Solar Watch — August 18, 2026 | 18:00 UTC

☀ Helios Solar Watch · 2026-08-18 16:00 UTC
QUIET

Geomagnetic conditions have returned to quiet levels following a brief period of G1 storm activity earlier today. Solar activity remains moderate with no significant energetic events expected in the near term.

HMI Continuum Intensity

Visible light · 4 active regions

SUVI 304 — Extreme UV

Extreme UV · 304 Å

Kp Index
2.3
5 or above = storm

Geomagnetic
G0
24 h max: G0

X-Ray
A/B
quiet


⚠ Kp 4 expected · 4 more below
Next 24 h

Geomagnetic activity is expected to rise slightly, reaching Kp 3.67 by late this evening as the effects of the solar wind persist.

more

No significant radio blackouts are anticipated, and the solar environment is expected to remain stable throughout the next 24 hours.

🌌 Aurora

Aurora visibility for mid-latitudes (40-60°N) is unlikely at current levels.

more

Observers at very high latitudes may see faint activity as Kp values trend toward unsettled levels tonight, but no major displays are expected.

👁 Watch for

Monitor the magnetic evolution of AR4507 and AR4506, as these regions remain the primary sources of potential C-class flare activity over the next 12-24 hours.

▸ Detailed readings

Radio blackout
 R0
(24 h max R0)
Radiation
 S0
(24 h max S0)
F10.7
 115.0
sfu

Region Location Class Flares C/M/X
AR4510 N12W81 Dai/B 0/0/0
AR4507 N04W55 Ekc/BGD 1/0/0
AR4508 N08W23 Cao/B 0/0/0
AR4506 N12W72 Dao/BG 1/0/0
NOAA messages
2026-08-18 14:31  Kp 4 expected (WARK04)
2026-08-18 05:06  Kp 5 (G1) reached (ALTK05)
2026-08-18 02:27  Kp 5 (G1) expected (WARK05)
2026-08-17 22:46  Kp 20 possible (WATA20)
2026-08-17 21:05  Kp 4 reached (ALTK04)


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