2026-08-18 · near asteroid
Asteroid 2026 PX Approaches While Solar Winds Remain Steady
Earth faces a quiet geomagnetic day as asteroid 2026 PX passes near while minor solar wind streams keep the planetary Kp index at moderate levels.

Daily Statistics Brief
On 2026-08-19, the space environment calmed significantly after a turbulent start. The planetary Kp index peaked at 5.3 during the early hours, marking a period of G1-level geomagnetic storms. By the time the working day settled in the UK, that figure had plummeted to a quiet 0.7. The NOAA SWPC reported a solar wind speed of 544 km/s, while the interplanetary magnetic field component, Bz, measured 3.3 nT. Despite the earlier unrest, the aurora display remained negligible, with the hemispheric power dropping to 0 GW.
The sun remained relatively subdued, producing only a minor C-class flare. Astronomers modelling the current conditions noted that the Dst index bottomed out at -36 nT, confirming that the day’s geomagnetic activity was fleeting. Those searching the skies for imagery of the Perseids meteor shower found the activity waning. Although the shower remained active between 14 July and 24 August, the primary display had passed its peak of 100 meteors per hour on 13 August. Observers watching the radiant point in Perseus reported only the occasional streak from the parent body, 109P/Swift-Tuttle.
In the asteroids sector, the NASA CNEOS database labelled 2026 PX as the object of primary interest for the period. The rock maintained a predictable trajectory, posing no threat to the planet. While enthusiasts often link sudden atmospheric anomalies to UAP phenomena, data from 2026-08-19 suggested a standard, if unremarkable, day in near-Earth space. Users seeking a more granular breakdown of conditions should consult their local forecast for specific regional impacts. This entry is now filed in the permanent archive for future analysis of solar cycle progression. The relative silence of the magnetosphere provided a stark contrast to the historical storms that have previously defined our records.
Aurora Oval — Peak Kp 5.3
Active storm — aurora oval expanded equatorward.
Auroral power: 0 GW
The Daily Briefing
Read the full daily briefing — written from the live data — on its dedicated page.
Read full briefing →