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 phase, with solar flux at 120–141 and sunspot numbers near 79–148, supporting decent daytime and nighttime activity on most bands. Geomagnetic conditions are quiet (K-index 0–2), so noise and absorption are low, favoring stable propagation especially for mid- and high-latitude operators. Expect good performance on 20m, 17m, and 15m throughout the day and evening, with lower bands (80m, 40m) improving after sunset. High bands (12m, 10m) are only fair during the day and mostly poor at night. No major space weather warnings are in effect—operators can plan for routine operations with some DX opportunities.

💡 Operator Tips

• Focus on 20m, 17m, and 15m for reliable daytime and evening contacts, including DX.
• 80m and 40m will be best at night for regional and some DX work—try these after local sunset.
• 10m and 12m may open briefly during the day, especially for north-south paths; use FT8 or CW for weak signals.
• Digital modes (FT8, PSK31) and CW will outperform SSB on marginal bands.
• Keep an ear on the grayline—sunrise and sunset can yield surprise openings, especially on 40m and 20m.
• Use low-noise antennas and check your noise floor, as geomagnetic quiet means weak signals are easier to copy.

⏰ Best Operating Times

🌍 DX Opportunities

• 20m and 17m: Good for intercontinental DX, especially along the grayline at sunrise/sunset.
• 15m: Open for DX during daylight, especially on north-south paths (e.g., Europe to South America).
• 10m/12m: Watch for sporadic E or brief F-layer openings, especially during local noon.
• Grayline: Enhanced propagation on 40m and 20m at sunrise and sunset—target distant regions in opposing hemispheres.
• No major auroral activity, so polar paths are stable and low-latitude DX is favored.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

• 20m, 17m, and 15m are the most reliable for both local and DX contacts throughout the day and evening.
• 80m and 40m improve significantly after dark—ideal for regional nets and some DX.
• 10m and 12m offer only fair daytime propagation, with poor conditions at night—use digital modes for best results.
• No bands are completely closed, but high bands are marginal except during peak solar hours.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 0–2 (very quiet)—minimal geomagnetic disturbance, low absorption, and low noise.
• Solar Flux: 120–141 (moderate)—supports decent F-layer propagation, especially on 20m–15m.
• Sunspot Number: 79–148 (moderate to high)—good for HF, especially for higher bands.
• Space Weather: No major flares or storms; X-ray flux at C1.9 (minor), so no HF blackouts expected.

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained low (0–2) over the past 24 hours, indicating stable and quiet geomagnetic conditions.
• No recent spikes or disturbances—propagation is steady, with minimal auroral absorption or polar path disruption.
• These conditions are favorable for long-haul HF and low-noise reception.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: C1.9 (minor)—no significant risk of HF blackouts, but keep an ear out for sudden changes.
• Solar Wind: 404.8 km/s (moderate)—no major geomagnetic impact; stable HF and VHF propagation.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux at 2850 (elevated but not extreme); proton flux at 18 (quiet)—no radio blackouts or polar cap absorption.
• Aurora: Level 2 (very low)—no auroral propagation expected; VHF/UHF aurora paths are closed.
• Helium Line: 127.6—indicates moderate ongoing solar activity, with no major trend shifts.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Over the past 6 months, solar flux has gradually decreased from a high of 160 (Dec 2025) to 120 (Apr 2026), with sunspot numbers following a similar trend.
• This slow decline means high bands (10m/12m) are less reliable than during peak months, but mid bands (20m/17m/15m) remain strong.
• No major solar events or sudden drops—propagation is predictable and steady.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Expect continued quiet geomagnetic conditions (K-index 0–2), with stable solar flux and sunspot numbers.
• 20m, 17m, and 15m will remain the best bands for DX and general contacts.
• 80m and 40m will continue to improve at night; 10m/12m will have only brief daytime openings.
• No alerts or warnings—routine operations recommended. Watch for grayline DX and make the most of stable conditions!