Solar Watch — July 04, 2026 | 06:00 UTC

Solar Flare Activity — Last 12 Hours
Peak: M-class @ 18:11 UTC (9h 49min ago)
  M @ 23:58 UTC  ·  M @ 00:29 UTC  ·  M @ 01:06 UTC  ·  M @ 01:57 UTC  ·  M @ 03:28 UTC

☀ HELIOS SOLAR WATCH · 2026-07-04 04:00 UTC
Geomagnetic activity spikes to G2; persistent M-class flare activity
SOLAR: UNSETTLED
GEO: ACTIVE

Active Regions
4
X-Ray
M1–M4

Geomagnetic activity has reached G2 (Kp 6) levels, driven by recent solar disturbances. Multiple active regions are currently producing frequent M-class flares, sustaining an R1 radio blackout environment.

HMI Continuum Intensity

HMI Continuum · Visible Light

SUVI 304 — Extreme UV

SUVI 304Å · Extreme Ultraviolet

R1
Radio Blackouts
24h max: R0

S0
Solar Radiation
24h max: S0

G0
Geomagnetic Storm
24h max: G1

Planetary Kp-Index
6.0
0–9 scale · ≥5 = geomagnetic storm

F10.7 Solar Flux
132.0
sfu · >150 = high activity

The geomagnetic field is significantly disturbed with a Kp-index of 6.0, indicating a G2-level storm in progress. Solar activity is high, with 33 active regions identified and five M-class flares recorded in the last 12 hours. The F10.7 flux remains at a moderate 132 sfu, reflecting the high complexity of the current solar disk.

Key Metric

The Kp-index of 6.0 is the critical metric, confirming a G2 geomagnetic storm that may induce minor power grid fluctuations and affect satellite tracking for low-earth orbit assets.

Geomagnetic conditions are expected to gradually subside from G2 to unsettled levels (Kp 4) over the next 12 hours. Persistent M-class flare activity remains likely given the complex magnetic configurations of AR4478, AR4479, and AR4480.

🌌 Aurora Outlook

Auroral displays are currently possible at mid-latitudes, including northern regions of the United States and Central Europe, as the G2 storm persists. Observers should look toward the northern horizon, though visibility will likely decrease as the storm wanes over the next 6-12 hours.

Region Location Class Flares C/M/X
AR4481 N14E62 Hsx/A 0/0/0
AR4479 N17W66 Fkc/BGD 6/1/0
AR4480 S18W70 Eai/BG 1/2/0
AR4478 S06W46 Fko/BG 2/2/0
2026-07-04 02:56:46.667Space Weather Message Code: ALTK06
2026-07-04 02:56:21.950Space Weather Message Code: WARK04
2026-07-04 02:55:48.280Space Weather Message Code: WARK05
2026-07-04 02:54:56.360Space Weather Message Code: WARK06
2026-07-04 02:28:14.883Space Weather Message Code: WARK06

Monitor the M-class flare rate for potential escalation to X-class intensity, which would significantly increase the risk of R3+ radio blackouts.