Amateur Radio Propagation Report

Sun Images for Past 72 Hours

Images copyrighted by the SDO/NASA and Helioviewer project

📋 Propagation Summary: HF propagation today is looking moderately favorable for most operators, with solar flux at 131 and a sunspot number of 119—supporting solid daytime activity on the higher bands. The K-index is low (1), indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions and minimal disturbance to HF. Expect good openings on 20m, 17m, and 15m throughout the day and evening, while 10m and 12m may be more variable, especially after sunset. Nighttime will favor the lower bands (80m/40m) for regional and some DX work. No major space weather alerts are active, so operators can plan for stable conditions.

💡 Operator Tips

• Daytime: Focus on 20m, 17m, and 15m for reliable DX and intercontinental contacts.
• Evening/Night: Switch to 40m and 80m for best regional and some long-haul DX, especially after local sunset.
• Modes: Use FT8, CW, and SSB for best results; digital modes will help punch through any mild disturbances.
• Antennas: Multi-band verticals or dipoles will perform well; consider directional antennas for chasing DX.
• Contest/DX: Take advantage of the quiet geomagnetic field for low noise floors and longer openings, especially on the higher bands.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m/40m: Best at night and early morning (local time)
• 20m/17m/15m: Excellent from mid-morning through early evening
• 12m/10m: Try late morning to mid-afternoon for sporadic E or F2 openings
• Grayline: Sunrise and sunset for enhanced long-path DX, especially on 40m and 20m

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline DX: Enhanced propagation on 40m and 20m during local sunrise and sunset—target antipodal regions for best results.
• 20m/17m/15m: Good potential for trans-equatorial and east-west paths during the day.
• 10m/12m: Watch for brief openings, especially toward the equator and during peak solar hours.
• Aurora: Aurora activity is very low (level 2), so VHF auroral DX is unlikely today.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Analysis:
20m, 17m, and 15m are the most reliable bands today, offering consistent good conditions from morning through night—ideal for DX and intercontinental QSOs. 40m and 80m are best after sunset and overnight, with fair to good conditions for regional and some long-haul paths. 12m and 10m are more variable, with only fair daytime conditions and likely poor at night; check for brief midday openings, especially if you’re chasing sporadic E.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 1 (very quiet geomagnetic field)—expect low noise and minimal disruptions to HF.
• Solar Flux (10.7cm): 131—supports good propagation on 20m and above, with some potential for 15m and 12m.
• Sunspot Number: 119—indicates moderate solar activity, which is favorable for HF.
• Space Weather Overview: No major flares or disturbances; X-ray flux is at B8.0 (low), so blackout risk is minimal.

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• Recent K-index trend: The K-index has remained low and stable (mostly 0-1) over the past 24 hours, indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions. This stability favors long-haul HF propagation and low noise on all bands.
• Impact: No geomagnetic storms or significant disturbances are expected; enjoy the calm for reliable DX!

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B8.0—very low, so risk of sudden HF blackouts is minimal.
• Solar Wind: 437.7 km/s—a moderate speed, but with low geomagnetic impact due to the quiet K-index.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux at 2000 and proton flux at 412—both within normal ranges, so no significant propagation disruptions.
• Aurora Activity: Level 2—very low; VHF/UHF auroral propagation is unlikely, especially for northern operators.
• Helium Line: 120.3—suggests a steady solar environment with no major upswings in activity.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Recent months have seen a gradual decrease in solar flux and sunspot numbers from late 2025 highs (solar flux ~160, SSN ~125) to current moderate levels (solar flux ~125, SSN ~101).
• This trend means the higher HF bands (12m/10m) are less reliable than during peak months, but 20m-15m remain strong performers for DX and daily operation.

🔮 3-Day Forecast