Solar Watch — May 16, 2026 | 06:00 UTC

☀ HELIOS SOLAR WATCH · 2026-05-16 04:00 UTC
Geomagnetic storming continues as Earth navigates elevated solar wind conditions
SOLAR: MODERATE
GEO: ACTIVE

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

Earth is currently experiencing a G2-level geomagnetic disturbance, driven by sustained solar wind interaction. While the storm is showing signs of subsiding, geomagnetic activity remains elevated.

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: G1

Planetary Kp-Index
5.7
0–9 scale · ≥5 = geomagnetic storm

F10.7 Solar Flux
118.0
sfu · >150 = high activity

The planetary K-index sits at 5.7, indicating a G2-level storm. Solar flare activity remains low, with only minor C-class flares recorded across the disk. The F10.7 solar radio flux is at 118.0 sfu, reflecting moderate background solar activity.

Key Metric

The Kp index of 5.7 indicates a G2 storm, which serves as a reminder for satellite operators to monitor for increased drag and for grid managers to track potential voltage irregularities.

Geomagnetic activity is expected to trend downward, returning to unsettled levels by the 09:00 UTC window. We anticipate a return to quiet conditions as the solar wind speed continues to stabilize over the next 24 hours.

🌌 Aurora Outlook

Auroral displays are currently possible at high latitudes and potentially down to mid-latitudes, though the probability of visibility will decrease significantly as the Kp index falls toward 4.0 throughout the day.

Region Location Class Flares C/M/X
AR4438 N20W57 Dao/B 1/0/0
AR4435 N22W81 Dao/B 4/0/0
AR4436 N19W13 Cao/B 1/0/0
2026-05-15 23:56:11.853Space Weather Message Code: WARK05
2026-05-15 22:15:47.990Space Weather Message Code: ALTK06
2026-05-15 22:02:47.750Space Weather Message Code: WARK06
2026-05-15 17:18:07.790Space Weather Message Code: ALTTP2
2026-05-15 16:07:15.047Space Weather Message Code: ALTK05

Monitor the Kp index for a sustained drop below 4.0, which will signal the end of the current geomagnetic disturbance.