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 142 and a healthy sunspot number of 165, supporting good conditions on most bands. The geomagnetic field is quiet (K-index at 2), so expect relatively stable propagation, especially for mid and high HF bands. Daytime will favor 20m, 17m, and 15m for both local and DX contacts, while lower bands (80m/40m) will perform better at night. Watch for occasional shortwave fadeouts due to ongoing B-class X-ray activity, but no major disruptions are expected. Operators should take advantage of the current quiet geomagnetic conditions for reliable long-haul contacts.

💡 Operator Tips:

• Use 20m, 17m, and 15m during daylight for the best DX and intercontinental contacts.
• 80m and 40m shine after sunset—try these for regional and domestic QSOs.
• 12m and 10m are marginal; check for sporadic-E openings, especially midday.
• Digital modes (FT8, FT4) will help pull signals out of the noise on weaker bands.
• For DX, focus on grayline times (sunrise/sunset) to maximize chances on all bands.
• Keep an eye on real-time K-index updates for any sudden geomagnetic changes.

⏰ Best Operating Times

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline paths: Enhanced long-distance propagation at local sunrise/sunset, especially on 40m and 20m.
• 20m, 17m, 15m: Best bands for transcontinental and intercontinental DX during daylight.
• 10m/12m: Watch for sporadic-E openings, especially across North America and Europe midday.
• Low geomagnetic activity: Favors north-south and polar paths—try for rare DX in these directions.
• No major auroral activity, so VHF/UHF aurora DX is unlikely today.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Analysis:

• 20m, 17m, and 15m are the most reliable bands throughout the day and into the evening, supporting both regional and DX contacts.
• 80m and 40m are best at night and during the evening, with fair conditions during the day—good for local and short-haul contacts.
• 12m and 10m are only fair during daylight and likely closed or poor at night; check for brief midday openings, especially during sporadic-E events.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 2 (quiet geomagnetic field) – minimal disruptions, stable HF propagation.
• Solar Flux: 142 (moderate, supports good HF propagation up to 15m/12m).
• Sunspot Number: 165 (high, enhances ionization and band openings).
• Space Weather Overview:
  • No major solar flares or storms reported.
  • X-ray flux: B7.8 (low-level, minor risk of shortwave fadeouts).
  • Aurora: Level 2 (quiet, no significant auroral activity).

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained low and stable over the past 24 hours, indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions.
• No recent geomagnetic storms or disturbances—propagation is steady and predictable.
• These quiet conditions favor long-haul DX, especially on higher bands and polar paths.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B7.8 (B-class) – Low-level solar X-ray activity; unlikely to cause significant HF blackouts, but minor shortwave fadeouts possible.
• Solar Wind: 387 km/s – Typical speed, not likely to trigger geomagnetic storms.
• Particle Environment:
  • Electron Flux: 1670 – Slightly elevated, can increase background noise on HF but not disruptive.
  • Proton Flux: 13 – Well below storm thresholds.
• Aurora Activity: Level 2 – Very quiet, no auroral propagation expected on VHF/UHF.
• Helium Line: 129.2 – Indicates steady solar output, no major upswings in activity.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Recent Solar Trends:
  • Solar flux has declined from a peak of 160 in December 2025 to 120 in April 2026, but remains strong enough for good HF propagation.
  • Sunspot numbers have also decreased but are still supportive of daytime band openings.
• Impacts:
  • While solar activity is trending downward, current values remain favorable for most HF operations.
  • Expect continued good performance on 20m–15m, with 10m/12m more variable.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Propagation Outlook:
  • Expect continued quiet geomagnetic conditions and moderate solar activity.
  • 20m, 17m, and 15m will remain the most reliable for DX and general contacts.
  • 80m/40m will continue to be strong at night; 10m/12m may see brief daytime openings, especially with sporadic-E.
  • No major space weather events or alerts are forecast—enjoy stable and predictable HF conditions for the next few days!