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 moderately favorable, with solar flux at 143 and a sunspot number of 138 supporting good conditions on most bands. The K-index is very low (0-1), indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions and stable propagation, especially for mid and high-latitude operators. Expect good performance on 20m, 17m, and 15m throughout the day and evening, while 10m and 12m may be more variable. Nighttime low bands (80m/40m) will be reliable for regional and some DX contacts. No major space weather disturbances are expected, so take advantage of the stable bands for both local and DX work.

💡 Operator Tips

• For DX: Focus on 20m, 17m, and 15m during daylight and early evening hours—these bands offer the best global reach today.
• Digital modes (FT8, FT4, PSK) will help you make the most of marginal openings, especially on 12m/10m.
• CW and SSB are both viable on 40m–20m; try CW for weak-signal work on the higher bands.
• Use grayline periods (sunrise/sunset) for enhanced long-path DX, especially on 40m and 20m.
• Contesters: Plan for extended runs on 20m and 15m, with good evening activity on 40m.
• Keep an eye on real-time solar data for any sudden changes, but expect generally stable conditions today.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m/40m: Best at night and early morning for local/regional QSOs and some DX.
• 20m/17m/15m: Excellent from late morning through sunset for worldwide DX.
• 12m/10m: Fair during midday and early afternoon; check for sporadic E or short-lived F2 openings.
• Grayline: Use sunrise/sunset for enhanced propagation on 40m and 20m.

🌍 DX Opportunities

• 20m and 17m: Consistent worldwide DX paths, especially east-west.
• 15m: Good for transcontinental and intercontinental contacts, especially to equatorial and southern regions.
• Grayline: Enhanced DX to antipodal regions on 40m and 20m at local sunrise/sunset.
• 10m/12m: Watch for brief F2 or sporadic E openings, especially toward the equator and during peak solar hours.
• Aurora: Minimal auroral activity (Aurora index 1), so polar paths are open and stable.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Analysis:

• 20m, 17m, and 15m are the most reliable bands for both DX and regional contacts all day and into the evening.
• 80m and 40m are best at night and early morning for local and some DX; daytime performance is fair.
• 12m and 10m may open for short periods during the day, but expect only fair conditions and poor performance at night.
• No bands are fully closed, but high bands (12m/10m) are marginal except during peak solar hours.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 0–1 (very quiet) — Minimal geomagnetic disturbance; excellent for stable HF propagation, especially on polar and trans-equatorial paths.
• Solar Flux: 143 — Moderately high, supporting good F-layer propagation on 20m–15m and occasional openings on 12m/10m.
• Sunspot Number: 138 — Healthy sunspot count, indicating active solar regions and generally favorable HF conditions.
• Space Weather: No major flares or disturbances reported; X-ray flux at B8.3 (low), so no risk of HF blackouts.

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained very low (0–1) over the past 24 hours, indicating stable and quiet geomagnetic conditions.
• No recent geomagnetic storms or disturbances; conditions are steady and favorable for all HF bands.
• Expect continued stability unless a sudden solar event occurs.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B8.3 (low) — No risk of D-layer absorption or HF blackouts; SSB and CW should be clear on all bands.
• Solar Wind Speed: 406 km/s — Moderate speed; not high enough to trigger geomagnetic disturbances.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux at 2200 (moderate), proton flux at 12 (low) — No significant impact on HF propagation; satellite and VHF/UHF users unaffected.
• Aurora Activity: 1 (very low) — No auroral propagation expected; polar HF paths remain open and stable.
• Helium Line: 118.7 — Stable solar activity; no trend toward increased flare risk.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Recent Solar Flux/Sunspot Trends:
  Over the past 7 months, solar flux has gradually declined from a high of 160 (Dec 2025) to around 120 (Apr 2026), with a similar trend in sunspot numbers. This means band conditions are not at peak solar cycle levels, but still well above minimum—supporting good HF propagation, especially on 20m–15m.
• Current values (solar flux 143, sunspots 138) are slightly above the recent monthly average, so today's conditions are a bit better than the April average.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Propagation is expected to remain stable over the next three days, with no major geomagnetic storms or solar disturbances forecast.
• 20m, 17m, and 15m will continue to offer the best DX opportunities.
• 12m and 10m may see brief daytime openings, especially if solar flux ticks up.
• 80m and 40m will remain reliable for nighttime and early morning operation.
• No alerts or warnings are currently in effect for amateur radio operators. Continue to monitor real-time solar data for any sudden changes.