Latest Helios Report

  • Solar Watch — April 26, 2026 | 18:00 UTC

    Solar Flare Activity — Last 12 Hours
    Peak: M-class @ 14:03 UTC (1h 57min ago)
      M @ 14:01 UTC

    ☀ HELIOS SOLAR WATCH · 2026-04-26 16:00 UTC
    Solar Activity Elevated; G1 Geomagnetic Conditions Forecast for Late UTC
    SOLAR: UNSETTLED
    GEO: QUIET

    Active Regions
    7
    X-Ray
    A/B (quiet)

    Solar activity is currently active with two M-class flare producers and a brief period of G1 geomagnetic activity anticipated later today. While current conditions are calm, the solar disc remains complex with nine active regions identified.

    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
    1.7
    0–9 scale · ≥5 = geomagnetic storm

    F10.7 Solar Flux
    111.0
    sfu · >150 = high activity

    Current planetary Kp remains at 1.7, indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions. However, the solar environment is dynamic with two active regions, AR4420 and AR4425, contributing to recent M-class flare activity. Solar radio flux is moderate at 111 sfu, reflecting a steady baseline of solar intensity.

    Key Metric

    The 21:00 UTC Kp forecast of 5 is the primary metric, as it indicates the potential for a G1 geomagnetic storm that could cause minor fluctuations in satellite operations or power grid voltage.

    Geomagnetic activity is expected to increase to Kp 5 (G1) around 21:00 UTC today due to expected solar wind interactions. Conditions will likely stabilize back to Kp 3-4 by early tomorrow morning as the influence passes.

    🌌 Aurora Outlook

    Minor aurora displays may be possible at high latitudes during the peak at 21:00 UTC. Observers in mid-latitudes are unlikely to see significant activity, though sensitive cameras at high-latitude sites should remain alert during the G1 window.

    Region Location Class Flares C/M/X
    AR4423 S06E04 Dso/B 0/0/0
    AR4425 N05E51 Esc/BG 2/1/0
    AR4424 N17E19 Dsi/B 1/0/0
    AR4420 N16W16 Fkc/BGD 3/1/0
    AR4426 N12W52 Axx/A 0/0/0
    AR4427 S30E53 Axx/A 0/0/0
    AR4421 S12W03 Hsx/A 0/0/0
    2026-04-26 11:47:56.280Space Weather Message Code: WARK04
    2026-04-26 06:01:29.970Space Weather Message Code: WARK04
    2026-04-26 05:59:50.883Space Weather Message Code: ALTK04
    2026-04-25 01:37:16.980Space Weather Message Code: WARK04
    2026-04-24 23:50:43.280Space Weather Message Code: WATA20

    Watch for any additional M-class flares from AR4420 or AR4425, which could alter the expected intensity of the upcoming geomagnetic disturbance.