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 (solar flux ~135, sunspot number 78) and a slightly elevated geomagnetic field (K-index 3-4). Expect solid daytime openings on the 20m, 17m, and 15m bands, with 12m and 10m offering occasional fair conditions—especially during peak daylight. Lower bands (80m/40m) are less reliable during the day but improve at night. Operators should watch for brief disturbances due to unsettled geomagnetic conditions, but overall, DX opportunities remain good on the higher HF bands.

💡 Operator Tips

• Focus on 20m, 17m, and 15m for reliable DX and intercontinental contacts, especially during daylight.
• Use digital modes (FT8, FT4, PSK31) to maximize weak signal performance, especially on 12m/10m during marginal conditions.
• For nighttime operation, target 40m and 80m for regional and some longer-haul contacts.
• Monitor K-index and space weather alerts for sudden changes; quick band checks can reveal short-lived openings.
• Vertical antennas and beams will help on higher bands; consider low-noise receive antennas for 80m/40m at night.
• If contesting or chasing DX, check grayline times for enhanced propagation.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m/40m: Best at night and early morning (local time)
• 20m/17m/15m: Best from late morning through late afternoon
• 12m/10m: Try late morning to mid-afternoon; watch for brief openings, especially during solar peaks
• Grayline (sunrise/sunset): Enhanced long-path/short-path DX on all bands, especially 40m and 20m

🌍 DX Opportunities

• 20m, 17m, and 15m are open for worldwide DX, especially on north-south and equatorial paths.
• Grayline propagation is favorable for transcontinental and polar routes—watch for enhanced signals around sunrise and sunset.
• 10m/12m may open briefly for E-skip or F2-layer DX, particularly during local noon and early afternoon.
• Auroral activity is low to moderate; northern operators may see occasional VHF aurora, but HF impact is minor today.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Analysis: The 20m, 17m, and 15m bands are the top performers throughout the day and evening, supporting both regional and DX contacts. 12m and 10m are less consistent but can yield surprises, especially around midday. 80m and 40m are best reserved for nighttime and early morning, with poor daytime performance due to D-layer absorption.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 3-4 — Indicates unsettled geomagnetic conditions; minor disturbances possible, especially at higher latitudes.
• Solar Flux: 135 — Moderate level, supporting good propagation on 20m-15m and occasional openings on 12m/10m.
• Sunspot Number: 75-78 — Moderate, sustaining decent HF propagation but not at solar maximum levels.
• Space Weather: No major flares or radio blackouts reported; X-ray flux at B5.5 (quiet to minor).

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has fluctuated between 0.3 and 4.3 over the past 24 hours, with a recent uptick to 3.7.
• Trend: After a quiet period, geomagnetic activity increased, now settling at unsettled levels.
• Impact: Minor HF absorption or fading may occur, especially at higher latitudes, but no severe disruptions expected. Watch for further changes if K-index rises above 4.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B5.5 — Low; no significant HF blackouts or sudden ionospheric disturbances.
• Solar Wind: 593.9 km/s — Elevated, contributing to the recent rise in geomagnetic activity; may cause minor HF variability.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux 2180 (moderate), proton flux 9 (quiet) — No major impacts on HF, but can cause minor noise on VHF/UHF.
• Aurora Activity: 3 — Low to moderate; northern operators may see brief auroral VHF conditions, but HF impact is minimal.
• Helium Line: 123.3 — Indicates stable solar output; no major flare risk at this time.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Recent months show a gradual decline in solar flux and sunspot numbers from late 2025 into early 2026.
• Current solar flux (~135) is slightly below the recent average, but still supports good HF propagation on mid/high bands.
• Sunspot numbers have dropped from ~130 to ~78, explaining the slightly reduced performance on 12m/10m compared to late 2025.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• HF conditions are expected to remain stable, with 20m-15m continuing as the most reliable bands.
• K-index may remain slightly elevated; monitor for brief disturbances, especially at high latitudes.
• 12m/10m may see short-lived openings during local noon, especially if solar flux ticks upward.
• No major space weather alerts or warnings at this time. Continue to monitor real-time data for sudden changes.