Solar Watch — October 16, 2026 | 18:00 UTC

☀ Helios Solar Watch · 2026-10-16 16:00 UTC
QUIET

Solar activity remains at baseline levels with quiet geomagnetic conditions, despite a recent M-class flare event. The sun is currently stable with no significant solar radiation or radio interference expected.

⚡ Flare activity — last 12 h
Peak: M @ 15:42 UTC (18 min ago) · M @ 15:42 UTC
HMI Continuum Intensity

Visible light · 3 active regions

SUVI 304 — Extreme UV

Extreme UV · 304 Å

Kp Index
1.7
5 or above = storm

Geomagnetic
G0
24 h max: G0

X-Ray
A/B
quiet


⚠ Electron flux F3 reached · 4 more below
Next 24 h

Geomagnetic conditions are expected to remain quiet with Kp indices hovering between 1.6 and 2.6 for the next 24 hours. No significant storming is anticipated, and Earth’s space environment will likely maintain its current stability.

🌌 Aurora

Aurora visibility is not expected at mid-latitudes.

more

The current Kp index is insufficient to push the auroral oval south of high-latitude regions; observers in Scandinavia or northern Canada may see minor activity under optimal conditions.

👁 Watch for

Monitor AR4551 for any signs of magnetic complexity evolution following the recent M-class flare, which could suggest further eruptive potential.

▸ Detailed readings

Radio blackout
 R0
(24 h max R0)
Radiation
 S0
(24 h max S0)
F10.7
 111.0
sfu

Region Location Class Flares C/M/X
AR4551 S14W19 Ekc/BGD 4/0/0
AR4555 S08W70 Cro/B 0/0/0
AR4557 N07E16 Dsi/B 1/0/0
NOAA messages
2026-10-16 14:19  Electron flux F3 reached (ALTEF3)
2026-10-13 20:58  Kp 4 expected (WARK04)
2026-10-11 19:11  Kp 20 possible (WATA20)
2026-10-11 17:02  Kp 30 possible (WATA30)
2026-10-10 21:45  Kp 5 (G1) reached (ALTK05)


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