Solar Watch — October 20, 2026 | 06:00 UTC

☀ Helios Solar Watch · 2026-10-20 04:00 UTC
QUIET

Solar activity is currently low with the magnetic field in a largely stable state. A slight increase in geomagnetic activity is expected later in the day, though no significant storming is forecast.

HMI Continuum Intensity

Visible light · 3 active regions

SUVI 304 — Extreme UV

Extreme UV · 304 Å

Kp Index
1.0
5 or above = storm

Geomagnetic
G0
24 h max: G1

X-Ray
A/B
quiet


⚠ SUM10R · 4 more below
Next 24 h

Expect geomagnetic conditions to trend toward an unsettled state (Kp ~3) by 12:00 UTC as space weather parameters shift. Flare activity will likely remain capped at low C-class levels, with a 15% probability of isolated M-class events.

🌌 Aurora

Aurora visibility is not expected at mid-latitudes (40-60°N) given the current Kp-index forecast.

more

Observers at high latitudes may see minor activity, but clear skies and high-latitude proximity are required for any visual confirmation.

👁 Watch for

Monitor the evolution of AR4551, as it remains the only region with a magnetic configuration capable of producing moderate flare activity within the next 24 hours.

▸ Detailed readings

Radio blackout
 R0
(24 h max R0)
Radiation
 S0
(24 h max S0)
F10.7
 108.0
sfu

Region Location Class Flares C/M/X
AR4551 S15W59 Eko/BG 2/1/0
AR4557 N06W28 Dai/B 4/0/0
AR4560 N14W01 Dro/B 0/0/0
NOAA messages
2026-10-19 09:09  SUM10R (SUM10R)
2026-10-18 17:24  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)


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