Solar Watch — October 18, 2026 | 06:00 UTC

☀ Helios Solar Watch · 2026-10-18 04:00 UTC
QUIET

Solar activity remains at low levels with the planetary K-index holding steady at Kp 2.0. No significant geomagnetic or radiation storms are currently affecting Earth’s environment.

HMI Continuum Intensity

Visible light · 3 active regions

SUVI 304 — Extreme UV

Extreme UV · 304 Å

Kp Index
2.0
5 or above = storm

Geomagnetic
G0
24 h max: G0

X-Ray
A/B
quiet


⚠ Kp 20 possible · 4 more below
Next 24 h

Geomagnetic conditions are expected to remain quiet, with the Kp-index likely hovering between 1.0 and 2.0 for the next 24 hours. No meaningful disturbances to power grids, radio communications, or satellite operations are anticipated.

🌌 Aurora

Aurora activity will be confined to high latitudes.

more

Observers at mid-latitudes (40-60°N) should not expect any visible auroral displays under these conditions.

👁 Watch for

Monitor AR4551 as it rotates further across the disk for any unexpected increase in flare intensity.

▸ Detailed readings

Radio blackout
 R0
(24 h max R0)
Radiation
 S0
(24 h max S0)
F10.7
 109.0
sfu

Region Location Class Flares C/M/X
AR4551 S15W32 Eki/BG 6/0/0
AR4555 S07W84 Axx/A 0/0/0
AR4557 N17E01 Dai/B 0/0/0
NOAA messages
2026-10-17 20:14  Kp 20 possible (WATA20)
2026-10-16 19:39  Kp 4 reached (ALTK04)
2026-10-16 19:38  Kp 4 expected (WARK04)
2026-10-16 14:19  Electron flux F3 reached (ALTEF3)
2026-10-11 17:02  Kp 30 possible (WATA30)


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