Sun Images for Past 72 Hours
Images copyrighted by the SDO/NASA and Helioviewer project
📋 Propagation Summary
HF propagation today is moderate, with a solar flux of 110 and a low sunspot number (11) indicating limited high-band activity. The K-index is at 3, showing slightly unsettled geomagnetic conditions, but not stormy. Expect best results on 20m during the day and evening, while higher bands (15m, 12m, 10m) will be challenging except for short, sporadic openings. Lower bands (80m, 40m) will perform better at night. Operators should focus on the middle bands for reliable contacts and watch for brief DX windows as geomagnetic activity fluctuates.
💡 Operator Tips
- Prioritize 20m and 17m for daytime DX and reliable regional contacts.
- 80m and 40m will be your best bet for nighttime QSOs—try these bands after sunset for improved conditions.
- Use digital modes (FT8, PSK31) to maximize weak signal work, especially on higher bands.
- Monitor grayline periods for enhanced long-path DX, especially on 20m and 17m.
- If contesting, focus efforts during local sunrise/sunset and on bands showing “Good” conditions.
- Keep an eye on real-time K-index updates—short-term increases may cause rapid band changes.
⏰ Best Operating Times
- 80m/40m: Best at night and early morning (local time)
- 20m: Good all day, especially late morning through evening
- 17m/15m: Fair during daylight hours, peaking around midday
- 12m/10m: Limited openings possible midday; mostly poor
- Grayline (dawn/dusk): Enhanced propagation on 40m–20m
🌍 DX Opportunities
- 20m offers the most consistent DX paths, especially during daylight and early evening.
- 17m/15m may provide short DX windows around local noon, particularly on north-south paths.
- Grayline propagation is favorable for east-west long-haul contacts on 40m and 20m.
- Aurora level (3) is low, so auroral propagation is unlikely, but northern operators may see brief VHF enhancements if the K-index rises.
- Watch for sporadic-E on 10m/12m, but expect only brief, localized openings.
📻 Band-by-Band Analysis
| Band | Morning | Day | Evening | Night |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80m | 🟠 Fair | 🔴 Poor | 🟠 Fair | 🟡 Good |
| 40m | 🟠 Fair | 🔴 Poor | 🟠 Fair | 🟡 Good |
| 20m | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good |
| 17m | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair |
| 15m | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair |
| 12m | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor |
| 10m | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor |
20m is the standout band for reliable operation throughout the day and evening. 17m and 15m are usable but only fair, with best chances around midday. 80m and 40m are best at night, while 12m and 10m are mostly closed except for rare, brief openings.
📊 Current Solar Activity
Solar Activity Metrics
K-index
Solar Flux (10.7cm)
Sunspot Number
- K-index (3): Slightly unsettled geomagnetic field; minor disturbances possible, but not stormy.
- Solar Flux (110): Below average for strong high-band propagation; favors lower and mid bands.
- Sunspot Number (11): Very low, limiting ionization and reducing high-band openings.
- Space Weather Overview: No major flares or storms; X-ray background is low (B3.2).
📈 Geomagnetic Conditions
- The K-index has fluctuated between 1 and 4 over the past 24 hours, peaking at 4.33 but mostly in the 2–3 range.
- Recent trend: After a brief unsettled period, conditions have stabilized, but remain slightly elevated.
- Impact: Occasional minor absorption and fading, especially on polar and high-latitude paths; overall, not severe.
🌟 Space Weather Details
Space Weather Dashboard
X-ray Activity
Solar Wind Speed
Aurora Activity
- X-ray Activity: B3.2 (low)—no risk of HF blackouts; stable background.
- Solar Wind Speed: 548 km/s—moderately elevated, which can contribute to minor geomagnetic unsettledness.
- Electron Flux: 2730—slightly elevated, may cause minor polar absorption but not significant for most users.
- Proton Flux: 51—quiet, no radiation storm risk.
- Aurora Level: 3—low; auroral propagation on VHF/UHF is unlikely.
- Helium Line: 118.8—no significant trend, indicating stable solar output.
📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details
Propagation Quality Timeline (24 Hours)
- Recent months show a slight decrease in solar flux and sunspot numbers from late 2025 highs, now trending lower.
- Current values are below the recent 7-month average, explaining weaker high-band conditions.
- Expect lower maximum usable frequencies (MUF) and more reliable operation on 20m and below.
Solar Activity Trends (6 Months)
🔮 3-Day Forecast
3-Day K-index Forecast
- No major geomagnetic storms expected; K-index likely to remain in the 2–3 range.
- Solar flux and sunspot numbers expected to stay low, so high bands (12m/10m) will remain mostly closed.
- Best bands: 20m for all-day operation, 80m/40m at night, 17m/15m for midday DX attempts.
- Watch for brief enhancements during grayline and if the K-index drops further.
- No alerts or warnings at this time—operate as usual, but keep an eye on real-time space weather updates for sudden changes.