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 moderate to challenging due to a low solar flux (89) and a low sunspot number (22). 80m and 40m bands are performing best, especially at night and early morning, while higher bands (20m and above) are experiencing poor to fair conditions. Geomagnetic activity is very quiet (K-index 0), which helps stabilize lower bands, but the lack of solar energy limits openings on 15m, 12m, and 10m. Operators should focus on low bands for reliable contacts and expect limited DX on higher frequencies.

💡 Operator Tips

• Prioritize 80m and 40m for regional and some DX contacts, especially during local night and early morning.
• Use digital modes (FT8, JT65, PSK31) on 20m and above to maximize weak signal work.
• Vertical antennas and low-noise receiving setups will help on 80m/40m.
• For DX, try grayline times on 40m and 20m; higher bands may open briefly to equatorial and low-latitude paths.
• Monitor the K-index: If it rises, expect increased noise and fading, especially on higher bands.
• Contesters: Focus on low bands for multipliers; check 20m for short openings.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m/40m: Best at night through early morning; good for both local and some DX.
• 20m: Fair during daylight, especially mid-morning to late afternoon.
• 17m/15m/12m/10m: Poor all day, but try midday for any short-lived openings, especially during solar flux upticks.
• Grayline (sunrise/sunset): Enhanced propagation on 40m and 20m for long-haul DX.

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline paths on 40m and 20m offer the best chance for intercontinental DX, especially east-west.
• Equatorial and low-latitude paths may see brief 15m/17m openings around local noon.
• Aurora activity is very low, so VHF auroral propagation is unlikely.
• Watch for sporadic-E on 10m, but chances are slim with current solar numbers.
• No major solar events expected, so conditions should remain stable.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Analysis:
80m and 40m are the most reliable bands throughout the 24-hour period, with consistent good conditions for both local and regional work, and some DX at night. 20m is marginal, with only fair conditions—use digital modes for best results. 17m through 10m are mostly poor and unlikely to support much activity except for occasional short openings, especially if solar flux rises unexpectedly.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 0 (very quiet geomagnetic field)—favors stable low-band conditions, minimal auroral disturbance.
• Solar Flux: 89 (low)—limits ionization, especially on higher bands (15m and above).
• Sunspot Number: 22 (low)—reflects weak solar activity, reducing chances for strong HF propagation.
• Space Weather Overview: No significant solar flares or disturbances; X-ray activity is low (B2.6).

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained at or near 0 for the past 24 hours, indicating very stable geomagnetic conditions.
• No recent geomagnetic storms or disturbances.
• This stability benefits low-band propagation (80m/40m) but does not compensate for low solar flux on higher bands.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B2.6 (very low)—no risk of HF blackouts, stable conditions.
• Solar Wind: 317 km/s (quiet)—low likelihood of geomagnetic storms, supports calm band conditions.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux: 3190 (moderate)—no significant impact on HF, but can occasionally cause minor absorption.
• Aurora Activity: 1 (very low)—no auroral propagation expected, VHF/UHF operators will not see aurora-related openings.
• Helium Line: 105.2—indicates continued low solar activity; no trend toward increased solar events.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Recent Solar Flux Trend: Over the last 6 months, solar flux has declined steadily from ~138 to the current 89, matching a drop in sunspot numbers from over 100 to around 22.
• Historical Sunspot Numbers: The sunspot number has dropped from a high of 124 in late 2025 to 60 in September 2026, with current values even lower.
• Impact: This downward trend means reduced MUF (maximum usable frequency), closing higher bands and favoring low-band operation.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Solar activity is expected to remain low; no major flares or geomagnetic storms are forecast.
• K-index likely to stay at 0-1, so low bands will remain stable and quiet.
• HF conditions will continue to favor 80m and 40m, with 20m marginal and higher bands mostly closed.
• No alerts or warnings for amateur radio operators at this time.
• Recommendation: Stay active on 80m/40m, use digital modes on 20m, and monitor for any surprise openings on higher bands around local noon or during brief solar upticks.