Latest Helios Report

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

    ☀ HELIOS SOLAR WATCH · 2026-05-18 16:00 UTC
    Solar activity remains low; geomagnetic disturbance expected to subside
    SOLAR: QUIET
    GEO: QUIET

    Active Regions
    6
    X-Ray
    A/B (quiet)

    Current solar activity remains quiet with no significant flare events observed. A minor geomagnetic disturbance is currently passing through the planetary field, which will likely settle over the coming 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: G1

    Planetary Kp-Index
    2.7
    0–9 scale · ≥5 = geomagnetic storm

    F10.7 Solar Flux
    112.0
    sfu · >150 = high activity

    The Sun is currently in a stable state with six active regions visible, none of which are showing complex magnetic configurations. X-ray flux is at low background levels, and the F10.7 radio flux of 112 sfu indicates moderate solar activity, consistent with the current cycle. Current geomagnetic conditions are at Kp 2.7, indicating a minor, non-storming departure from equilibrium.

    Key Metric

    The current Kp-index of 2.7 is the most important metric, as it indicates a return to quiet conditions following a period of minor, transient instability.

    Geomagnetic activity is expected to oscillate between Kp 3 and Kp 4 through the next 24 hours as the remaining effects of the minor disturbance dissipate. No significant solar radiation or radio blackout events are expected, as flare probabilities for M and X-class events remain very low.

    🌌 Aurora Outlook

    Aurora activity will be limited to high latitudes, typically above 60 degrees. Mid-latitude observers are unlikely to see significant displays given the forecasted Kp levels and the lack of strong solar wind drivers.

    Region Location Class Flares C/M/X
    AR4436 N19W52 Hsx/A 0/0/0
    AR4440 N17E42 Hax/A 0/0/0
    AR4442 S15E28 Bxo/B 0/0/0
    AR4441 N09W01 Dao/B 0/0/0
    AR4439 N07E42 Dao/B 0/0/0
    AR4443 S14E47 Axx/A 0/0/0
    2026-05-18 05:00:25.433Space Weather Message Code: ALTEF3
    2026-05-17 21:16:07.547Space Weather Message Code: SUM10R
    2026-05-17 16:12:50.913Space Weather Message Code: WATA20
    2026-05-17 08:40:01.130Space Weather Message Code: WARK04
    2026-05-17 08:16:10.487Space Weather Message Code: ALTEF3

    Watch for the settling of the Kp-index toward 2.0-3.0 in the next 12 hours as the current geomagnetic disturbance rotates out of range.