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 outlook is promising, with a high solar flux of 195 and a healthy sunspot number of 129, both supporting strong daytime openings on the higher bands. The K-index is at 0, indicating very quiet geomagnetic conditions—great news for stable propagation and minimal noise. Expect excellent opportunities on 20m through 10m during the day, with lower bands (80m/40m) shining at night. Operators should take advantage of these stable conditions for both local and DX contacts, especially on the higher bands while the sun is active.

💡 Operator Tips:

• Focus on 20m, 17m, 15m, 12m, and 10m during daylight for best DX results.
• Use 80m and 40m at night for reliable regional and intercontinental contacts.
• Digital modes (FT8, FT4) will excel on all bands, especially for marginal openings.
• With low geomagnetic activity, try SSB and CW for long-haul DX—signals should be clean and stable.
• For VHF/UHF, auroral activity is low, so focus on tropo and sporadic-E rather than aurora paths.

⏰ Best Operating Times

During the daytime, 20m through 10m are all showing good conditions—ideal for DX and intercontinental contacts. 80m and 40m are best at night and early morning, with poor performance during the day due to D-layer absorption. 12m and 10m will fade after sunset, so work these bands while the sun is up.

🌍 DX Opportunities

• 20m–10m bands are open for long-haul DX, especially along east-west paths during daylight.
• Grayline propagation is strong at sunrise and sunset—target distant regions along the terminator for enhanced signals.
• With the K-index at 0, polar paths are open—try for rare northern and southern DX.
• No major aurora or geomagnetic disturbances expected, so signals should be stable and low noise.
• Watch for sporadic-E on 10m and 6m, especially in the afternoon and early evening.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Analysis:

• Best daytime bands: 20m, 17m, 15m, 12m, 10m—all are good for DX and intercontinental work.
• Evening/night: 80m and 40m become good for regional and some DX, while higher bands close.
• 10m and 12m: Take advantage of these bands during daylight for rare openings and short skip.
• 20m–15m: Remain reliable throughout the day and into the evening for both local and DX.
• 80m/40m: Use at night for best results, especially for continent-to-continent contacts.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 0 (very quiet geomagnetic field), meaning minimal disturbances and low noise.
• Solar Flux: 195 (high), supporting strong F-layer ionization and excellent high-band propagation.
• Sunspot Number: 129 (active), indicating a robust solar cycle phase and more frequent band openings.
• Space Weather: No major flares or disturbances reported; X-ray flux is at C2.9 (moderate).

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained at or near 0 for the past 24 hours, showing stable and quiet geomagnetic conditions.
• No recent geomagnetic storms or disturbances—propagation is steady, with minimal fading or absorption.
• These conditions favor polar and trans-equatorial paths and reduce noise on all bands.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: Currently at C2.9—moderate, with no risk of HF blackouts. Occasional minor fadeouts possible on the sunlit side.
• Solar Wind: Speed at 343.8 km/s—moderate and steady, not likely to trigger geomagnetic storms.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux is elevated (1780), which can enhance daytime MUF but may cause minor QSB on higher bands.
• Aurora Activity: Level 2—very low; auroral propagation on VHF/UHF is unlikely.
• Helium Line: 122.7—indicates moderate solar activity, supporting continued good HF propagation.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• The past several months show a gradual decline in solar flux and sunspot numbers from late 2025 into spring 2026, but recent values have rebounded, supporting today’s strong conditions.
• This rebound means higher bands (15m, 12m, 10m) are open more frequently now than earlier in the year.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Expect continued quiet geomagnetic conditions and high solar flux for the next few days.
• 20m–10m will remain strong during daylight, with 80m/40m best at night.
• No significant space weather alerts or warnings—enjoy the stable bands and plan for DX!
• Watch for possible minor flare activity, but no major disruptions are forecasted.