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 and very quiet geomagnetic conditions. The solar flux is at 105, with a sunspot number of 57, both on the lower side compared to recent months. The K-index is 1 (very quiet), so expect stable conditions with minimal geomagnetic disturbance. Lower bands (80m, 40m, 20m) will offer the most reliable contacts, especially at night and during the day for 20m. Higher bands (12m, 10m) are mostly closed due to low solar flux, so focus your efforts on the lower and mid bands for best results. DX is possible on 20m and 17m during daylight, with 40m and 80m shining after sunset.

💡 Operator Tips

• Prioritize 20m and 40m for daytime and evening DX—these bands are the most open and stable.
• Nighttime is best for 80m and 40m, especially for regional and intercontinental contacts.
• Use FT8, CW, and other weak-signal modes on higher bands (15m, 12m, 10m) if you want to try for rare openings.
• Verticals and dipoles will perform well on lower bands; consider using directional antennas on 20m for DX.
• Monitor grayline times for enhanced long-path opportunities, especially on 40m and 20m.
• With low geomagnetic activity, noise levels should be low—take advantage for weak-signal work and contests.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m/40m: Best at night and early morning for both local and DX contacts.
• 20m: Good all day, with peaks around local noon and late afternoon.
• 17m/15m: Fair during midday and early afternoon; check for short-lived openings.
• 12m/10m: Poor throughout the day; only attempt during local noon with digital modes.
• Grayline: 40m and 20m are prime for DX at sunrise and sunset.

🌍 DX Opportunities

• 20m and 17m offer the best chance for intercontinental DX, especially along the grayline.
• 40m is open for long-haul DX at night, particularly on east-west paths.
• Watch for grayline enhancements on 40m and 20m—timing your CQ calls around sunrise/sunset can yield rare contacts.
• Aurora activity is minimal, so VHF/UHF auroral propagation is not expected.
• No major solar events are forecast, so conditions should remain stable for the next 24-48 hours.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Analysis:

• Best bands: 20m is consistently good all day and night. 40m and 80m improve in the evening and night, making them ideal for after-dark operation.
• Fair bands: 17m and 15m may provide some contacts, especially midday, but expect limited DX.
• Poor bands: 12m and 10m are largely closed due to low solar flux—try digital modes if you want to experiment, but don’t expect much activity.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 1 (very quiet) — Indicates stable geomagnetic conditions and low noise.
• Solar Flux (10.7cm): 105 — On the low side, which limits higher band openings.
• Sunspot Number: 57 — Also low, reflecting the current dip in solar activity.
• Space Weather Overview: No significant solar flares or disturbances. X-ray flux is at B3.6, which is quiet.

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained very low (0-1) over the past 24 hours, indicating extremely quiet geomagnetic conditions.
• No recent geomagnetic storms or disturbances—conditions are stable and favorable for HF.
• Stable geomagnetic field means less fading and lower noise, especially on lower bands.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B3.6 — This is a low level, meaning no risk of HF blackouts or sudden ionospheric disturbances.
• Solar Wind: 335.8 km/s — A moderate speed, not enough to trigger geomagnetic activity.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux is elevated (2110), but not at storm levels; proton flux is low (11), so no polar path disruptions.
• Aurora Activity: 1 — Very low; auroral propagation on VHF/UHF is not expected.
• Helium Line: 101.4 — Indicates a quiet solar environment, with no major changes expected.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Recent solar flux and sunspot trends show a decline from late 2025 highs (solar flux ~160, sunspots >120) to current moderate levels (solar flux ~105-130, sunspots ~57-85).
• This downward trend means lower bands are favored, and high bands (12m/10m) are less likely to open.
• No major solar events have occurred recently, so conditions are steady.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Expect continued moderate solar activity with stable geomagnetic conditions.
• 20m and 40m will remain the best choices for reliable contacts.
• No significant disturbances or alerts are forecast—enjoy the quiet bands!
• Monitor for minor improvements on 15m and 17m if solar flux ticks upward, but don’t expect major changes.
• VHF/UHF: No auroral or sporadic-E activity expected; focus on HF for best results.