-18 02:27  Kp 5 (G1) expected (WARK05)
    2026-08-17 22:46  Kp 20 possible (WATA20)
    2026-08-17 21:05  Kp 4 reached (ALTK04)
    2026-08-17 17:19  ALTTP2 (ALTTP2)


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