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 May 15 0030 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 May 15-May 17 2026 is 5.67 (NOAA Scale
G2).
NOAA Kp index breakdown May 15-May 17 2026
May 15 May 16 May 17
00-03UT 4.00 4.33 3.00
03-06UT 5.67 (G2) 5.00 (G1) 4.67 (G1)
06-09UT 4.00 3.67 3.33
09-12UT 3.67 3.33 3.00
12-15UT 3.67 3.33 3.00
15-18UT 3.67 3.33 3.67
18-21UT 4.00 3.33 3.33
21-00UT 3.67 3.33 2.67
Rationale: G1-G2 (Minor-Moderate) geomagnetic storms are expected
through 17 May due to the anticipated arrival of a negative polarity
high speed stream.
B. NOAA Solar Radiation Activity Observation and Forecast
Solar radiation, as observed by NOAA GOES-19 over the past 24 hours, was
below S-scale storm level thresholds.
Solar Radiation Storm Forecast for May 15-May 17 2026
May 15 May 16 May 17
S1 or greater 5% 5% 5%
Rationale: No S1 (Minor) or greater solar radiation storms are expected.
C. NOAA Radio Blackout Activity and Forecast
No radio blackouts were observed over the past 24 hours.
Radio Blackout Forecast for May 15-May 17 2026
May 15 May 16 May 17
R1-R2 40% 30% 25%
R3 or greater 5% 5% 5%
Rationale: There is a chance for R1-R2 (Minor-Moderate) radio blackouts
15-16 May, decreasing to a slight chance on 17 May.
