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

☀ HELIOS SOLAR WATCH · 2026-05-18 16:00 UTC
Solar activity remains low; geomagnetic disturbance expected to subside
SOLAR: QUIET
GEO: QUIET

Active Regions
6
X-Ray
A/B (quiet)

Current solar activity remains quiet with no significant flare events observed. A minor geomagnetic disturbance is currently passing through the planetary field, which will likely settle over the coming hours.

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
2.7
0–9 scale · ≥5 = geomagnetic storm

F10.7 Solar Flux
112.0
sfu · >150 = high activity

The Sun is currently in a stable state with six active regions visible, none of which are showing complex magnetic configurations. X-ray flux is at low background levels, and the F10.7 radio flux of 112 sfu indicates moderate solar activity, consistent with the current cycle. Current geomagnetic conditions are at Kp 2.7, indicating a minor, non-storming departure from equilibrium.

Key Metric

The current Kp-index of 2.7 is the most important metric, as it indicates a return to quiet conditions following a period of minor, transient instability.

Geomagnetic activity is expected to oscillate between Kp 3 and Kp 4 through the next 24 hours as the remaining effects of the minor disturbance dissipate. No significant solar radiation or radio blackout events are expected, as flare probabilities for M and X-class events remain very low.

🌌 Aurora Outlook

Aurora activity will be limited to high latitudes, typically above 60 degrees. Mid-latitude observers are unlikely to see significant displays given the forecasted Kp levels and the lack of strong solar wind drivers.

Region Location Class Flares C/M/X
AR4436 N19W52 Hsx/A 0/0/0
AR4440 N17E42 Hax/A 0/0/0
AR4442 S15E28 Bxo/B 0/0/0
AR4441 N09W01 Dao/B 0/0/0
AR4439 N07E42 Dao/B 0/0/0
AR4443 S14E47 Axx/A 0/0/0
2026-05-18 05:00:25.433Space Weather Message Code: ALTEF3
2026-05-17 21:16:07.547Space Weather Message Code: SUM10R
2026-05-17 16:12:50.913Space Weather Message Code: WATA20
2026-05-17 08:40:01.130Space Weather Message Code: WARK04
2026-05-17 08:16:10.487Space Weather Message Code: ALTEF3

Watch for the settling of the Kp-index toward 2.0-3.0 in the next 12 hours as the current geomagnetic disturbance rotates out of range.