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 low geomagnetic activity and moderate solar flux. With a solar flux index of 106 and sunspot numbers in the upper 30s, conditions are stable but not at peak performance for high bands. The K-index is at 0, indicating very quiet geomagnetic conditions—great news for HF reliability and low noise. Expect good performance on the lower bands (80m–20m), while higher bands (15m–10m) will be more challenging. For best results, focus on the lower bands and take advantage of the quiet geomagnetic field for DX and regional contacts.

💡 Operator Tips

• Prioritize 80m, 40m, and 20m for both local and DX contacts—these bands are performing best today.
• Digital modes (FT8, PSK31, RTTY) are recommended, especially on the higher bands where conditions are only fair or poor.
• CW and SSB will work well on 80m–20m; consider CW for marginal conditions on 17m and 15m.
• Check grayline times for enhanced DX, especially on 40m and 20m.
• Use directional antennas to maximize low-angle takeoff for DX, and keep an ear on 10m/12m for any brief openings.
• Contesters: Focus on low bands for rate, but monitor 20m for midday DX.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m & 40m: Best at night and early morning; still good during the day for regional work.
• 20m: Good all day, with peak DX around local noon and during grayline.
• 17m & 15m: Fair throughout the day; best chance for openings is midday.
• 12m & 10m: Poor most of the time; check briefly around local noon for any sporadic E or unexpected openings.

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline propagation is favorable on 40m and 20m—target sunrise/sunset for long-haul contacts.
• Low K-index means polar and trans-equatorial paths are open, especially on 20m.
• DX on 17m and 15m is possible but less reliable; look for short, sporadic openings.
• No significant aurora activity—northern paths are stable.
• Watch for short-lived 10m/12m openings during peak solar heating or if you spot cluster activity.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Analysis:
The 80m, 40m, and 20m bands are consistently good throughout the day and night, making them the best choice for both local and DX contacts. 17m and 15m are only fair—expect some activity, but signals will be weaker and less reliable. 12m and 10m are poor across all time periods, with minimal chances for openings; check only if you’re chasing rare propagation or local contacts.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 0 (very quiet) — minimal geomagnetic disturbance, excellent for HF stability.
• Solar Flux: 106 — moderate; supports reliable propagation on lower bands, but not enough for strong high-band openings.
• Sunspot Number: 38 — low to moderate; correlates with today’s fair-to-poor high-band conditions.
• Space Weather Overview:
  • No major flares or disturbances.
  • The Helium Line at 109.1 is stable, indicating no sudden solar changes.

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has trended downward over the past 24 hours, moving from values around 1.67 to a current value of 0.
• This steady decrease signals very quiet geomagnetic conditions, ideal for HF propagation—especially for polar and high-latitude paths.
• No geomagnetic storms or disturbances are expected in the immediate future.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B2.5 (low)—no risk of HF blackouts or sudden absorption events.
• Solar Wind: 340.1 km/s (moderate/quiet)—no enhanced geomagnetic activity from the solar wind.
• Particle Environment:
  • Electron Flux: 2740 (elevated but not extreme)—may cause minor absorption at lower latitudes, but not significant today.
  • Proton Flux: 21 (quiet)—no risk of polar cap absorption.
• Aurora Activity: 1 (very low)—no auroral propagation expected; VHF/UHF bands will not benefit from aurora.
• Helium Line: 109.1 (stable)—no indication of upcoming solar events.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Over the past several months, solar flux and sunspot numbers have gradually decreased from higher values in late 2025 (solar flux >150, SSN >120) to current moderate levels (solar flux ~106, SSN ~38).
• This trend means high bands (12m/10m) are less likely to open, while lower bands (80m–20m) remain reliable.
• No recent major solar events—propagation has been stable and predictable.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• HF conditions will remain stable, with quiet geomagnetic activity and moderate solar flux.
• Expect continued good performance on 80m–20m; 17m and 15m may improve slightly if solar flux rises, but 12m/10m will stay challenging.
• No alerts or warnings—enjoy the quiet bands and take advantage of low noise for DX and contesting.
• Monitor solar data for any sudden changes, but no significant disturbances are forecast.