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 with a solar flux index of 118 and a sunspot number of 76. The K-index is low at 2, indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions—good news for HF stability. Expect good propagation on 20m throughout the day and night, while higher bands (12m, 10m) will be challenging. Lower bands (80m, 40m) will be fair during the day and good at night, making them reliable for regional and some DX contacts. Take advantage of the stable geomagnetic field and focus on the bands that are open for the best results.

💡 Operator Tips

• Focus on 20m for reliable DX and intercontinental contacts, especially during daylight and early evening hours.
• 80m and 40m will be your go-to bands for nighttime operations—expect less noise and better regional coverage.
• Digital modes (FT8, PSK31, RTTY) are recommended on higher bands (15m, 12m, 10m) to maximize weak signal work.
• Use directional antennas and monitor grayline times for enhanced DX, especially on 20m and 40m.
• For contesters: prioritize 20m and 40m for rate, and check 17m/15m for sporadic openings.
• Portable/VHF ops: Aurora is low, so VHF/UHF propagation is typical—no special enhancements expected.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m/40m: Best at night and early morning for low-noise, long-haul contacts.
• 20m: Open all day and evening—prime time for DX.
• 17m/15m: Usable during midday and early afternoon; check for short-lived openings.
• 12m/10m: Limited openings, mostly midday if any.
• Grayline: 20m and 40m are especially productive during sunrise and sunset.

🌍 DX Opportunities

• 20m: Consistent DX paths open across east-west and some north-south routes, especially during daylight and grayline.
• 40m: Good for transcontinental and intercontinental DX at night; check grayline for enhanced propagation.
• Grayline: Watch for enhanced signals to/from regions in dawn/dusk—especially on 20m and 40m.
• Special Events: No major space weather events; expect stable but not spectacular DX conditions.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Analysis:

• 20m is the most reliable band for both day and night operations, supporting DX and long-haul contacts.
• 80m and 40m are best at night and early morning, with fair conditions during the day—ideal for regional and some DX.
• 17m and 15m offer fair conditions, mainly midday; check for short, sporadic openings.
• 12m and 10m are mostly closed or poor—only attempt during peak solar hours with digital modes.
• For VHF/UHF, no significant auroral or enhanced propagation is expected.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 2 (quiet geomagnetic field)—supports stable HF conditions, minimal disruptions.
• Solar Flux (10.7cm): 118 (moderate)—enough for 20m/17m/15m activity, but not strong enough for reliable 10m/12m propagation.
• Sunspot Number: 76—moderate, supporting decent propagation but not peak cycle conditions.
• Space Weather Overview: No major flares or storms; X-ray flux at B9.1 (quiet), solar wind at 394 km/s (normal), and aurora index at 3 (low).

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained low and stable over the past 24 hours, indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions.
• No recent geomagnetic storms or disturbances—propagation is stable and predictable.
• Expect continued low noise and minimal fading, especially on lower bands.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B9.1—quiet X-ray flux, so no HF blackouts or sudden ionospheric disturbances expected.
• Solar Wind: 394.1 km/s—normal speed, meaning no enhanced geomagnetic activity.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux at 1500 (moderate), proton flux at 12 (quiet)—no significant impact on HF propagation.
• Aurora Activity: 3—low, so VHF/UHF auroral propagation is unlikely for northern operators.
• Helium Line: 113.8—steady, indicating stable solar output with no major changes expected.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Over the past several months, solar flux has gradually decreased from a high of 160 in December 2025 to around 120 now.
• Sunspot numbers have also trended lower, from over 120 to the current 76–79 range, reflecting a slight decline in solar activity.
• This trend means high bands (12m/10m) are less likely to open, while 20m and lower bands remain reliable.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Expect continued moderate solar activity with stable geomagnetic conditions.
• 20m will remain the best all-around band for DX and general operation.
• 80m/40m will provide solid nighttime performance; 17m/15m may open briefly during the day.
• No alerts or warnings—enjoy stable conditions and plan for routine HF operation.