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 shaped by moderate solar activity and very quiet geomagnetic conditions. With a solar flux around 120 and sunspot numbers in the high 70s, expect good performance on 20m, with fair to good conditions on 40m and 80m at night. Higher bands (15m, 12m, 10m) are open but only fair, especially during daylight, and may close quickly after sunset. The extremely low K-index (0) means stable, low-noise conditions—great for weak-signal work and DX chasing. Operators should focus on mid and lower bands for reliable contacts, and take advantage of the quiet geomagnetic field for long-haul paths.

💡 Operator Tips

• Prioritize 20m during the day for DX and reliable regional contacts; expect the band to stay open into evening.
• 40m and 80m are best at night—expect lower noise and improved reach, especially for intercontinental QSOs.
• Use digital modes (FT8, FT4, RTTY) on higher bands (15m, 12m, 10m) to maximize chances of making contacts under fair conditions.
• Monitor grayline times for enhanced propagation, especially on 40m and 20m.
• Low K-index: Take advantage of minimal geomagnetic noise for weak-signal and QRP operations.
• Contesters and DXers: Focus on 20m for all-day activity, and 40/80m for night-time multipliers.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m/40m: Best after sunset and through the night; fair during the day for local/regional work.
• 20m: Good from sunrise through sunset, often extending into early evening.
• 17m/15m: Fair during daylight hours, especially late morning to mid-afternoon.
• 12m/10m: Try late morning to early afternoon; expect only sporadic openings.

🌍 DX Opportunities

• 20m band: Most reliable for DX, especially along the grayline (dawn/dusk).
• 40m at night: Good for transcontinental and intercontinental paths.
• Watch for short-lived 15m/12m/10m openings: Use beacons and spotting networks to catch fleeting DX, especially to the south and equatorial regions.
• Grayline enhancement: Peak times for long-haul DX on 40m and 20m—check your local sunrise/sunset.
• Aurora activity is minimal: No special VHF/UHF auroral propagation expected.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

The 20m band is the standout performer today, offering good conditions throughout the day and evening. 40m and 80m are good at night and fair during the day. 17m and 15m are fair all day, with limited DX. 12m and 10m are only fair during daylight, closing quickly after sunset.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index (Geomagnetic Activity): 0 — Extremely quiet, ideal for HF propagation and low noise floors.
• Solar Flux (10.7cm): 120 — Moderate; supports good 20m propagation, fair higher bands.
• Sunspot Number: 67–79 — Moderate; enough for daytime F-layer support, but not strong enough for robust high-band openings.
• Space Weather Overview: No major flares or disturbances; X-ray activity at C1.2 level.

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has been very low and stable (0–1) over the past 24 hours, indicating no geomagnetic storms or disturbances.
• Conditions are improving compared to earlier months with higher solar activity; expect continued low noise and stable propagation, especially on low bands.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: C1.2 — Low-level solar flare activity; no significant HF blackouts expected.
• Solar Wind Speed: 365.6 km/s — Moderate; not high enough to trigger geomagnetic unrest.
• Electron Flux: 1830 — Normal; no major impact on D-layer absorption.
• Proton Flux: 10 — Quiet; no polar cap absorption events.
• Aurora Level: 1 — Very low; no auroral propagation for VHF/UHF.
• Helium Line: 121.5 — Stable; indicates no sudden changes in solar activity.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

Recent months show a declining trend in solar flux and sunspot numbers since late 2025, moving from a peak of 160 (Dec 2025) down to 120 (Apr/May 2026). This means high bands (12m/10m) are less reliable now, while mid and lower HF bands remain solid.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Expect stable, quiet geomagnetic conditions to continue, with K-index likely to remain low.
• HF propagation will remain best on 20m, 40m, and 80m, with only fair chances for 15m/12m/10m.
• No major space weather events or alerts are forecasted.
• Operators should monitor for any sudden solar flare activity, but no significant disruptions are expected.
• Best opportunities: Daytime on 20m for DX, nighttime on 40m/80m for long-haul and regional contacts.