Amateur Radio Propagation Report

Sun Images for Past 72 Hours

Images copyrighted by the SDO/NASA and Helioviewer project

📋 Propagation Summary: HF propagation is currently stable and favorable for most amateur operations, thanks to a healthy solar flux of 149 and a high sunspot number of 144. The K-index is very low at 1, indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions—great news for both DX and local contacts. Expect good to fair conditions on the higher bands (20m–10m) during the day, while the lower bands (80m, 40m) will shine at night. With a moderate X-ray flux (C1.9) and low auroral activity, operators should enjoy reliable propagation and minimal disruptions. Take advantage of these stable conditions for both routine QSOs and DX pursuits.

💡 Operator Tips

• Use 20m, 17m, and 15m during daylight for reliable long-distance contacts.
• 80m and 40m will be your best bet for nighttime operation—expect less noise and stronger signals.
• 12m and 10m may open for short periods during the day; check for sporadic E or brief DX windows.
• Modes like CW and FT8 will help you dig out weak signals, especially on marginal bands.
• For DX, focus on grayline periods (sunrise/sunset) for enhanced propagation, especially on 40m and 20m.
• Minimal geomagnetic disturbance means low noise floors—great for weak signal work and QRP.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m/40m: Best at night and early morning
• 20m/17m/15m: Best from late morning through late afternoon
• 12m/10m: Try midday and early afternoon for possible short openings
• Grayline: Sunrise and sunset for enhanced long-path and transcontinental DX

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline paths are optimal for DX on 40m and 20m—watch for openings to antipodal regions.
• 20m and 17m are open for intercontinental contacts during the day, especially east-west.
• 10m and 12m may support short-skip and occasional DX—listen for beacons and weak signals.
• Low aurora and K-index mean polar and trans-equatorial paths are more reliable today.
• No major space weather events—expect stable, predictable propagation for contesting and DXpeditions.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Analysis:
20m, 17m, and 15m are your most reliable bands throughout the day and into the evening, supporting both regional and DX contacts. 80m and 40m are best at night and early morning, with fair daytime performance. 12m and 10m may offer brief daytime openings, but expect limited activity, especially after sunset.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 1 (very quiet) — minimal geomagnetic disturbance, ideal for HF
• Solar Flux: 149 (strong) — supports robust F-layer ionization, especially for higher HF bands
• Sunspot Number: 144 (high) — indicates good solar activity, boosting HF propagation
• Space Weather Overview: No major flares or storms; stable solar wind and low auroral activity

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained low and stable over the past 24 hours, indicating a prolonged period of quiet geomagnetic conditions.
• No recent spikes or disturbances—propagation is unaffected by geomagnetic storms.
• Expect continued low noise and reliable paths, especially on polar and high-latitude routes.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: C1.9 — moderate, with no risk of HF blackouts; minor enhancement of D-layer absorption possible on lower bands during daylight
• Solar Wind: 351 km/s — a moderate speed, not likely to trigger geomagnetic storms
• Particle Environment: Electron flux at 2480 and proton flux at 77 — both at benign levels, so no significant impact on HF or VHF
• Aurora Activity: 1 — very low; auroral propagation on VHF/UHF is unlikely today
• Helium Line: 118.5 — consistent with stable solar activity; no sudden changes expected

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Historical Solar Flux and Sunspot Trends:
  Over the past 6 months, solar flux has ranged from 130 to 160, and sunspot numbers have fluctuated between 78 and 124. While there has been a slight downward trend since the peak in December 2025, current values remain well above average, supporting good HF propagation.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Expect continued quiet geomagnetic conditions (low K-index) and stable solar activity.
• HF bands (20m–15m) will remain reliable for DX and regional contacts.
• 80m and 40m will continue to perform well at night.
• No major solar storms or aurora events are forecast.
• Keep an ear on 12m and 10m for possible short-lived openings, especially around local noon.
• No alerts or warnings—enjoy the stable conditions for contests, DXing, and casual operation!