Amateur Radio Propagation Report

Sun Images for Past 72 Hours

Images copyrighted by the SDO/NASA and Helioviewer project

📋 Propagation Summary: Today’s HF propagation is shaped by moderate solar activity with a solar flux of 128 and a sunspot number of 113, both supporting generally good conditions on the higher bands during the day. The K-index is low (2), indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions and minimal disruptions. Expect good openings on 20m, 17m, and 15m throughout the day and evening, while 10m and 12m may be more variable. Nighttime favors the lower bands (80m/40m) for regional and some DX contacts. Keep an eye on the elevated solar wind and C-class X-ray activity, which could bring brief disturbances.

💡 Operator Tips

• Target 20m, 17m, and 15m for reliable daytime DX and intercontinental contacts.
• 80m and 40m will be your best bet for nighttime operation, especially for regional and transcontinental QSOs.
• Digital modes (FT8, FT4, RTTY) are recommended on marginal bands (12m/10m) to maximize weak-signal opportunities.
• Use directional antennas to exploit grayline paths at sunrise/sunset for enhanced DX.
• Monitor space weather updates for any sudden flare or geomagnetic changes, especially if contesting or chasing rare DX.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m/40m: Night and early morning (local time) for best results.
• 20m/17m/15m: Late morning through early evening for long-haul DX.
• 12m/10m: Late morning to mid-afternoon, especially during solar peak hours.
• Grayline: Around local sunrise and sunset for enhanced propagation, especially on 40m and 20m.

🌍 DX Opportunities

• 20m and 17m are open for worldwide DX most of the day and into the evening.
• Grayline paths are strong on 40m and 20m—watch for short-lived but powerful DX openings at dawn and dusk.
• 15m is showing good daytime propagation, especially for east-west paths.
• 10m/12m may offer sporadic-E or F2-layer openings—check for short, strong bursts to distant continents.
• Aurora is low (index 3), so VHF auroral DX is unlikely, but northern operators should still monitor for any sudden changes.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

The 20m, 17m, and 15m bands are currently the most reliable for both local and DX contacts, especially during daylight and early evening. 80m and 40m shine at night and early morning for regional and some DX. 12m and 10m are less consistent, with fair daytime conditions and poor nighttime propagation—try digital modes or check for sporadic-E.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 2 (quiet) — minimal geomagnetic disturbance, supporting stable HF propagation.
• Solar Flux: 128 (moderate) — supports good MUF for 20m, 17m, and 15m, with some activity on 12m/10m.
• Sunspot Number: 113 — healthy for this phase of the cycle, indicating continued solar activity and band openings.
• Space Weather: X-ray flux at C1.0, solar wind speed elevated at 570 km/s, electron and proton fluxes are moderate—watch for brief absorption events but no major blackouts expected.

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained low and stable over the past 24 hours, indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions.
• No significant geomagnetic storms or disturbances have occurred recently.
• This stability is favorable for HF propagation, especially for polar and trans-equatorial paths.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: C1.0 — Moderate solar flare activity; minor risk of short HF blackouts, mostly on sunlit paths.
• Solar Wind: 570 km/s — Elevated, which can sometimes trigger minor geomagnetic activity, but currently not causing major disruptions.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux (2050) and proton flux (51) are moderate; no significant radio absorption expected, but monitor for sudden increases.
• Aurora Activity: Index 3 — Low; auroral propagation on VHF/UHF is unlikely, but northern stations should remain alert for any sudden upticks.
• Helium Line: 122.3 — Indicates steady solar activity; no abrupt changes expected in the near term.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Over the past several months, solar flux has gradually decreased from a high of 160 in December 2025 to around 125–128 now, reflecting a gentle downward trend in solar activity.
• Sunspot numbers have fluctuated but remain healthy, supporting continued HF band openings.
• These trends suggest that while the highest bands (10m/12m) are less reliable than earlier in the cycle, the core HF bands (20m/17m/15m) remain robust for DX and daily operation.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Solar activity is expected to remain moderate, with solar flux and sunspot numbers holding steady.
• Geomagnetic conditions should stay quiet (low K-index), supporting stable HF propagation.
• Best bands: 20m, 17m, 15m for DX and reliable daytime operation; 80m/40m for night and early morning.
• Watch for: Sudden X-ray flare events (C-class or higher) that could cause brief HF blackouts on the sunlit side.
• No major alerts or warnings at this time—enjoy the stable conditions and make the most of the reliable bands!