Sun Images for Past 72 Hours
Images copyrighted by the SDO/NASA and Helioviewer project
📋 Propagation Summary: HF propagation is currently favorable for most amateur bands, with a solar flux of 134 and sunspot numbers holding steady at 124. The K-index is at 0, indicating very quiet geomagnetic conditions—great news for HF operators, as this means minimal disturbances and stable propagation. Expect good daytime performance on 20m, 17m, and 15m, with 12m and 10m showing fair results during the day but dropping off at night. Lower bands (80m/40m) will be good at night for regional and some DX work. Take advantage of the quiet geomagnetic field for reliable DX and contesting, especially on the higher bands during daylight.
💡 Operator Tips:
- Use 20m, 17m, and 15m during the day for the most consistent DX and intercontinental contacts.
- For nighttime operation, 40m and 80m will provide the best results, especially for regional and domestic QSOs.
- Digital modes (FT8, FT4, PSK31) will help you dig out weak signals, especially on 12m and 10m where conditions are only fair.
- With the K-index at 0, expect low noise—try SSB and CW for maximum reach.
- If you’re chasing DX, focus on grayline times (sunrise/sunset) for enhanced propagation, especially on 20m and 40m.
- No significant aurora or geomagnetic events—VHF/UHF will be typical, with no enhanced propagation expected.
⏰ Best Operating Times
| Band | Best Times (UTC) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 80m | 00:00–08:00, 20:00–24:00 | Best at night, regional DX |
| 40m | 00:00–09:00, 19:00–24:00 | Nighttime DX, good for nets |
| 20m | 07:00–19:00 | All-day DX, best around noon |
| 17m | 08:00–18:00 | Daylight DX, quieter than 20m |
| 15m | 09:00–17:00 | Daytime DX, check for openings |
| 12m | 10:00–16:00 | Fair, best midday, digital modes |
| 10m | 11:00–15:00 | Sporadic-E possible, digital |
🌍 DX Opportunities
- 20m, 17m, and 15m are open for worldwide DX during daylight, especially along east-west paths.
- Grayline propagation is strong on 40m and 20m—work sunrise/sunset for long-haul contacts.
- 10m/12m may open briefly to South America, Africa, or the Pacific during midday—watch for short, sporadic-E openings.
- No aurora or polar path enhancement expected; focus on equatorial and mid-latitude paths.
- No major solar events—enjoy stable conditions for contests and awards chasing!
📻 Band-by-Band Analysis
| Band | Morning | Day | Evening | Night |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80m | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good |
| 40m | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good |
| 20m | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good |
| 17m | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good |
| 15m | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good |
| 12m | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🔴 Poor |
| 10m | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🔴 Poor |
- Best bands: 20m, 17m, and 15m are consistently good throughout the day and into the evening, making them the top choices for DX and reliable contacts.
- Nighttime: 40m and 80m improve after sunset, ideal for late-night nets and regional DX.
- 12m and 10m: Only fair during the day, likely closed or poor at night—use digital modes and check for brief openings.
- No bands are completely closed, but 10m/12m will be challenging outside midday.
📊 Current Solar Activity
Solar Activity Metrics
K-index
Solar Flux (10.7cm)
Sunspot Number
- K-index: 0 (very quiet) — Indicates minimal geomagnetic disturbance, best for stable HF propagation.
- Solar Flux: 134 — Moderate to good for supporting higher band openings (15m, 12m, 10m).
- Sunspot Number: 124 — Healthy sunspot count, supports good ionization and band openings.
- Space Weather: No major flares or disturbances; X-ray flux is at B8.6 (low), so no risk of radio blackouts.
📈 Geomagnetic Conditions
- The K-index has remained at or near 0 over the past 24 hours, showing very stable geomagnetic conditions.
- No recent spikes or disturbances—propagation is unusually steady.
- Expect low noise levels and minimal fading on all HF bands.
🌟 Space Weather Details
Space Weather Dashboard
X-ray Activity
Solar Wind Speed
Aurora Activity
- X-ray Activity: B8.6 (low)—No risk of shortwave blackouts; expect stable HF conditions.
- Solar Wind: 521 km/s—Moderate, but with the K-index at 0, no significant geomagnetic impact.
- Particle Environment: Electron flux at 3440 (moderate), proton flux at 1210 (quiet)—No adverse effects on propagation.
- Aurora Activity: Level 1—Very low; no auroral propagation expected on HF or VHF.
- Helium Line: 120.3—Stable, indicating no sudden changes in solar activity.
📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details
Propagation Quality Timeline (24 Hours)
- Over the past several months, solar flux and sunspot numbers have dipped from late 2025 highs (solar flux ~160, SSN ~125) to current moderate levels (solar flux ~125, SSN ~101).
- This gradual decline means higher bands (15m, 12m, 10m) are less reliable than last winter, but still open during the day.
- No major solar events or geomagnetic storms have occurred recently, supporting the current run of stable conditions.
Solar Activity Trends (6 Months)
🔮 3-Day Forecast
3-Day K-index Forecast
- Propagation is expected to remain stable over the next three days, with the K-index forecast to stay low and no major solar flares predicted.
- 20m, 17m, and 15m will continue to be the best bets for DX and reliable contacts.
- 10m and 12m may see brief midday openings—monitor for sporadic-E, especially if chasing rare DX.
- No warnings or alerts—enjoy the quiet space weather and make the most of the bands while conditions last!