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 moderate state, with solar flux at 121 and a sunspot number of 66. The K-index is at 0, indicating very quiet geomagnetic conditions, which is favorable for stable HF propagation and low noise. Most bands from 80m to 20m are showing good to fair conditions, especially during nighttime and daylight hours. Higher bands (15m, 12m, 10m) are only fair during the day and tend to be poor or closed at night. Operators should take advantage of the low geomagnetic activity for DX on the lower bands and watch for short daytime openings on higher bands.

💡 Operator Tips

• Prioritize 20m and 40m for reliable regional and DX contacts throughout the day and evening.
• 80m and 40m will be your best bet for nighttime operations, with lower noise and improved reach.
• 15m, 12m, and 10m may open briefly during local midday—monitor for sporadic E or short-skip, especially if you’re chasing DX.
• Use digital modes (FT8, FT4, PSK31) on higher bands to maximize weak signal contacts.
• Vertical antennas and directional beams will help on higher bands; use resonant dipoles for lower bands.
• With low K-index, long-path and grayline DX is more likely—watch sunrise/sunset paths for surprises.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m & 40m: Best at night and early morning; fair during the day.
• 20m: Good all day and into the evening.
• 17m & 15m: Fair during daylight, especially late morning to afternoon.
• 12m & 10m: Watch for midday openings; generally poor at night.
• Grayline (sunrise/sunset): Enhanced propagation on all bands, especially 40m and 20m.

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline paths are especially promising on 40m and 20m—target DX at your local sunrise and sunset.
• Low K-index means polar and trans-equatorial paths are open; try for long-haul DX on 20m and 17m.
• 10m and 12m may offer short, sporadic E openings—monitor for brief DX windows around noon.
• No significant aurora activity means northern paths are stable, but VHF aurora is unlikely.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

• 80m and 40m are your go-to bands for night and early morning—expect strong signals and low noise.
• 20m is the most reliable all-around band, open nearly all day and evening for both local and DX work.
• 17m and 15m offer fair conditions during daylight; check these bands for regional and some DX, especially in the afternoon.
• 12m and 10m are marginal, with only fair daytime openings—good for local or short-skip, but not reliable for DX except during brief enhancements.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 0 — Very quiet geomagnetic field, ideal for stable HF propagation and low noise.
• Solar Flux (10.7cm): 121 — Moderate level, supporting decent daytime MUF and band openings.
• Sunspot Number: 66 — Moderate, enough for some high band activity but not peak conditions.
• Space Weather: No significant flares or disturbances; X-ray flux at B5.8 (quiet).

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained at or near 0 for the past 24 hours, indicating very stable and quiet geomagnetic conditions.
• No recent geomagnetic storms or disturbances—conditions have been stable and are expected to remain so, favoring long-haul and polar path propagation.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B5.8 — Low X-ray flux, so no risk of HF blackouts or sudden fadeouts.
• Solar Wind: 367.2 km/s — Moderate speed, not likely to trigger geomagnetic activity.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux at 1950 (moderate), proton flux at 12 (quiet)—no negative impact on HF propagation.
• Aurora Activity: 1 — Very low, so auroral propagation on VHF/UHF is unlikely; HF polar paths are stable.
• Helium Line: 109.6 — Stable, no sign of major solar upswings or flare risk.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Recent solar flux and sunspot trends show a gradual decline since mid-2026, with current values lower than the spring peak. This means high bands (15m, 12m, 10m) are less reliable, but low and mid bands (20m, 40m, 80m) remain solid.
• No major solar events or spikes in recent months—propagation is steady but not at solar maximum levels.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Expect continued quiet geomagnetic conditions with K-index likely to remain low.
• HF propagation will remain stable on 80m–20m, with only minor day-to-day variation.
• High bands (15m, 12m, 10m) will continue to offer only brief, fair openings during daylight.
• No space weather alerts or warnings are in effect—enjoy the calm and plan for extended operating sessions, especially on the lower bands.
• Watch for grayline DX and be ready for any surprise openings on 10m/12m around local noon.