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 shaped by moderate solar activity and very quiet geomagnetic conditions. With a solar flux near 136 and a K-index of 0, expect generally stable propagation, especially on the lower and mid bands. 80m, 40m, and 20m are performing well throughout the day and night, while higher bands like 15m and 17m are only fair, and 12m/10m remain challenging. There are no major space weather disturbances, so operators can expect predictable band behavior and low noise. Now is a good time for reliable regional and some DX contacts, especially on the classic bands.

💡 Operator Tips:

• Focus your efforts on 80m, 40m, and 20m for both local and DX work—these bands offer the best reliability today.
• For DX, target grayline periods on 40m and 20m; use digital modes (FT8, PSK) for weak-signal work, especially on 17m/15m.
• High bands (12m/10m) are mostly poor—try only during local noon or if you spot sporadic E openings.
• Keep antennas resonant and low-noise—low geomagnetic activity means weak signals can be heard.
• With quiet geomagnetic conditions, even modest stations can work DX—try QRP or portable setups.
• Monitor cluster spots for any surprise band openings, especially on 15m.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m/40m/20m: Consistently good all day and night—ideal for both local and long-haul contacts.
• 17m/15m: Fair—possible openings, especially during daylight, but less reliable for DX.
• 12m/10m: Poor—expect these bands to be mostly closed except for rare short openings.

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline paths on 40m and 20m are your best bet for DX—try sunrise and sunset for transcontinental contacts.
• 20m remains open to many regions during daylight and into evening; check for long-path openings.
• 17m/15m may offer brief DX windows around local noon, especially north-south paths.
• 10m/12m: Only attempt if you see cluster activity or hear beacons—otherwise, focus on lower bands.
• No major aurora or polar path enhancements expected due to low geomagnetic activity.
• Watch for possible sporadic E on 10m, but chances are low.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Analysis:

• 80m, 40m, and 20m are the most reliable bands for all operating periods—expect solid NVIS and regional coverage, with good DX potential on 40m/20m.
• 17m and 15m offer fair conditions—try for mid-distance and occasional DX, especially midday.
• 12m and 10m are mostly poor—skip these unless you spot a surprise opening.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 0 (very quiet)—minimal geomagnetic disturbance, excellent for low-noise HF operation.
• Solar Flux (10.7cm): 136 (moderate)—supports good propagation on 20m and below; higher bands need more flux.
• Sunspot Number: 78 (moderate)—enough for stable lower band propagation, but not enough for regular 10m/12m openings.
• Space Weather Overview: No major flares or disturbances; X-ray flux is low (B3.2), so blackouts are unlikely.

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained very low and stable over the past 24 hours, with no significant spikes or disturbances.
• This trend means quiet geomagnetic conditions, resulting in low D-layer absorption and minimal auroral interference.
• Expect stable propagation, especially on low and mid bands, and less QRM from geomagnetic noise.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B3.2 (low)—no risk of HF blackouts or sudden ionospheric disturbances.
• Solar Wind Speed: 350.5 km/s—a gentle solar wind, not likely to trigger geomagnetic storms.
• Particle Environment:
  • Electron Flux: 1520—slightly elevated but not at levels that would cause major propagation issues.
  • Proton Flux: 250—well below storm thresholds.
• Aurora Activity: 2 (very low)—no auroral propagation expected; VHF/UHF aurora paths are unlikely.
• Helium Line: 113.8—indicative of moderate solar activity, consistent with current stable conditions.
• Practical Impact: No significant space weather threats; operators can expect predictable HF performance.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Over the past several months, solar flux has fluctuated between 120 and 138, with a recent value of 136.
• Sunspot numbers have trended slightly downward from early 2026 but remain in the moderate range (70s–90s).
• This pattern supports good low/mid band propagation but limits high band (12m/10m) activity.
• No recent major solar events or geomagnetic storms have disrupted the ionosphere.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Expect continued quiet geomagnetic conditions (low K-index) and moderate solar activity.
• 80m, 40m, and 20m will remain the best choices for reliable contacts.
• 17m/15m may open briefly around midday; check for DX but expect only fair conditions.
• 12m/10m likely to stay poor—monitor for rare short openings, especially if solar flux rises.
• No alerts or warnings; stable conditions favor both casual and DX operators.