Solar Watch — April 29, 2026 | 18:00 UTC

☀ HELIOS SOLAR WATCH · 2026-04-29 16:00 UTC
Quiet Solar Conditions Observed; Unsettled Geomagnetic Activity Expected Shortly
SOLAR: MODERATE
GEO: QUIET

Active Regions
5
X-Ray
A/B (quiet)

Solar activity remains in a baseline quiet state, though geomagnetic conditions are expected to rise to unsettled levels by the start of the next cycle. Current flare production is limited to minor C-class events from existing active regions.

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: G0

Planetary Kp-Index
1.7
0–9 scale · ≥5 = geomagnetic storm

F10.7 Solar Flux
107.0
sfu · >150 = high activity

The sun is currently quiet with F10.7 solar flux at 107 sfu, indicating moderate but steady activity levels. Five active regions are present on the disk, with AR4420 and AR4425 showing the most complexity, though they remain relatively stable. The current Kp index of 1.7 reflects a tranquil magnetosphere with no significant space weather disturbances to satellite operations or communication networks.

Key Metric

The predicted Kp-index rise to 4.0 is the most important metric, as it indicates a shift from quiet conditions toward an unsettled geomagnetic state.

Expect a gradual increase in geomagnetic activity over the next 24 hours, with the Kp index predicted to reach 4.0 by the turn of the new day. Solar flare production will likely persist with intermittent C-class activity, while the probability of significant M-class flares remains at a moderate 55%.

🌌 Aurora Outlook

Aurora visibility is currently low and restricted to high-latitude regions. As the Kp index climbs toward 4.0 in the coming hours, observers in northern latitudes may experience brief, localized auroral displays, but mid-latitude visibility remains unlikely.

Region Location Class Flares C/M/X
AR4424 N17W22 Eao/B 0/0/0
AR4428 S24W00 Cai/B 1/0/0
AR4420 N16W56 Fkc/BGD 4/0/0
AR4425 N05E10 Ekc/B 3/0/0
AR4427 S30E13 Axx/A 0/0/0
2026-04-27 01:06:25.970Space Weather Message Code: ALTTP2
2026-04-26 23:33:07.687Space Weather Message Code: WARK04
2026-04-26 23:17:50.840Space Weather Message Code: SUMXM5
2026-04-26 23:08:38.813Space Weather Message Code: SUM10R
2026-04-26 23:00:55.950Space Weather Message Code: ALTXMF

Monitor the magnetic complexity of active region AR4425, as its current classification suggests a potential for flare escalation in the next 12 to 24 hours.