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 being shaped by a moderate solar flux (112–131) and a sunspot number in the mid-80s, with recent months showing a gradual decline from late 2025 peaks. Expect good conditions on 20m during both day and night, while higher bands (17m, 15m) are only fair and 12m/10m are poor. The geomagnetic field is moderately unsettled (K=3, A=20), so some variability and shortwave fades are possible, especially at higher latitudes. For most operators, 20m is the go-to band for reliable contacts, while 40m and 80m will be best at night. Watch for brief DX windows on 15m and 17m during daylight.

💡 Operator Tips:

• Focus your efforts on 20m for daytime and evening DX; it's the most reliable band today.
• Try digital modes (FT8, FT4, PSK31) on higher bands (15m, 17m) to take advantage of marginal openings.
• For local and regional contacts, use 40m and 80m at night; daytime absorption is high on these bands.
• Keep an eye on the K-index; if it rises, expect increased fading and possible blackouts, especially on polar paths.
• Use directional antennas and low-noise receive setups to maximize weak-signal performance.
• Contest and DXers: grayline periods on 20m and 17m may offer short but enhanced openings.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 20m is the most consistent performer throughout the day and night.
• 40m and 80m are best after sunset and into the night for regional and some DX.
• 15m and 17m may support short DX paths during daylight, especially around local noon.
• 10m and 12m are mostly closed; only attempt during strong solar events or sporadic-E.

🌍 DX Opportunities

• 20m offers the best chance for DX, especially along the grayline (sunrise/sunset paths).
• 17m and 15m may open briefly for intercontinental contacts during midday, but expect signals to be weak.
• 40m and 80m can support long-haul DX at night, particularly on north-south paths.
• Grayline enhancement is strongest on 20m and 40m—watch for rapid signal rises at sunrise/sunset.
• No significant aurora or polar path enhancement expected today.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Analysis:

• 20m is the best all-around band today, with consistent good conditions for both local and DX contacts.
• 40m and 80m are poor during the day but improve to good at night—ideal for late evening and overnight operation.
• 17m and 15m are fair all day; digital modes may help eke out some DX.
• 10m and 12m are poor across the board; only attempt if you notice sudden band openings or during contests.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 3 (moderate geomagnetic activity; some fading and absorption possible, especially at higher latitudes)
• Solar Flux (10.7cm): 112 (recent trend down from 130–160; supports decent but not excellent HF propagation)
• Sunspot Number: 68–86 (down from late 2025 peaks; enough for 20m/17m activity, but not strong for higher bands)
• Space Weather: No major flares; X-ray flux at B5.2 (quiet to low activity)

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has been moderate (around 3), indicating unsettled geomagnetic conditions.
• No major geomagnetic storms in the past 24 hours, but the K-index is not at quiet levels—expect some signal fading and increased noise, especially on polar and east-west paths.
• Conditions are stable but not ideal; monitor for sudden increases which could cause shortwave blackouts.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B5.2 (quiet; no risk of major HF blackouts)
• Solar Wind Speed: 504 km/s (elevated; can contribute to unsettled geomagnetic conditions)
• Particle Environment: Electron flux is high (2240), proton flux is moderate (51); may cause minor absorption and increased noise on lower bands.
• Aurora Activity: Low (1); minimal auroral propagation, VHF/UHF unlikely to be affected.
• Helium Line: 110.8 (stable; no major solar trend shifts expected)

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Solar flux and sunspot numbers have trended downward since late 2025, with a notable drop from December’s peak (160 SFI, 124 SSN) to current values (112 SFI, 68 SSN).
• This decline means higher bands (12m/10m) are less likely to open, while 20m and 17m remain reliable for most paths.
• No major solar events in recent weeks; propagation is driven by background solar activity and moderate geomagnetic conditions.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Propagation is expected to remain stable over the next three days, with no major solar or geomagnetic storms forecast.
• 20m will continue to be the best band for DX and general operation.
• 15m and 17m may show brief improvements if solar flux rises or geomagnetic activity quiets down.
• 80m and 40m will be best at night for local and regional work.
• No alerts or warnings at this time, but operators should monitor real-time K-index and solar flux for sudden changes.