Latest Helios Report

  • Solar Watch — September 17, 2026 | 18:00 UTC

    ☀ Helios Solar Watch · 2026-09-17 16:00 UTC
    QUIET

    Solar activity is currently in an unsettled state with a Kp-index of 3.0. The magnetic environment is showing signs of increased interaction, with a minor geomagnetic disturbance expected later today.

    HMI Continuum Intensity

    Visible light · 1 active region

    SUVI 304 — Extreme UV

    Extreme UV · 304 Å

    Kp Index
    3.0
    5 or above = storm

    Geomagnetic
    G0
    24 h max: G1

    X-Ray
    A/B
    quiet


    ⚠ Kp 4 expected · 4 more below
    Next 24 h

    Geomagnetic activity is expected to peak at Kp 4.67 around 21:00 UTC today, potentially reaching G1 minor storm levels briefly. Following this peak, conditions will likely subside back to unsettled levels by the early hours of September 18.

    🌌 Aurora

    At a Kp of 4.67, auroral activity will be largely confined to high-latitude regions.

    more

    Observers at mid-latitudes are unlikely to see significant displays, though clear dark skies at high latitudes may offer faint viewing opportunities.

    👁 Watch for

    Monitor for any unexpected flare activity from the four active regions, as a sudden surge in X-ray flux could escalate current geomagnetic conditions beyond the present forecast.

    ▸ Detailed readings

    Radio blackout
     R0
    (24 h max R0)
    Radiation
     S0
    (24 h max S0)
    F10.7
     97.0
    sfu

    Region Location Class Flares C/M/X
    AR4528 S11W83 Hsx/A 0/0/0
    NOAA messages
    2026-09-16 05:38  Kp 4 expected (WARK04)
    2026-09-16 00:34  Kp 4 reached (ALTK04)
    2026-09-15 18:56  Kp 5 (G1) expected (WARK05)
    2026-09-15 17:37  Kp 20 possible (WATA20)
    2026-09-14 11:03  Electron flux F3 reached (ALTEF3)


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