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 index around 130 and a sunspot number near 120, both supporting decent conditions on the higher bands. The K-index is at 3, indicating only mild geomagnetic activity, so most bands should be stable, but minor disturbances could affect polar and high-latitude paths. Expect good openings on 20m, 17m, and 15m during daylight, while 80m and 40m will be less reliable except at night. 10m and 12m are showing fair daytime conditions, so keep an ear out for sporadic E and short-skip. For best results, focus on the higher bands during the day and low bands after sunset.

💡 Operator Tips

• Use 20m, 17m, and 15m for reliable daytime DX and general contacts—these bands are performing well.
• Digital modes (FT8, FT4, PSK31) will help you dig out weak signals, especially on marginal bands like 10m and 12m.
• For nighttime operation, try 40m and 80m, but expect only fair conditions—use low-noise antennas and good filtering.
• Monitor grayline times for enhanced long-path DX, especially on 20m and 17m.
• If you’re chasing DX, check cluster spots for short-lived 10m/12m openings and be ready to switch bands quickly.
• Keep an eye on the K-index—if it rises, expect increased absorption and fading, especially on polar paths.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m & 40m: Best after sunset and before sunrise (night, early morning)
• 20m, 17m, 15m: Strongest from late morning through late afternoon (local time)
• 12m & 10m: Midday to early afternoon, especially during solar peaks or sporadic E events
• Grayline (dawn/dusk): Enhanced propagation on all bands, especially for long-haul DX

🌍 DX Opportunities

• 20m and 17m: Good for intercontinental DX during daylight and grayline periods—watch for openings to Asia and Europe.
• 15m: Reliable for trans-equatorial and north-south paths midday.
• 10m/12m: Watch for sporadic E and short-skip, especially during local noon and early afternoon.
• Grayline: Enhanced propagation to antipodal regions—try 40m and 20m at sunrise/sunset.
• Low aurora: Minimal auroral disturbance means polar paths are open, especially on higher bands.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Analysis:

• Best daytime bands: 20m, 17m, and 15m are consistently good throughout the day and evening—ideal for DX and reliable contacts.
• 12m and 10m: Fair during daylight, but expect these bands to close quickly after sunset. Watch for short, sporadic E openings.
• 80m and 40m: Poor during the day, improving to fair at night—best for local/regional contacts after dark.
• Nighttime: Focus on 40m and 80m for regional work; higher bands will be mostly closed.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 3 (mild geomagnetic activity)—stable but monitor for sudden changes.
• Solar Flux: 130 (moderate)—supports good propagation on 20m–15m, possible 12m/10m openings.
• Sunspot Number: 120—indicates a healthy level of solar activity for HF.
• Space Weather: No major disturbances; X-ray flux at C1.5 (minor solar flare activity).

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained mostly stable over the past 24 hours, hovering around 2–3, indicating quiet to unsettled geomagnetic conditions.
• No significant geomagnetic storms or sudden spikes—propagation should remain predictable with only minor fading or absorption, especially at higher latitudes.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: C1.5—minor solar flare activity; low risk of HF blackouts, but brief absorption possible during flare peaks.
• Solar Wind: 441 km/s—slightly elevated but not extreme; may cause minor geomagnetic variations, especially at high latitudes.
• Particle Environment:
  • Electron Flux: 1920—elevated, may cause minor polar absorption but not a major concern for most HF ops.
  • Proton Flux: 1090—well below event thresholds; no significant impact.
• Aurora Activity: 1 (very low)—no auroral propagation expected; polar paths remain open.
• Helium Line: 121.5—steady, indicating stable solar output and no major trend changes.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Recent months show a gradual decline in both solar flux and sunspot numbers from late 2025 peaks, but values remain solidly supportive of good HF propagation.
• The current solar flux (125–130) is slightly lower than the December 2025 high (160), but still strong enough for reliable 20m–15m operation.
• Sunspot numbers have rebounded from a springtime dip, supporting improved band conditions as we move into summer.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Expect continued moderate solar activity with stable geomagnetic conditions.
• 20m, 17m, and 15m will remain the most reliable bands for DX and general operation.
• Watch for possible short-lived 10m/12m openings during midday, especially if solar flux ticks upward.
• No major geomagnetic storms or solar flare threats are forecast—enjoy stable conditions and plan for regular HF activity!