Solar Watch — August 20, 2026 | 18:00 UTC

☀ Helios Solar Watch · 2026-08-20 16:00 UTC
QUIET

Solar activity is currently characterized by moderate flare production from AR4513, while geomagnetic conditions remain largely unsettled. The planetary K-index is trending upward, reaching 3.3, but has not yet reached storm levels.

⚡ Flare activity — last 12 h
Peak: M @ 11:42 UTC (4h 18min ago) · M @ 07:54 UTC · M @ 11:34 UTC · M @ 12:05 UTC
HMI Continuum Intensity

Visible light · 4 active regions

SUVI 304 — Extreme UV

Extreme UV · 304 Å

Kp Index
3.3
5 or above = storm

Geomagnetic
G0
24 h max: G0

X-Ray
A/B
quiet


⚠ X-ray flare M5 summary · 4 more below
Next 24 h

Geomagnetic activity is expected to climb, reaching Kp 4 (unsettled) by the start of August 21st.

more

The probability of further M-class flares remains at 55%, suggesting potential for brief, minor radio interference on the sunlit side of Earth.

🌌 Aurora

Aurora visibility is not currently expected at mid-latitudes.

more

Observers in high-latitude regions (above 60°N) may experience minor activity, but clear conditions at these latitudes are the most critical factor for viewing.

👁 Watch for

Monitor GOES X-ray flux for any further M-class flare signatures originating from AR4513, which could signal more significant solar disturbances.

▸ Detailed readings

Radio blackout
 R0
(24 h max R0)
Radiation
 S0
(24 h max S0)
F10.7
 107.0
sfu

Region Location Class Flares C/M/X
AR4514 S10W56 Cro/B 0/0/0
AR4507 N04W82 Ehi/BGD 3/0/0
AR4508 N09W50 Cao/B 0/0/0
AR4513 N04E59 Dao/B 4/1/0
NOAA messages
2026-08-20 12:12  X-ray flare M5 summary (SUMXM5)
2026-08-20 11:58  ALTTP2 (ALTTP2)
2026-08-20 11:39  X-ray flare MF reached (ALTXMF)
2026-08-19 17:57  Kp 4 expected (WARK04)
2026-08-19 05:45  Kp 5 (G1) reached (ALTK05)


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