Solar activity was at low levels. Region 162 (N25E71) produced the majority of the optically observed flare activity today, the largest was a C4/Sf event at 18/1927 UTC. The large cluster of spots seen in white-light appears to be all one region (based on current available magnetic data) although the regions proximity to the limb hinders any certainty at this time. Region 149 (N14W46) produced only minor B and C-class flares today. Magnetic analysis shows the return of the weak gamma magnetic structure that once again has become apparent. No other significant changes were seen in the region since yesterday. Region 158 (S08W02) produced a single optically correlated flare, a C1/Sf at 18/0703 UTC. This region retains a beta-gamma magnetic structure and underwent little change during the period. Newly numbered region 163 (S21W10) was assigned today.

Solar activity is expected to be at low to moderate levels. Region 162 may have the potential of producing isolated M-class flares.

The geomagnetic field activity was at predominantly quiet to unsettled levels with an isolated period of active conditions between 18/1500-1800 UTC due in part to the elevated solar wind speeds (550-650 km/s). The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit reached moderate levels today.

The geomagnetic field is expected to be at predominately quiet to unsettled levels with a chance of isolated active conditions on days one and two due to the elevated solar wind speeds and a favorably positioned coronal hole.

  Beobachtet       18 Oct 173
  Vorhergesagt   19 Oct-21 Oct  175/175/180
  90 Tage Mittel        18 Oct 182

  Beobachtet Afr/Ap 17 Oct  008/011
  Geschätzt     Afr/Ap 18 Oct  010/012
  Vorhergesagt    Afr/Ap 19 Oct-21 Oct  008/012-010/012-006/008