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 being shaped by moderate solar activity and very quiet geomagnetic conditions. The solar flux sits at 130.66 and the sunspot number is 85, both slightly lower than recent months, leading to dampened high-band performance. The K-index is at 0–1, indicating very stable geomagnetic conditions—great news for lower bands and noise levels. Expect 80m and 40m to provide the most reliable contacts, especially at night, while higher bands (20m–10m) are mostly underperforming. Operators should focus on nighttime low-band activity and monitor for any sudden solar changes.

💡 Operator Tips

• Prioritize 80m and 40m for both local and regional QSOs, especially after sunset.
• Use digital modes (FT8, PSK31) on higher bands (20m–10m) to maximize weak-signal opportunities.
• Vertical antennas or low dipoles will help on lower bands; consider using receive-only antennas to reduce noise.
• Monitor the K-index: With such low values, expect low noise and minimal auroral disturbance—ideal for contests and DXing on the lower bands.
• Check grayline times for possible short DX windows on 20m and 17m, but keep expectations modest.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m/40m: Best after local sunset through sunrise; fair during the day for short-haul NVIS.
• 20m: Limited openings, mainly around local noon; best chance for any DX is at sunrise/sunset.
• 17m–10m: Poor throughout the day and night; only attempt during peak solar hours or if you spot sudden improvement.
• VHF/UHF: No enhanced propagation expected; stick to local FM, SSB, or repeaters.

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline paths on 40m and possibly 20m may offer brief DX windows, especially toward sunrise/sunset.
• Northern paths are stable thanks to low geomagnetic activity, but high-latitude aurora is minimal (Aurora: 3).
• No major special events or enhanced propagation phenomena expected today.
• Watch for sudden X-ray increases (currently B3.3) which could cause short HF blackouts, but none are imminent.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

80m and 40m are the standout performers today, especially from evening through early morning, offering excellent conditions for both local and DX work. 20m and above are poor all day and night due to lower solar flux and sunspot numbers. If you’re after DX, stick to the low bands and time your operations for local sunset to sunrise.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 0–1 (very quiet) — minimal geomagnetic disturbance, low noise, and stable propagation.
• Solar Flux: 130.66 (moderate, but trending downward) — limits high-band openings, favors low bands.
• Sunspot Number: 85 (moderate, but lower than previous months) — not enough to boost 20m–10m.
• Space Weather: No significant flares or storms; X-ray at B3.3 (quiet).

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained very low and stable over the past 24 hours, indicating a quiet geomagnetic field.
• No recent spikes or disturbances, so expect minimal auroral activity and excellent low-band conditions.
• This trend supports long-haul DX on 80m and 40m, especially for polar and trans-equatorial paths.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B3.3 — very low, so no risk of HF blackouts or sudden fadeouts.
• Solar Wind: 379.8 km/s — moderate, not enough to trigger geomagnetic storms.
• Electron Flux: 2030 — slightly elevated, but not at levels to cause major absorption or blackouts.
• Proton Flux: 45 — low, no risk of polar cap absorption events.
• Aurora: 3 — quiet; VHF/UHF auroral propagation is not expected.
• Helium Line: 108.6 — moderate, indicating stable solar output with no major changes expected.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Over the past 6 months, both solar flux and sunspot numbers have declined from their late-2025 peaks (solar flux >150, sunspots >120) to current moderate levels.
• This downward trend is reflected in the poor performance of high bands (20m–10m) and the reliability of low bands.
• No major solar events or geomagnetic storms have disrupted propagation recently.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Low-band conditions (80m/40m) will remain excellent at night, with continued quiet geomagnetic activity.
• High bands (20m–10m) will stay poor unless a sudden solar uptick occurs; monitor real-time spots for any surprises.
• No alerts or warnings are in effect; expect stable, low-noise conditions for all operators.
• VHF/UHF: No enhanced propagation expected; stick to routine local operations.
• Recommendation: Plan your DX and contesting around the low bands, and keep an eye on solar data for any changes.