Space Weather
Space weather describes changing environmental conditions in near-Earth space. Magnetic fields, radiation, particles and matter, which have been ejected from the Sun, can interact with the Earth’s upper atmosphere and surrounding magnetic field to produce a variety of effects.
Space weather notifications
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Aurora forecasts
Northern Hemisphere
No significant space weather is expected for much of the period, with aurora sightings unlikely. Later on Wednesday 23rd September, coronal hole fast winds are expected to arrive, bringing a chance of aurora sightings across northern Scotland, where skies are clear.
Southern Hemisphere
No significant space weather is expected for much of the period, with aurora sightings unlikely. Later on Wednesday 23rd September, coronal hole fast winds are expected to arrive, bringing a chance of aurora sightings across southern New Zealand, where skies are clear.
Issued at: 01:47 (GMT) on Sun 20 Sep 2026
Forecast overview
Space Weather Forecast Headline: Generally quiet Space Weather conditions then Chance of G1/Minor Geomagnetic Storming on Day 4.
Analysis of Space Weather Activity over past 24 hours
Solar Activity: Solar activity has been Low, peaking with a low level common class flare at 19/1817 UTC from on or around the northeast limb. There are three sunspot regions on the visible disc. One in the southwest, which is a small unipolar region. A small, bipolar region is approaching the central meridian in the northern hemisphere. Finally, moderately sized, mature spot resides in the very far southeast.
There were no Earth-directed Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) observed during the period.
Solar Wind / Geomagnetic Activity: Solar winds were indicative of a waning connection to coronal hole fast winds. Solar wind speeds were slightly elevated. The Interplanetary Magnetic Field was Weak. The north-south component varied Weakly. Geomagnetic activity was Quiet to Unsettled (Kp 0-3).
Energetic Particles / Solar Radiation: No solar radiation storms were observed, with proton flux levels remaining background.
Four-Day Space Weather Forecast Summary
Solar Activity: Solar activity is forecast to remain Very Low or Low.
Solar Wind / Geomagnetic Activity: No Earth-directed coronal mass ejections CMEs currently feature in the forecast period. Solar winds are expected to decline to Slow-Ambient speeds by day 2 (21 Sep). Thereafter, wind speeds should remain at background until the next fast wind enhancement, which is currently anticipated to occur later on day 4 (23 Sep).
Geomagnetic activity is forecast to be mostly Quiet throughout the start of the period, with a slight chance of isolated Unsettled intervals. From day 4 (23 Sep), due to the onset of fast winds, Active (Kp4) intervals are Likely, with a Chance of G1/Minor Storms (Kp5), especially later in the day.
Energetic Particles / Solar Radiation: No solar radiation storms are expected through the period.
Issued at: 00:09 (GMT) on Sun 20 Sep 2026
Solar imagery
SDO AIA-193
This channel highlights the outer atmosphere of the Sun - called the corona - as well as hot flare plasma. Hot active regions, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections will appear bright here. The dark areas - called coronal holes - are places where very little radiation is emitted, yet are the main source of solar wind particles.
Issued at:
SDO AIA-304
This channel is especially good at showing areas where cooler dense plumes of plasma (filaments and prominences) are located above the visible surface of the Sun. Many of these features either can't be seen or appear as dark lines in the other channels. The bright areas show places where the plasma has a high density.
Issued at: