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 (141) and a healthy sunspot number (133), supporting generally good conditions on most bands. The K-index is at 0, indicating extremely quiet geomagnetic conditions—great news for stable propagation and low noise, especially on the low bands. Expect good opportunities on 20m, 17m, and 15m throughout the day and evening, with 12m and 10m being more variable and favoring daylight hours. Nighttime low-band (80m/40m) operation will be solid, while higher bands may close after sunset. No major space weather disturbances are present, so take advantage of the calm for both DX and local contacts.

💡 Operator Tips

• Daytime: Focus on 20m, 17m, and 15m for reliable DX and intercontinental contacts.
• Nighttime: 80m and 40m will offer the best performance for regional and some long-haul paths.
• Modes: Try CW and FT8 on marginal bands (12m/10m) to squeeze out weak-signal QSOs.
• Antennas: Vertical or directional antennas will enhance DX, especially as higher bands are variable.
• Contesters: Take advantage of the low K-index for low-band runs and check 15m for surprise openings.
• DXers: Watch for grayline enhancements at sunrise/sunset, especially on 40m and 20m.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m & 40m: Best at night and early morning (local time)
• 20m: Excellent from mid-morning through early evening
• 17m & 15m: Good from late morning to late afternoon
• 12m & 10m: Try late morning to early afternoon; signals may fade quickly after sunset

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline paths are promising on 40m and 20m—target sunrise/sunset for transcontinental DX.
• 20m and 17m are open for long-haul DX most of the day.
• 15m may support intercontinental paths, especially to equatorial and southern latitudes.
• 10m/12m: Watch for sporadic E or short-lived F-layer openings around local noon.
• Aurora activity is low, so VHF/UHF auroral propagation is unlikely today.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

20m, 17m, and 15m are the most reliable bands throughout the day and into the evening, offering consistent DX and regional contacts. 80m and 40m shine at night and early morning, ideal for local and some long-haul work. 12m and 10m are less reliable, with only fair conditions during daylight and likely closed after dark—try digital modes if you’re hunting for rare openings.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 0 (very quiet) — Minimal geomagnetic disturbance, excellent for low-band propagation and low noise.
• Solar Flux: 141 — Moderate, supporting good F-layer propagation on 20m–15m and occasional openings on 12m/10m.
• Sunspot Number: 133 — Healthy value, indicating ongoing solar activity and decent ionization for HF bands.
• Space Weather: No major flares or disturbances—stable conditions for all HF operations.

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained at or near zero for the past 24 hours, signaling a period of exceptional geomagnetic stability.
• No recent geomagnetic storms or disturbances—conditions are stable and favorable for all HF operations, especially on the low bands.
• Expect minimal fading and low noise across all bands.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B6.2 (low) — No risk of HF blackouts; normal D-layer absorption.
• Solar Wind: 394.8 km/s — Near average, not likely to trigger geomagnetic activity.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux high (9550), proton flux moderate (835) — May slightly enhance daytime absorption, but no major impacts.
• Aurora Activity: Level 2 (very low) — No auroral propagation expected; VHF/UHF bands remain unaffected.
• Helium Line: 124.1 — Indicates moderate solar activity, consistent with stable propagation trends.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Recent months show a slight decline in both solar flux and sunspot numbers since late 2025, but current values remain strong enough for good HF propagation.
• Solar flux peaked at 160+ in December, now at 135–141, still supporting robust F-layer activity.
• Sunspot numbers have dipped from 130+ to around 78–133, but remain healthy for HF.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Stable geomagnetic conditions expected to continue; K-index likely to remain low.
• Solar flux and sunspot numbers should support continued good propagation on 20m–15m, with 12m/10m offering occasional daytime openings.
• No alerts or warnings for HF or VHF operators.
• Best bands: 20m, 17m, 15m (day/evening); 80m, 40m (night/morning).
• Worst bands: 10m and 12m at night—expect poor or closed conditions.
• Action: Plan DX and contest activities around daylight hours for higher bands, and target low bands after sunset for best results.