Amateur Radio Propagation Report

Sun Images for Past 72 Hours

Images copyrighted by the SDO/NASA and Helioviewer project

📋 Propagation Summary: HF propagation is currently moderate to good across most bands, thanks to a solar flux of 128 and a sunspot number of 61. The K-index is very low at 1, indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions—great news for stable propagation. Expect good openings on 20m, 17m, and 15m during the day and evening, while higher bands (12m, 10m) may be more limited, especially at night. Lower bands (80m, 40m) will perform best after sunset. Now is a great time for both local and DX contacts, with minimal geomagnetic disturbance and no major space weather alerts.

💡 Operator Tips

• Focus on 20m, 17m, and 15m for reliable daytime and evening DX; these bands are showing the most consistent performance.
• Use digital modes (FT8, FT4, PSK31) to maximize your chances on marginal bands like 12m and 10m, especially during fair conditions.
• For nighttime operation, shift to 40m and 80m for regional and intercontinental contacts.
• With low geomagnetic activity, north-south and polar paths are open—try for rare DX along these routes.
• Keep an eye on the grayline for enhanced propagation around sunrise and sunset, especially on 40m and 20m.
• Contest operators: Take advantage of stable conditions for sustained runs, especially on 20m and 15m.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m & 40m: Best after local sunset through sunrise
• 20m, 17m, 15m: Best from mid-morning through early evening
• 12m & 10m: Try late morning to mid-afternoon, but expect only fair conditions
• Grayline: Peak opportunities on 40m and 20m at sunrise/sunset

🌍 DX Opportunities

• 20m, 17m, 15m: Good for long-haul DX, especially along grayline paths
• 40m: Enhanced transcontinental and intercontinental openings at night
• Polar and high-latitude paths: Open due to low K-index and minimal aurora
• Watch for short-lived 10m/12m openings during local noon, especially to equatorial and southern latitudes
• No major space weather events—take advantage of stable conditions for rare DX and IOTA activations

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Analysis:

• 20m, 17m, 15m are the most reliable bands throughout the day and evening, offering the best mix of local and DX opportunities.
• 40m and 80m improve significantly after sunset, ideal for nighttime ragchews and DX.
• 12m and 10m are only fair during daylight and likely closed or poor at night—use digital modes for best results.
• No bands are fully closed, but expect limited activity on 10m/12m outside of peak solar hours.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 1 (very quiet) — minimal geomagnetic disturbance, excellent for HF stability.
• Solar Flux (10.7cm): 128 — moderate, supporting good propagation on 20m-15m, marginal on higher bands.
• Sunspot Number: 61 — moderate, enough for decent daytime F-layer propagation.
• Space Weather: No major flares or disturbances; X-ray flux at B5.0 (low), so blackout risk is minimal.

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained very low and stable over the past 24 hours, indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions.
• No recent geomagnetic storms or disturbances—propagation is stable and predictable.
• Expect continued good conditions for polar and high-latitude paths, with minimal auroral absorption.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B5.0 (low) — No risk of HF blackouts; normal D-layer absorption.
• Solar Wind: 459.6 km/s — Slightly elevated but not enough to trigger geomagnetic activity.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux at 1890 (moderate); proton flux at 92 (quiet). No significant impact on HF.
• Aurora Activity: 2 (very low) — No auroral interference; VHF/UHF aurora propagation unlikely.
• Helium Line: 120.8 — Indicates steady solar activity; no major upswings or downswings expected.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Over the past several months, solar flux has declined from 160 (Dec 2025) to 125 (May 2026), with a corresponding drop in sunspot numbers.
• This trend suggests we are past the recent solar maximum, but current values still support good HF propagation on most bands.
• No recent major solar events; propagation has been stable and predictable.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• HF conditions are expected to remain stable, with the K-index staying low and solar flux holding near current levels.
• Best bands: 20m, 17m, 15m for DX; 40m and 80m for nighttime operation.
• Worst bands: 10m and 12m, especially at night—watch for brief daytime openings.
• No alerts or warnings; continue to enjoy stable conditions and plan for extended operating sessions, especially during contests or DXpeditions.