Amateur Radio Propagation Report

Sun Images for Past 72 Hours

Images copyrighted by the SDO/NASA and Helioviewer project

📋 Propagation Summary: HF propagation is looking solid today thanks to a solar flux of 143 and a sunspot number of 123, both indicating enhanced ionization for the higher bands. The K-index is very low (0-1), meaning geomagnetic conditions are quiet and stable—great news for long-distance contacts and low noise levels. Expect good to fair conditions on most bands, with the best performance on 20m, 17m, and 15m during the day and evening. 10m and 12m may open for short periods, especially during daylight, but will be less reliable at night. Take advantage of the calm geomagnetic field for DX and enjoy the improved band openings!

💡 Operator Tips

• Daytime: Focus on 20m, 17m, and 15m for reliable DX and regional contacts. Try FT8 and other digital modes for marginal openings on 12m and 10m.
• Nighttime: 40m and 80m will be your best bets for both local and longer-haul QSOs, with reduced noise due to low geomagnetic activity.
• Antennas: Use directional antennas on higher bands to chase DX; verticals or dipoles work well on the lower bands.
• Modes: Digital modes (FT8, FT4) will help you squeeze out contacts on weaker bands, while SSB and CW are strong choices on 20m-40m.
• Contesting/DX: Now is a great time for DXing and contesting—watch for grayline enhancements at sunrise and sunset.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m & 40m: Best at night and early morning (local time)
• 20m, 17m, 15m: Best from late morning through early evening
• 12m & 10m: Try late morning to mid-afternoon; watch for short-lived openings
• Grayline (dawn/dusk): Enhanced long-path DX on 40m and 20m

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline paths are especially promising on 40m and 20m—plan for sunrise/sunset DX.
• 20m, 17m, and 15m are open for intercontinental contacts, especially toward Europe, Africa, and South America.
• 10m and 12m may support sporadic E or short F2 openings—monitor beacons and cluster spots.
• Low K-index means polar and trans-equatorial paths are more likely to be open.
• No significant aurora—northern operators can expect stable HF and VHF conditions.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Analysis:

• 20m, 17m, and 15m are the most consistent performers throughout the day and evening—ideal for DX and reliable regional contacts.
• 40m and 80m are best after sunset and before sunrise, supporting both local and some DX paths.
• 12m and 10m offer fair conditions during daylight, but expect them to close after dark.
• No bands are fully closed—even higher bands may surprise you with brief openings, especially to southern latitudes.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 0-1 (Very quiet geomagnetic field)—minimal auroral or polar absorption, low noise, and stable propagation.
• Solar Flux (10.7cm): 143 (High)—supports strong ionization, especially on 15m-10m.
• Sunspot Number: 123 (Elevated)—indicates active solar regions, improving F2 layer propagation.
• Space Weather: No major flares or disturbances; X-ray flux is at B9.3 (low), so no HF blackouts expected.

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• Recent K-index trend: Stable at 0-1 over the past 24 hours, indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions.
• Impact: Excellent for HF propagation, especially for polar and high-latitude paths. No recent geomagnetic storms or disturbances to degrade signal quality.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B9.3 (low)—no risk of sudden ionospheric disturbances or HF blackouts.
• Solar Wind Speed: 362 km/s (moderate/normal)—no significant impact on geomagnetic stability.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux at 1220 and proton flux at 18—both within normal ranges, so no unusual absorption or noise.
• Aurora: 1 (very low)—no auroral activity, so VHF/UHF propagation remains typical.
• Helium Line: 127.6—steady, indicating stable solar output and no major changes expected.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Historical solar flux and sunspot trends show a slight decrease from early 2026 highs but remain well above average, supporting continued good HF propagation.
• Recent months: Solar flux has ranged from 120 to 151, and sunspot numbers have stayed in the 80-120 range—both favorable for HF.
• No major drops or spikes in solar activity, so band conditions should remain consistent.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Propagation outlook: Expect continued good HF conditions with quiet geomagnetic activity and stable solar flux.
• Best bands: 20m, 17m, and 15m for daytime DX; 40m and 80m for nighttime.
• Watch for: Brief 10m/12m openings during daylight, especially if solar flux ticks up.
• No alerts or warnings—enjoy the stable conditions and plan for DX, contests, or casual operating!