Amateur Radio Propagation Report

Sun Images for Past 72 Hours

Images copyrighted by the SDO/NASA and Helioviewer project

📋 Propagation Summary

Today’s HF propagation is shaped by moderate solar activity and recently unsettled geomagnetic conditions. The solar flux is at 112 and sunspot numbers are modest, supporting decent propagation on the lower and mid bands, but higher bands (12m/10m) will be challenging. The K-index has recently dropped after a geomagnetic storm, so expect improving conditions as the ionosphere recovers, but some lingering disturbances may persist, especially at high latitudes. Operators should focus on the 20m and 40m bands for reliable contacts and watch for enhanced grayline opportunities. Be alert for brief band openings and check for auroral effects, especially on VHF/UHF.

💡 Operator Tips

• Prioritize 20m and 40m for both local and DX contacts; these bands are currently the most stable.
• Use digital modes (FT8, PSK31) for better performance on marginal bands, especially 17m and 15m.
• If you’re chasing DX, work the grayline on 40m/20m for best results.
• For higher bands (12m/10m), try short, sporadic openings during local noon, but expect limited propagation.
• Vertical antennas and low-noise receiving setups will help on the lower bands during the evening and night.
• Monitor for auroral activity if you’re in northern latitudes—VHF/UHF may see brief enhancements.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m/40m: Best at night and early morning (local time)
• 20m: Good all day, especially around sunrise and sunset
• 17m/15m: Try late morning to early afternoon for possible openings
• 12m/10m: Limited, but check midday for any brief enhancement
• Grayline: Focus on 40m and 20m during sunrise/sunset for DX

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline propagation is favorable on 40m and 20m—target sunrise/sunset paths for long-haul DX.
• East-west paths (e.g., Europe to North America) are more reliable than north-south due to recent geomagnetic activity.
• Watch for auroral propagation on VHF/UHF in high latitudes; check 6m for possible aurora-E openings.
• Brief TEP (Trans-Equatorial Propagation) may occur on 15m in the afternoon for stations near the equator.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

The 20m band is the most consistent performer throughout the day and night, offering reliable regional and DX contacts. 40m and 80m are best during the evening and night, with fair conditions during the day. 17m and 15m may open for short periods, especially late morning to early afternoon, but expect variable results. 12m and 10m are mostly closed due to low solar flux and recent geomagnetic disturbances—only check these bands during peak solar hours for rare openings.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 2.67 — Indicates quiet to unsettled geomagnetic conditions after a recent storm, with the ionosphere gradually recovering.
• Solar Flux (10.7cm): 112 — On the low side, limiting higher band propagation but supporting 20m and below.
• Sunspot Number: 85 — Moderate, enough for decent mid-band propagation but not enough to reliably open 10m/12m.
• Space Weather: X-ray flux at C1.3 level signals some solar activity, but not enough for major HF blackouts.

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

The K-index has shown a sharp rise over the past 24 hours, peaking at 6 (G2 storm level) before dropping back to 2.67. This indicates a recent geomagnetic storm, likely from a CME or high-speed solar wind stream. Conditions are now improving, but some residual disturbance may persist, especially at higher latitudes and on polar paths. Expect better stability in the coming hours, but remain alert for sudden changes.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: C1.3 — Minor solar flare activity, not enough for widespread HF blackouts but could cause brief fades.
• Solar Wind Speed: 635.4 km/s — Elevated, which can enhance geomagnetic activity and cause minor disturbances, especially at high latitudes.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux 2740 (high), proton flux 8 (moderate) — High electron flux can lead to increased absorption on lower bands and occasional auroral effects.
• Aurora Level: 3 — Minor auroral activity, possible aurora-E propagation on VHF/UHF for northern operators.
• Helium Line: 112.2 — Indicates moderate solar activity; trend is downward, matching the recent decrease in sunspot numbers.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

Recent solar data shows a declining trend in both solar flux and sunspot numbers since late 2025, leading to less frequent openings on the higher HF bands. The last week saw a geomagnetic storm, but conditions are now stabilizing. Expect continued improvement for 20m and below, while 15m and higher will remain challenging until solar activity picks up again.

🔮 3-Day Forecast