Amateur Radio Propagation Report

Sun Images for Past 72 Hours

Images copyrighted by the SDO/NASA and Helioviewer project

📋 Propagation Summary

Today’s HF propagation is shaped by moderate solar activity and very quiet geomagnetic conditions. With a solar flux of 99 (recently trending down from higher values) and a sunspot number of 53, expect solid performance on the lower bands (80m-20m), while higher bands (15m-10m) will be more challenging. The K-index is at 0, indicating minimal geomagnetic disturbance and stable conditions, ideal for reliable contacts, especially on the lower frequencies. Operators should focus on nighttime and early morning for DX on 40m/80m, and use 20m during the day for regional and some intercontinental contacts. High bands (12m/10m) are mostly closed, so plan accordingly.

💡 Operator Tips

• Prioritize 80m, 40m, and 20m for both local and DX contacts—these bands are currently the most reliable.
• Use digital modes (FT8, PSK31, RTTY) on 17m and 15m to maximize weak signal performance.
• For voice and CW, stick to 40m and 20m during daylight and 80m at night for best results.
• Monitor grayline times for enhanced DX, especially on 40m and 20m.
• VHF/UHF propagation remains normal; no aurora or enhanced conditions expected.
• If contesting, focus your efforts on the lower bands and use spotting networks to catch rare openings on 17m/15m.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m & 40m: Best at night and early morning for long-haul DX; good for local QSOs throughout the day.
• 20m: Good during daylight hours, especially late morning through afternoon.
• 17m & 15m: Fair during midday; use digital modes for best results.
• 12m & 10m: Poor throughout the day and night—monitor for sporadic-E, but don’t expect reliable openings.
• Grayline (sunrise/sunset): Enhanced propagation on 40m and 20m for DX.

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline paths are your best bet for DX, especially on 40m and 20m—target east-west paths at sunrise and sunset.
• 80m/40m: Look for transcontinental and intercontinental DX during local night, especially toward sunrise/sunset.
• 20m: Some daytime DX possible, especially to equatorial and low-latitude regions.
• 17m/15m: Occasional short openings possible, mainly to southern latitudes—watch for cluster spots.
• No significant aurora or polar openings expected; VHF/UHF DX unlikely.
• No major solar events or special propagation phenomena forecasted.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Analysis:
80m, 40m, and 20m are the most reliable bands throughout the day and night, offering consistent performance for both local and DX contacts. 17m and 15m may yield some contacts, especially with digital modes, but expect only fair conditions. 12m and 10m are largely closed due to low solar flux and sunspot numbers—watch for rare short openings, but don’t count on them for regular activity.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 0 – Very quiet geomagnetic field, excellent for stable HF propagation and minimal fading or absorption.
• Solar Flux: 99 – Below average, resulting in lower maximum usable frequencies (MUF) and limited high-band openings.
• Sunspot Number: 53 – Moderate, supporting good conditions on lower bands but not enough for strong 12m/10m activity.
• Space Weather Overview: No significant solar flares or disturbances; X-ray flux at B4.1 (quiet), solar wind at 393.6 km/s (average), and aurora index at 1 (very low).

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained at or near 0 over the past 24 hours, indicating very stable and quiet geomagnetic conditions.
• No recent geomagnetic storms or disturbances—this stability favors long-haul HF propagation, especially on 80m-20m.
• Expect continued low absorption and minimal auroral interference for the next day or two.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B4.1 – Very low, meaning no risk of HF blackouts or sudden ionospheric disturbances.
• Solar Wind: 393.6 km/s – Average speed, not enough to trigger geomagnetic activity.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux at 2030 (moderate), proton flux at 10 (quiet)—no significant impact on propagation.
• Aurora Activity: 1 – Very low, so no auroral propagation expected on VHF/UHF; northern operators should not expect aurora openings.
• Helium Line: 100.8 – Indicates stable solar output, with no major changes expected in the near term.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Solar flux and sunspot numbers have declined steadily since late 2025, from highs of ~160 down to current levels near 99 (solar flux) and 53 (sunspots).
• This downward trend means lower MUFs and less reliable high-band propagation, but still supports good conditions on 80m-20m.
• No major solar storms or flares have occurred recently, so conditions have remained stable.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• HF propagation will remain stable with quiet geomagnetic conditions and moderate solar activity.
• 80m-20m bands will continue to offer the best opportunities for both local and DX contacts.
• 12m and 10m will likely remain poor—monitor for rare short openings, but focus efforts on lower bands.
• No alerts or warnings for amateur radio operators at this time.
• VHF/UHF propagation will remain normal, with no auroral or enhanced conditions expected.