Amateur Radio Propagation Report

Sun Images for Past 72 Hours

Images copyrighted by the SDO/NASA and Helioviewer project

📋 Propagation Summary: HF propagation today is moderately favorable, with solar flux at 126 and sunspot numbers around 78—a solid baseline for reliable daytime and evening operation on the higher bands. K-index is low (2), indicating stable geomagnetic conditions and minimal disturbances. Expect good openings on 20m, 17m, and 15m throughout the day and evening, while 80m and 40m will perform best at night. 12m and 10m are less reliable but may offer brief openings during peak solar hours. Keep an eye on the C1.1 X-ray flux; minor solar flare activity could cause short-term HF disruptions.

💡 Operator Tips:

• Daytime: Focus on 20m, 17m, and 15m for consistent DX and regional contacts.
• Nighttime: Switch to 80m and 40m for strong local and regional signals.
• Modes: Use FT8, CW, or other weak-signal digital modes on higher bands (12m/10m) to maximize chances during brief openings.
• Antennas: Multi-band dipoles or verticals will cover most opportunities; consider directional antennas for DX on 20m–15m.
• Contesting/DX: Target grayline periods for best long-haul DX, especially on 20m and 40m.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m & 40m: Best after sunset through early morning; avoid midday for lowest noise and best propagation.
• 20m, 17m, 15m: Excellent from late morning through early evening; 20m may remain open into the night.
• 12m & 10m: Try late morning to mid-afternoon, especially during solar peak hours (watch for short-lived openings).
• Grayline: Around sunrise and sunset, all bands may briefly improve for DX.

🌍 DX Opportunities

• 20m, 17m, and 15m are your best bets for intercontinental DX, especially along east-west paths.
• Grayline enhancements on 40m and 20m can enable long-haul contacts—watch sunrise/sunset windows.
• 10m & 12m: Sporadic-E and solar-driven openings possible, but less frequent; monitor cluster spots for sudden activity.
• Aurora activity is low (Aurora: 4), so VHF/UHF auroral propagation is unlikely today.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Analysis:

• 20m, 17m, and 15m are the most reliable bands throughout the day and into the evening, offering consistent regional and DX propagation.
• 80m and 40m are best at night and during the evening, with fair conditions in the morning and daytime.
• 12m and 10m are marginal—fair during daylight, but likely closed or poor at night. Use digital modes for best results on these bands.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 2 (Low geomagnetic activity; stable HF conditions, minimal absorption or auroral effects)
• Solar Flux: 126 (Moderate; supports good propagation on 20m–15m, occasional 12m/10m openings)
• Sunspot Number: 78 (Sustains decent ionization; not peak cycle, but enough for reliable HF)
• Space Weather Overview: Minor C1.1 X-ray flare activity noted; monitor for brief HF blackouts, especially on sunlit paths.

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• Recent K-index trend: Stable and low over the past 24 hours, indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions.
• Impact: No significant disturbances expected; HF propagation remains steady, with minimal fading or absorption.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: C1.1 (Minor flare activity; possible brief HF blackouts, mainly on sunlit paths)
• Solar Wind: 569 km/s (Elevated, but not extreme; may cause minor geomagnetic fluctuations, but no major impacts)
• Particle Environment: Electron flux at 1370 and proton flux at 10 (normal to slightly elevated; minimal impact on HF)
• Aurora Activity: Level 4 (Low; auroral propagation on VHF/UHF unlikely)
• Helium Line: 119.0 (Stable; no major solar trend changes detected)

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Historical Trends: Solar flux has remained in the 120–138 range over the past 6 months, with sunspot numbers fluctuating between 77 and 101. This supports consistent HF propagation, though not at solar maximum levels.
• Sunspot numbers have dipped slightly since early 2026, but remain sufficient for good HF activity.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Propagation is expected to remain stable with continued low geomagnetic activity and moderate solar flux.
• 20m, 17m, and 15m will continue to be the best bands for DX and general operation.
• Monitor for minor flare activity (C-class) that could cause short-term HF disruptions, especially on the sunlit side.
• No major geomagnetic storms or auroral events are forecast; VHF/UHF auroral propagation is unlikely.
• Operators should watch for brief 10m/12m openings during peak solar hours, especially if solar flux ticks upward.