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 generally favorable for most amateur bands, with solar flux at 128 and a sunspot number of 119 supporting good daytime activity on 20m, 17m, and 15m. The K-index is very low (1), indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions and stable propagation, especially for mid- and high-latitude operators. Expect good evening and night conditions on 80m and 40m, while higher bands (12m, 10m) may be more variable, especially after sunset. No major solar flares or geomagnetic storms are present, so operators can plan for consistent band openings. For best results, focus on the mid-bands during daylight and lower bands after dark.

💡 Operator Tips

• Daytime: Prioritize 20m, 17m, and 15m for reliable DX and regional contacts. Use SSB, CW, and digital modes for best results.
• Evening/Night: Switch to 40m and 80m for strong regional and some long-haul propagation, especially on CW and digital.
• High Bands: Try 12m and 10m during local noon and early afternoon for possible short openings—FT8 and other weak-signal modes can help.
• Antennas: Use resonant antennas for target bands; verticals and beams will help with DX, especially on 20m-15m.
• Contesting/DX: Good conditions for contesting and DXpeditions, with stable geomagnetic activity and moderate solar flux.

⏰ Best Operating Times

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline: Enhanced propagation on 40m and 80m during sunrise and sunset—watch for long-path DX.
• 20m/17m: Good transcontinental and intercontinental openings, especially east-west.
• 10m/12m: Look for sporadic E and short-skip openings around midday, especially in southern latitudes.
• Low K-index: Favorable for polar and high-latitude DX paths.
• No aurora: VHF/UHF auroral propagation is unlikely today.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

The 20m, 17m, and 15m bands are the most reliable throughout the day and into the evening, offering consistent good conditions for both local and DX contacts. 40m and 80m improve after sunset, making them the best choice for nighttime operation. 12m and 10m may open briefly around midday but are generally fair to poor outside those hours.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 1 (very quiet) — minimal geomagnetic disturbance, excellent for HF propagation.
• Solar Flux: 128 — supports good F-layer ionization for 20m-15m; not quite high enough for robust 10m openings.
• Sunspot Number: 119 — healthy, sustaining decent propagation on most bands.
• Space Weather: No major flares or disturbances; X-ray background at B5.4 (quiet).

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• Recent K-index trend: Stable and low over the past 24 hours, indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions.
• Impact: Expect minimal absorption and no auroral disturbances; high-latitude and polar paths are open.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B5.4 — low-level X-ray flux, meaning no HF blackouts expected.
• Solar Wind: 345.8 km/s — moderate speed, not likely to trigger geomagnetic storms.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux at 2050 (moderate); proton flux at 11 (quiet) — no significant impact on HF.
• Aurora: Level 1 — very low, so auroral propagation is not expected on VHF/UHF.
• Helium Line: 117.2 — indicates stable solar activity, no major changes anticipated.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

Recent months show a gradual decrease in both solar flux and sunspot numbers since late 2025, but current values remain supportive of good HF propagation. The solar flux has dropped from a high of 160 in December 2025 to around 120 now, with sunspots following a similar trend. This means slightly shorter maximum usable frequencies (MUF) compared to peak months, but 20m-15m remain strong.

🔮 3-Day Forecast