Solar Information

Solar images from SOHO

The Sun Now

Extreme ultraviolet Imaging Telescope image at 284 Angstrom (to 2 million degrees K)



Michelson Doppler Imager (MDI) image showing sunspots



Magnetogram image showing magnetic field, black and white show opposite polarities

Information from the Space Weather Prediction Center, Boulder, CO
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Aurora Activity

Solar Cycle

Sun Spot Number Progression

Last 5 cycles Sun Spot Number Progression

Solar Wind

3-day Solar-Geophysical Forecast

:Product: 3-Day Forecast
:Issued: 2026 Oct 18 1230 UTC
# Prepared by the U.S. Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
#
A. NOAA Geomagnetic Activity Observation and Forecast

The greatest observed 3 hr Kp over the past 24 hours was 3 (below NOAA
Scale levels).
The greatest expected 3 hr Kp for Oct 18-Oct 20 2026 is 4.67 (NOAA Scale
G1).

NOAA Kp index breakdown Oct 18-Oct 20 2026

             Oct 18       Oct 19       Oct 20
00-03UT       2.00         2.33         4.33         
03-06UT       2.33         2.00         4.67 (G1)    
06-09UT       2.00         1.33         3.67         
09-12UT       1.33         2.00         3.00         
12-15UT       1.33         2.33         3.00         
15-18UT       1.33         2.67         3.00         
18-21UT       1.33         3.67         3.33         
21-00UT       1.67         4.00         3.67         

Rationale: G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storming is likely on 20 Oct under
positive polarity CH HSS effects.

B. NOAA Solar Radiation Activity Observation and Forecast

Solar radiation, as observed by NOAA GOES-18 over the past 24 hours, was
below S-scale storm level thresholds.

Solar Radiation Storm Forecast for Oct 18-Oct 20 2026

              Oct 18  Oct 19  Oct 20
S1 or greater    5%      5%      5%

Rationale: No S1 (Minor) or greater solar radiation storms are expected.
No significant active region activity favorable for radiation storm
production is forecast.

C. NOAA Radio Blackout Activity and Forecast

No radio blackouts were observed over the past 24 hours.

Radio Blackout Forecast for Oct 18-Oct 20 2026

              Oct 18        Oct 19        Oct 20
R1-R2           25%           25%           25%
R3 or greater    5%            5%            5%

Rationale: A chance for R1-R2 (Minor-Moderate) radio blackouts due
isolated M-class flare activity will persist through 20 Oct given the
recent development of Region 4557 and flare potential of Region 4551.