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 a moderate solar flux of 110 and a low sunspot count of 24, resulting in generally average band conditions. The geomagnetic field is very quiet (K-index 1), so expect stable propagation with minimal disturbances. High bands (12m/10m) are mostly closed or poor, while the lower and mid bands (80m–20m) offer the best chances for reliable contacts, especially at night. Operators should focus on 20m for daytime DX and 40m/80m for evening and night activity. No major space weather threats are present, so enjoy steady conditions and plan for regional and some intercontinental QSOs on the favored bands.

💡 Operator Tips

• Target 20m for daytime DX and reliable regional contacts; expect the best results from late morning through afternoon.
• 40m and 80m are your go-to bands for evening and night—expect good NVIS and regional coverage, with some DX possible during grayline.
• Use digital modes (FT8, JS8Call) for weak-signal work, especially on higher bands where SSB/CW may struggle.
• Keep antennas optimized for lower angles on 20m for DX, and higher angles on 40m/80m for local/regional work.
• With quiet geomagnetic conditions, try longer paths and check for grayline enhancements at sunrise/sunset.
• VHF/UHF: No auroral or enhanced propagation expected; stick to local FM or repeaters.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m/40m: Best at night and early morning (NVIS and regional)
• 20m: Late morning through late afternoon (DX and long-haul)
• 17m/15m: Midday, but only fair—try digital modes for best results
• 12m/10m: Poor all day; check occasionally for sporadic E or brief openings, but don’t expect much

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline: Focus on 20m and 40m at sunrise/sunset for enhanced DX, especially toward east-west paths.
• 20m: Most reliable for intercontinental contacts during daylight hours.
• 17m/15m: Possible short-path DX midday, but mostly fair—digital modes recommended.
• 80m/40m: Nighttime paths open for regional and some transcontinental QSOs.
• No major aurora or polar openings; VHF/UHF DX not expected.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

The 20m band is performing best throughout the day and into the evening, making it the top choice for both DX and regional contacts. 40m and 80m offer good conditions at night and fair during the day—great for local and some DX, especially during grayline. 17m and 15m are only fair, so digital modes are recommended. 12m and 10m are largely closed due to low solar activity—check sporadically, but don’t expect reliable openings.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 1 (very quiet geomagnetic field; minimal disturbances, stable HF conditions)
• Solar Flux: 110 (moderate; supports 20m and lower bands, but not enough for reliable high-band openings)
• Sunspot Number: 24 (low; limits high-band propagation, favors lower bands)
• Space Weather: No major flares or disturbances; X-ray flux is at B7.2 (low-level, minimal blackout risk)

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained very low and stable over the past 24 hours, indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions.
• No recent spikes or geomagnetic storms—propagation is steady, with little absorption or fading.
• These conditions favor long-haul and polar paths on HF, especially on 20m and below.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B7.2 (low; no HF blackouts expected)
• Solar Wind Speed: 323.4 km/s (calm; no geomagnetic triggering)
• Electron Flux: 3220 (moderate; no significant impact on HF)
• Proton Flux: 12 (quiet; no polar cap absorption events)
• Aurora: 1 (very low; no auroral propagation on VHF/UHF)
• Helium Line: 115.7 (stable; no indication of rising solar activity)

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Recent months show a decline in solar flux and sunspot numbers from early 2026, with a slight uptick in June.
• This trend explains the average to poor high-band conditions, and the current favoring of lower bands.
• No significant solar events or flares have disrupted propagation recently.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Expect continued quiet geomagnetic conditions (K-index 0–1) and stable solar flux.
• 20m, 40m, and 80m will remain the best bands for the next few days; 17m/15m may offer occasional fair openings, especially with digital modes.
• 12m/10m will likely stay poor/closed unless a sudden solar uptick occurs.
• No alerts or warnings—enjoy steady, predictable HF conditions for both casual and DX operations.