Amateur Radio Propagation Report

Sun Images for Past 72 Hours

Images copyrighted by the SDO/NASA and Helioviewer project

📋 Propagation Summary: HF propagation is currently moderate with solar flux at 116 and a sunspot number of 72, both slightly below recent months’ averages. Geomagnetic conditions are very quiet (K-index 1, A-index 5), which is favorable for stable propagation, especially on the lower bands. Expect good conditions on 20m and 40m, with higher bands (15m, 12m, 10m) struggling due to lower solar activity. Operators should focus on the lower and mid bands for reliable contacts, especially during nighttime and early morning hours. No major space weather disturbances are present, so enjoy stable conditions for both local and DX work.

💡 Operator Tips:

• Prioritize 20m and 40m for both DX and regional contacts; these bands are performing best under current conditions.
• 80m and 40m will be your go-to bands for nighttime operation—expect less noise and better reach.
• Digital modes (FT8, PSK31) are recommended on higher bands (15m, 12m, 10m) to take advantage of marginal openings.
• For DX: target grayline times and use directional antennas to maximize weak signal paths.
• Keep an ear on 17m and 15m during daylight, but don’t expect consistent long-haul DX.
• Monitor cluster spots for surprise short-lived band openings, especially on 10m.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m and 40m: Best at night and early morning, with low noise and strong signals for both local and regional contacts.
• 20m: Consistently good throughout the day and evening—your best bet for daytime DX.
• 17m and 15m: Fair conditions, especially midday; check for short-lived DX paths.
• 12m and 10m: Poor conditions—only attempt during strong solar upswings or if you spot sporadic-E activity.

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline propagation is favorable on 40m and 20m—aim for sunrise/sunset for best long-path DX.
• 20m offers the broadest DX window; check for openings to Africa, Europe, and South America during your local afternoon and evening.
• 40m is excellent for transcontinental paths at night, especially for east-west contacts.
• Watch for brief 15m/17m openings to the Pacific and Asia during daylight, but expect them to be fleeting.
• Aurora activity is low (Aurora index 2), so northern VHF/UHF auroral propagation is unlikely.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Analysis:

• 80m and 40m are the top performers at night and early morning, offering excellent regional and some DX paths.
• 20m is the most reliable all-around band, with good propagation nearly all day and evening.
• 17m and 15m are fair—try during daylight, but expect limited DX.
• 12m and 10m are mostly closed due to low solar flux; only attempt if you notice sudden band openings or enhanced solar activity.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 1 (very quiet geomagnetic field, minimal disturbances)
• Solar Flux: 116 (slightly below average, limiting higher band openings)
• Sunspot Number: 72 (moderate, supporting good 20m/40m conditions but not enough for strong 10m/12m propagation)
• Space Weather: No major flares or disturbances; X-ray flux at B7.9 (low).

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• Recent K-index trend: Stable and very low over the past 24 hours, indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions.
• Impact: Low K-index supports stable propagation, especially on lower bands, and reduces auroral absorption and noise.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B7.9 (quiet, minimal risk of HF blackouts)
• Solar Wind: 468 km/s (moderate, not enough to trigger geomagnetic storms)
• Electron Flux: 1650 (elevated but not extreme; may cause minor absorption at high latitudes)
• Proton Flux: 9 (quiet, no polar cap absorption expected)
• Aurora: 2 (very low, no auroral propagation for VHF/UHF)
• Helium Line: 112.2 (steady, indicating no major solar changes)
• Practical Impact: No significant space weather threats—enjoy stable HF conditions, especially on 20m and below.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Recent months: Solar flux and sunspot numbers have gradually decreased from late 2025 highs (solar flux >150, SSN >120) to current moderate levels.
• Trend: The decline in solar activity is limiting higher band propagation (15m and up), but conditions remain stable for 20m and lower.
• Operators should: Focus on 20m, 40m, and 80m for reliable contacts; monitor for occasional high-band openings.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Solar activity is expected to remain stable with no major flares or geomagnetic disturbances forecast.
• K-index should stay low, supporting continued good conditions on 20m/40m and excellent nighttime operation on 80m.
• No alerts or warnings for HF or VHF operators.
• Best bands: 20m, 40m, and 80m (especially at night).
• Worst bands: 12m and 10m (likely closed most of the time).
• Recommendation: Plan for reliable operation on lower and mid bands, and keep an eye out for surprise high-band openings during daylight.