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 looking promising for most bands thanks to a high solar flux of 186 and a sunspot number of 131. The K-index is at 0, indicating very quiet geomagnetic conditions, which means minimal disruptions and stable propagation. Expect excellent daytime opportunities on the higher bands (20m–10m), while the lower bands (80m, 40m) will shine at night. Operators should take advantage of the current calm, as the recent trend has been steady but with some solar activity fluctuations. Now is a great time to chase DX and enjoy reliable contacts across the globe!

💡 Operator Tips

• Daytime: Focus on 20m, 17m, 15m, 12m, and 10m for long-haul DX and intercontinental QSOs.
• Night: Switch to 80m and 40m for regional and domestic contacts; these bands will be at their best after sunset.
• Modes: Use FT8, CW, and SSB—digital modes will help you exploit marginal band openings, especially on 12m and 10m.
• Antennas: Vertical or directional antennas will maximize your DX reach, especially on higher bands.
• Contests/DX: Now is the time for DX hunting—watch for grayline openings and be ready for quick band changes as conditions shift.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m & 40m: Best after sunset through sunrise (night/early morning)
• 20m, 17m, 15m: Best from late morning through late afternoon
• 12m & 10m: Peak midday to late afternoon; check for sporadic E and short-skip
• Grayline: Around local sunrise and sunset for enhanced DX on all bands

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Current Openings: 20m–10m are wide open for DX, especially during daylight hours; expect strong trans-equatorial and east-west paths.
• Grayline: Enhanced propagation on 40m and 20m at sunrise/sunset—look for rare DX along the terminator.
• Special Events: Elevated solar flux and low K-index mean excellent chances for rare DXpeditions and contest activity—keep an ear out for spots!
• VHF/UHF: Aurora is low (level 2), so no major auroral propagation, but check 6m for sporadic E.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

The best bands for daytime DX are 20m, 17m, 15m, 12m, and 10m, all showing excellent propagation during daylight hours. 80m and 40m are excellent at night, making them ideal for local and regional QSOs after dark. 12m and 10m may close quickly after sunset, so use them during midday and afternoon. Watch for short-skip and sporadic E on 10m.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 0 (very quiet) – Minimal geomagnetic disturbance, stable HF conditions
• Solar Flux: 186 (very high) – Strong ionization, supports excellent high-band propagation
• Sunspot Number: 131 (high) – Indicates active solar regions, boosting HF propagation
• Space Weather Overview: X-ray activity at C1.9 (moderate), solar wind at 411 km/s (average), and low aurora activity (level 2) all support stable, enhanced propagation.

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

The K-index has remained very low and stable over the past 24 hours, indicating a prolonged period of geomagnetic quiet. This stability means there’s little to no absorption or blackout risk, so expect consistent propagation, especially on the higher bands. No signs of worsening conditions—enjoy the calm!

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: C1.9 class—moderate, but not enough for major HF blackouts; minor shortwave fadeouts possible during peak flares.
• Solar Wind: 411 km/s—average speed, not likely to trigger geomagnetic storms.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux (1550) and proton flux (790) are elevated but not extreme; may slightly enhance D-layer absorption on lower bands during the day.
• Aurora Activity: Level 2—very low, so auroral propagation on VHF/UHF is unlikely.
• Helium Line: 124.0—indicates steady solar activity, supporting continued good HF conditions.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

Recent months show a gradual decrease in solar flux and sunspot numbers from late 2025 into early 2026, but the current spike in solar flux (now at 186) and sunspots (131) marks a strong uptick. This rebound is driving today’s excellent HF conditions, especially on the higher bands.

🔮 3-Day Forecast