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 in a stable phase, with moderate solar flux (around 120) and a sunspot number near 80. Geomagnetic conditions are very quiet, with a K-index of 0-1, meaning low noise and minimal disruptions. Expect good performance on 20m throughout the day and night, while higher bands (12m, 10m) are less reliable, especially after sunset. Lower bands (80m, 40m) will be best at night. Operators should take advantage of the calm geomagnetic field for clear contacts, especially on the mid-bands.

💡 Operator Tips

• Use 20m for reliable daytime and nighttime DX; it's the most consistent band today.
• 80m and 40m will shine after sunset—great for regional and some DX work.
• 12m and 10m may open briefly during midday but expect limited long-haul DX, especially at night.
• Digital modes (FT8, FT4) will help pull signals out of the noise, especially on marginal bands.
• With low geomagnetic activity, try low-noise receive antennas for weak-signal work.
• For DXers: Focus on grayline periods and check for short-lived high-band openings.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m & 40m: Best at night and early morning (local time)
• 20m: Good all day and night—prime for DX and general contacts
• 17m & 15m: Fair during daylight hours, less reliable at night
• 12m & 10m: Try late morning to early afternoon for possible short openings

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline propagation will favor 40m and 20m at sunrise and sunset—watch for enhanced long-path DX.
• 20m remains open for intercontinental contacts most of the day and night.
• 15m and 17m may support trans-equatorial and north-south paths during midday.
• No significant aurora activity—VHF/UHF auroral propagation is unlikely.
• Watch for brief 10m/12m openings around local noon, especially to equatorial regions.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Analysis:

• 20m is the most reliable band for all-day and night operation, supporting both DX and regional contacts.
• 80m and 40m are best at night and into early morning, with fair conditions during the day—ideal for local and regional nets.
• 17m and 15m offer fair conditions, mainly during daylight; check for midday DX, especially on north-south paths.
• 12m and 10m are marginal, with fair conditions possible during daylight but generally poor at night—use digital modes for best results.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 0-1 (very quiet) — Minimal geomagnetic disturbances, low noise floors
• Solar Flux: 120-122 — Moderate solar energy, supports mid-band openings but limits higher bands
• Sunspot Number: 79-81 — Sustains decent HF propagation, but not enough for consistent high-band DX
• Space Weather: No major flares or disturbances; X-ray flux at C1.2 (minor activity)

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained at or near 0-1 for the past 24 hours, indicating stable and quiet geomagnetic conditions.
• No recent spikes or disturbances—conditions are steady and favorable for HF propagation.
• Expect low QRN (noise) and minimal signal fading.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: C1.2 — Minor solar flare activity, no HF blackout risk
• Solar Wind Speed: 468.6 km/s — Slightly elevated but not enough to disturb geomagnetic conditions
• Particle Environment: Electron flux: 1650 (moderate), Proton flux: 10 (quiet) — No significant impact on HF
• Aurora Activity: 1 — Very low; auroral propagation on VHF/UHF is not expected
• Helium Line: 107.4 — Indicates stable solar output, no trend toward increased activity

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Over the past several months, solar flux and sunspot numbers have gradually decreased from late 2025 peaks (solar flux ~160, SSN ~125) to current moderate levels (solar flux ~120, SSN ~79).
• This trend means high-band (12m/10m) openings are less frequent than earlier in the cycle, but mid-bands (20m/17m/15m) remain reliable.
• No major solar events or geomagnetic storms have occurred recently, supporting stable HF conditions.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Propagation is expected to remain stable for the next three days, with no major solar or geomagnetic disturbances forecast.
• 20m will continue to be the most reliable DX band.
• 80m/40m will provide strong nighttime performance.
• High bands (15m, 12m, 10m) may see brief daytime openings but will remain challenging for long-haul DX.
• No alerts or warnings are in effect—enjoy the calm conditions and listen for rare DX during grayline!