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 moderate with a solar flux of 124 and a sunspot number of 121, supporting decent activity on most bands. Geomagnetic conditions are very quiet (K-index 1, A-index 5), which means low noise and stable propagation, especially for DX. Expect good performance on 20m during the day and night, while higher bands (15m-10m) are fair and may open for shorter periods, especially during daylight. Lower bands (80m/40m) are good at night for regional and some DX contacts. No major space weather disturbances are present, so operators can expect stable conditions today.

💡 Operator Tips

• Focus on 20m for reliable DX throughout the day and evening; it's the most consistent performer right now.
• Try 17m and 15m during local midday for possible short-to-medium DX, but expect only fair conditions.
• 80m and 40m will provide the best nighttime regional and some long-haul contacts—great for ragchews and nets.
• Use digital modes (FT8, PSK31) on higher bands (12m/10m) to take advantage of marginal openings.
• Low noise levels mean even modest antennas and QRP setups can perform well, especially on 20m and 40m.
• Monitor grayline times for enhanced DX, especially on 40m and 20m.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m/40m: Best at night and early morning (regional and some DX)
• 20m: Excellent all day and into evening (DX and intercontinental)
• 17m/15m: Late morning through afternoon (short/medium-haul DX)
• 12m/10m: Midday only, and mostly fair (try digital modes for weak openings)

🌍 DX Opportunities

• 20m band is the main DX workhorse—look for openings to all continents, especially along the grayline.
• Grayline propagation will boost signals on 40m and 20m at sunrise/sunset—check for long-path DX.
• 15m and 17m may open to equatorial and southern latitudes during midday.
• No aurora activity (Aurora index 1), so VHF/UHF auroral DX is unlikely.
• No major solar events—no warnings or alerts for HF blackouts.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Analysis:

• 20m is the most reliable band for both day and night DX.
• 80m and 40m shine at night and early morning, with excellent regional and some DX potential.
• 17m and 15m offer fair conditions, mainly during daylight hours—watch for brief DX openings.
• 12m and 10m are marginal; try digital modes or check for sporadic-E, especially midday.
• VHF/UHF: No enhanced propagation expected.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 1 (very quiet geomagnetic conditions, minimal noise/interference)
• Solar Flux: 124 (supports decent HF propagation, especially on 20m and below)
• Sunspot Number: 121 (healthy, but lower than recent months—still supports moderate propagation)
• Space Weather: No significant flares or disturbances; X-ray flux at B8.3 (low, stable)

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• Recent K-index trend: Stable and low over the past 24 hours, indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions.
• No geomagnetic storms—propagation is stable, with low absorption and minimal auroral activity.
• Expect continued low noise and good signal readability on all bands.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B8.3 (low)—no risk of HF blackouts or sudden fadeouts.
• Solar Wind: 391.7 km/s (moderate)—not enough to trigger geomagnetic disturbances.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux at 2110 (normal); Proton flux at 11 (quiet)—no impact on HF.
• Aurora Activity: Index 1 (very low)—no auroral propagation for VHF/UHF.
• Helium Line: 120.3 (steady)—indicates stable solar output, no major changes expected.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Recent solar flux and sunspot trends show a gradual decline since early 2026, but current values remain supportive of moderate HF propagation.
• No major solar events in recent months—propagation has been stable, with no extended blackouts or absorption events.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Propagation is expected to remain stable over the next three days, with no significant geomagnetic or solar disturbances forecast.
• 20m and 40m will continue to be the best bands for reliable contacts.
• Watch for brief openings on 15m and 17m during daylight, especially for DX to southern and equatorial regions.
• No alerts or warnings—enjoy the quiet conditions and make the most of the bands!