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 shaped by moderate solar activity with a solar flux of 105 and a sunspot number of 77. Expect good conditions on 20m throughout the day and night, while lower bands (80m/40m) perform best at night. Higher bands (12m/10m) are mostly poor due to the recent decline in solar flux and sunspot numbers. Geomagnetic conditions are stable with a low K-index, so noise and absorption are minimal. For best results, focus on mid and lower HF bands, and watch for short DX openings on 17m and 15m during daylight.

💡 Operator Tips

• Use 20m for reliable daytime and evening contacts, especially for DX and long-haul QSOs.
• 80m and 40m are your go-to bands for local and regional work after sunset; try digital modes (FT8, PSK31) to maximize weak signal performance.
• 15m and 17m may open briefly around local noon—monitor for short-lived DX, especially on FT8.
• 10m and 12m are mostly closed; check for sporadic-E, but don’t expect much.
• Keep antennas tuned and consider low-noise receive setups, especially on 80m/40m at night.
• Contest and DXers: Focus efforts on 20m by day and 40m by night for best returns.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m/40m: Best at night and early morning (local time)
• 20m: Good all day and evening
• 17m/15m: Check late morning through early afternoon for possible openings
• 12m/10m: Limited, but check midday for any brief enhancement

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline paths on 40m and 20m offer enhanced long-distance propagation at sunrise and sunset—watch for signals from opposite sides of the globe.
• 20m is the best bet for intercontinental DX, especially east-west paths.
• 17m/15m: Watch for short, spotty DX windows around local noon, especially to equatorial and southern latitudes.
• Aurora activity is low, so VHF/UHF auroral propagation is not expected.
• No major solar events or special propagation phenomena forecasted.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Analysis:

• 20m is the most consistent performer, with good propagation at all times—ideal for both DX and domestic contacts.
• 80m and 40m improve after sunset, making them best for night-time local and regional work.
• 17m and 15m are marginal; check for short DX windows, but don’t expect reliable openings.
• 12m and 10m are mostly closed due to the lower solar flux and sunspot numbers.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 2 — Indicates quiet geomagnetic conditions, so absorption and noise are low.
• Solar Flux (10.7cm): 105 — This is below the recent 7-month average, meaning higher bands are less likely to open.
• Sunspot Number: 77 — Moderate, but on the lower side; supports good 20m/40m, but not enough for reliable 10m/12m.
• Space Weather: No major flares or disturbances; X-ray flux at B4.0 is low and not causing HF blackouts.

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained low and stable over the past 24 hours, indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions.
• No recent geomagnetic storms or sudden increases—propagation is stable and predictable.
• Expect minimal auroral absorption and low noise, especially on the lower bands.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B4.0 (low)—No risk of HF blackouts or sudden fades.
• Solar Wind: 516.3 km/s—Moderately elevated, but not enough to trigger geomagnetic storms.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux 1550 (moderate), proton flux 24 (quiet)—No significant impact on HF propagation.
• Aurora Activity: 1 (very low)—No auroral propagation expected on VHF/UHF.
• Helium Line: 110.2—Stable, indicating no major solar trend changes.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Over the past 6 months, solar flux and sunspot numbers have gradually declined from their late-2025 peak.
• This downward trend means higher HF bands (15m, 12m, 10m) are less likely to open, while lower and mid bands (20m, 40m, 80m) remain reliable.
• No recent solar storms or major events—propagation is steady but not exceptional.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Expect continued moderate solar activity with stable geomagnetic conditions.
• 20m will remain the best all-around band; 40m/80m will continue to shine at night.
• No major solar or geomagnetic events are forecast, so band conditions should remain consistent.
• Keep an ear on 17m/15m for any surprise DX, especially during midday.
• No alerts or warnings for HF or VHF operators at this time.