Solar Watch — May 15, 2026 | 18:00 UTC

☀ HELIOS SOLAR WATCH · 2026-05-15 16:00 UTC
Geomagnetic activity reaches G2 level as solar wind interaction intensifies
SOLAR: MODERATE
GEO: ACTIVE

Active Regions
3
X-Ray
A/B (quiet)

Earth’s magnetic field is currently experiencing a G2 (Moderate) geomagnetic storm. This activity is driven by an increase in solar wind speeds interacting with the magnetosphere.

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: G2

Planetary Kp-Index
5.0
0–9 scale · ≥5 = geomagnetic storm

F10.7 Solar Flux
127.0
sfu · >150 = high activity

The Kp-index has climbed to 5.0, triggering a G2-level geomagnetic disturbance. Solar flare activity remains subdued with only minor C-class events, and the F10.7 solar flux is currently at a moderate level of 127 sfu, indicating a stable solar disk despite the current geomagnetic unrest.

Key Metric

A current Kp-index of 5.0, which confirms that sufficient energy is being deposited into the upper atmosphere to generate G2 storm conditions.

Geomagnetic activity is expected to peak at G2 levels through 21:00 UTC today before beginning a gradual decline. By early tomorrow, May 16, conditions are expected to settle back to quiet levels as the high-speed solar wind stream passes.

🌌 Aurora Outlook

Mid-latitude observers in northern regions of North America and Europe may see auroral displays tonight. Clear, dark skies away from city light pollution will provide the best opportunity for viewing as the storm progresses.

Region Location Class Flares C/M/X
AR4435 N22W81 Cao/B 2/0/0
AR4438 N20W57 Dao/B 1/0/0
AR4436 N19W13 Cao/B 1/0/0
2026-05-15 14:50:31.510Space Weather Message Code: WARK06
2026-05-15 13:45:15.913Space Weather Message Code: ALTTP2
2026-05-15 13:27:42.887Space Weather Message Code: ALTK05
2026-05-15 13:12:45.673Space Weather Message Code: WARK05
2026-05-15 13:09:59.040Space Weather Message Code: WARK04

Monitor the Kp-index over the next 6 hours; a drop below 4.0 will signal the beginning of the storm’s conclusion.