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.