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

☀ Helios Solar Watch · 2026-09-16 16:00 UTC
QUIET

Solar activity is currently stable, though geomagnetic conditions are shifting toward unsettled levels. No significant flare activity is reported, and the solar flux remains at a moderate, baseline level.

HMI Continuum Intensity

Visible light · 2 active regions

SUVI 304 — Extreme UV

Extreme UV · 304 Å

Kp Index
2.3
5 or above = storm

Geomagnetic
G0
24 h max: G1

X-Ray
A/B
quiet


⚠ Kp 4 expected · 4 more below
Next 24 h

Geomagnetic activity is expected to rise slightly, peaking near Kp 4.67 (G1 threshold) around 21:00 UTC today. Conditions should return to more stable, unsettled levels by early tomorrow as the influence of current solar structures wanes.

🌌 Aurora

At a projected Kp of 4.67, aurora visibility is unlikely for mid-latitudes (40-60°N).

more

Observers at high latitudes may see modest activity, but generally, the atmospheric display is expected to remain limited.

👁 Watch for

Monitor the geomagnetic index around 21:00 UTC to see if the solar wind parameters push the Kp-index into the G1 storm category as forecast.

▸ Detailed readings

Radio blackout
 R0
(24 h max R0)
Radiation
 S0
(24 h max S0)
F10.7
 101.0
sfu

Region Location Class Flares C/M/X
AR4527 N03W85 Hax/A 0/0/0
AR4528 S11W70 Hsx/A 0/0/0
NOAA messages
2026-09-16 05:38  Kp 4 expected (WARK04)
2026-09-16 00:34  Kp 4 reached (ALTK04)
2026-09-15 18:56  Kp 5 (G1) expected (WARK05)
2026-09-15 17:37  Kp 20 possible (WATA20)
2026-09-14 11:03  Electron flux F3 reached (ALTEF3)


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