Latest Helios Report

  • Solar Watch — August 20, 2026 | 18:00 UTC

    ☀ Helios Solar Watch · 2026-08-20 16:00 UTC
    QUIET

    Solar activity is currently characterized by moderate flare production from AR4513, while geomagnetic conditions remain largely unsettled. The planetary K-index is trending upward, reaching 3.3, but has not yet reached storm levels.

    ⚡ Flare activity — last 12 h
    Peak: M @ 11:42 UTC (4h 18min ago) · M @ 07:54 UTC · M @ 11:34 UTC · M @ 12:05 UTC
    HMI Continuum Intensity

    Visible light · 4 active regions

    SUVI 304 — Extreme UV

    Extreme UV · 304 Å

    Kp Index
    3.3
    5 or above = storm

    Geomagnetic
    G0
    24 h max: G0

    X-Ray
    A/B
    quiet


    ⚠ X-ray flare M5 summary · 4 more below
    Next 24 h

    Geomagnetic activity is expected to climb, reaching Kp 4 (unsettled) by the start of August 21st.

    more

    The probability of further M-class flares remains at 55%, suggesting potential for brief, minor radio interference on the sunlit side of Earth.

    🌌 Aurora

    Aurora visibility is not currently expected at mid-latitudes.

    more

    Observers in high-latitude regions (above 60°N) may experience minor activity, but clear conditions at these latitudes are the most critical factor for viewing.

    👁 Watch for

    Monitor GOES X-ray flux for any further M-class flare signatures originating from AR4513, which could signal more significant solar disturbances.

    ▸ Detailed readings

    Radio blackout
     R0
    (24 h max R0)
    Radiation
     S0
    (24 h max S0)
    F10.7
     107.0
    sfu

    Region Location Class Flares C/M/X
    AR4514 S10W56 Cro/B 0/0/0
    AR4507 N04W82 Ehi/BGD 3/0/0
    AR4508 N09W50 Cao/B 0/0/0
    AR4513 N04E59 Dao/B 4/1/0
    NOAA messages
    2026-08-20 12:12  X-ray flare M5 summary (SUMXM5)
    2026-08-20 11:58  ALTTP2 (ALTTP2)
    2026-08-20 11:39  X-ray flare MF reached (ALTXMF)
    2026-08-19 17:57  Kp 4 expected (WARK04)
    2026-08-19 05:45  Kp 5 (G1) reached (ALTK05)


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