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 with solar flux at 106 and sunspot numbers around 72–79, indicating fair to good conditions on the mid-bands and limited openings on the higher bands. Geomagnetic activity is low to moderate (K-index 3, A-index 20), so expect some minor disturbances, especially at higher latitudes. 20m is the standout band today, providing the most reliable contacts day and night, while 17m and 15m offer fair opportunities. 10m and 12m remain mostly closed, but check for sporadic E openings. Operators should focus on the lower and mid-HF bands for both local and DX work, with best results during daylight and early evening hours.

💡 Operator Tips

• Prioritize 20m for both DX and regional contacts—it's the most consistent performer today.
• Try 17m and 15m during daylight for possible short and mid-range DX, especially around local noon.
• 80m and 40m will be more productive at night for local and regional QSOs; expect daytime absorption.
• Use digital modes (FT8, PSK31) to maximize weak signal work, especially on the higher bands.
• Monitor 10m and 12m for short-lived sporadic E openings, especially if you’re chasing grid squares or rare DX.
• Portable and low-power operators: Take advantage of quieter geomagnetic conditions, but expect some QSB (fading).
• Contesters and DXers: Focus on grayline periods for enhanced propagation, especially on 20m and 17m.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m & 40m: Best after sunset through sunrise; avoid midday due to D-layer absorption.
• 20m: Good all day and into the evening; peak performance mid-morning to late afternoon.
• 17m & 15m: Best from late morning through mid-afternoon; check for brief evening enhancements.
• 12m & 10m: Limited, but check around local noon and during possible sporadic E events.
• Grayline (sunrise/sunset): Enhanced DX on 40m, 20m, and 17m—watch for short, strong openings.

🌍 DX Opportunities

• 20m band: Most reliable for long-haul DX, especially along the grayline (dawn/dusk).
• 17m & 15m: Possible openings to mid-latitude and equatorial regions during daylight.
• Grayline propagation: Watch for enhanced paths to antipodal regions—timing is critical.
• Sporadic E: Possible on 10m and 12m, especially for short-skip and VHF-like propagation—monitor cluster spots.
• Aurora: Low activity (Aurora index 2), so auroral propagation is unlikely on HF/VHF.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Analysis:
20m is the best all-around performer, offering good propagation throughout the day and night. 17m and 15m are fair and worth checking during daylight, but may not support reliable long-haul DX. 80m and 40m are poor during the day but improve to fair at night for local and regional contacts. 12m and 10m are mostly poor or closed—watch for brief E-skip openings, but don’t expect consistent results.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 3 (moderate geomagnetic activity)—some minor disturbances possible, especially at higher latitudes.
• Solar Flux: 106 (low to moderate)—supports mid-band HF, but not enough for strong high-band openings.
• Sunspot Number: 72–79 (moderate)—indicates some solar activity but not at peak levels.
• Space Weather: No major flares or storms reported; X-ray flux at B5.4 (quiet).

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has been stable to slightly elevated over the past 24 hours, hovering around 3.
• No recent geomagnetic storms, but the elevated A-index (20) suggests some lingering unsettled conditions.
• Trend: Conditions are generally stable, with no major worsening or improvement—expect minor QSB and absorption, especially on polar and high-latitude paths.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B5.4 (quiet)—no risk of HF blackouts or major D-layer absorption.
• Solar Wind Speed: 498.9 km/s—moderately elevated, which can contribute to minor geomagnetic disturbances and QSB.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux at 2000 (elevated), proton flux at 48 (quiet)—no significant impact on HF, but elevated electrons can cause minor absorption or fadeouts.
• Aurora Activity: Level 2 (low)—unlikely to affect HF or VHF propagation for most operators.
• Helium Line: 111.1—indicates moderate solar activity, consistent with current solar flux and sunspot numbers.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Recent months show a declining trend in both solar flux and sunspot numbers, from a high of 160 (Dec 2025) and SSN 124 down to 120 and SSN 79 (Apr 2026).
• This gradual decline means high-band (10m/12m) propagation is less frequent, while mid-bands (20m/17m/15m) remain the most reliable.
• No major solar events in recent weeks; propagation is driven by regular solar cycle fluctuations.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Expect similar conditions over the next three days: 20m will continue to be the best band, with 17m and 15m offering fair but variable propagation.
• No major geomagnetic storms forecast, but minor unsettled periods may occur—watch for short-term QSB and absorption.
• 10m and 12m: Remain alert for sporadic E, especially during local noon and early afternoon.
• Best strategy: Focus on 20m for reliable DX, use digital modes to maximize weak signal contacts, and operate during grayline for enhanced propagation.