Latest Helios Report

  • Solar Watch — May 16, 2026 | 06:00 UTC

    ☀ HELIOS SOLAR WATCH · 2026-05-16 04:00 UTC
    Geomagnetic storming continues as Earth navigates elevated solar wind conditions
    SOLAR: MODERATE
    GEO: ACTIVE

    Active Regions
    3
    X-Ray
    A/B (quiet)

    Earth is currently experiencing a G2-level geomagnetic disturbance, driven by sustained solar wind interaction. While the storm is showing signs of subsiding, geomagnetic activity remains elevated.

    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
    5.7
    0–9 scale · ≥5 = geomagnetic storm

    F10.7 Solar Flux
    118.0
    sfu · >150 = high activity

    The planetary K-index sits at 5.7, indicating a G2-level storm. Solar flare activity remains low, with only minor C-class flares recorded across the disk. The F10.7 solar radio flux is at 118.0 sfu, reflecting moderate background solar activity.

    Key Metric

    The Kp index of 5.7 indicates a G2 storm, which serves as a reminder for satellite operators to monitor for increased drag and for grid managers to track potential voltage irregularities.

    Geomagnetic activity is expected to trend downward, returning to unsettled levels by the 09:00 UTC window. We anticipate a return to quiet conditions as the solar wind speed continues to stabilize over the next 24 hours.

    🌌 Aurora Outlook

    Auroral displays are currently possible at high latitudes and potentially down to mid-latitudes, though the probability of visibility will decrease significantly as the Kp index falls toward 4.0 throughout the day.

    Region Location Class Flares C/M/X
    AR4438 N20W57 Dao/B 1/0/0
    AR4435 N22W81 Dao/B 4/0/0
    AR4436 N19W13 Cao/B 1/0/0
    2026-05-15 23:56:11.853Space Weather Message Code: WARK05
    2026-05-15 22:15:47.990Space Weather Message Code: ALTK06
    2026-05-15 22:02:47.750Space Weather Message Code: WARK06
    2026-05-15 17:18:07.790Space Weather Message Code: ALTTP2
    2026-05-15 16:07:15.047Space Weather Message Code: ALTK05

    Monitor the Kp index for a sustained drop below 4.0, which will signal the end of the current geomagnetic disturbance.