Amateur Radio Propagation Report

Sun Images for Past 72 Hours

Images copyrighted by the SDO/NASA and Helioviewer project

📋 Propagation Summary: HF propagation conditions are currently moderate to good for most bands, thanks to a solar flux of 143 and a K-index of 1 (very quiet geomagnetic field). Lower bands (80m, 40m) are performing best at night, while mid and upper HF bands (20m–15m) offer reliable daytime and evening DX. The higher bands (12m, 10m) are more variable, with fair daytime openings and poor nighttime performance. Operators can expect stable conditions with minimal geomagnetic disturbance, making this an excellent window for both casual and DX operation. No major space weather alerts are active, so take advantage of the quiet geomagnetic field for long-haul contacts.

💡 Operator Tips

• Target 20m, 17m, and 15m during daylight for the best DX and intercontinental contacts.
• 80m and 40m are your go-to bands for local/regional work and nighttime DX—expect less noise and better signals after sunset.
• 10m and 12m may open for short periods during the day; use digital modes (FT8, FT4) to maximize weak signal opportunities.
• With low geomagnetic activity, verticals and simple dipoles will perform well—no need for high-gain arrays unless chasing rare DX.
• CW and digital modes will outperform SSB on marginal bands, especially during fair or poor conditions.
• Monitor grayline times for enhanced propagation, especially on 40m and 20m.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m/40m: Best at night and early morning for both local and some DX paths.
• 20m/17m/15m: Consistently good from sunrise through sunset, with evening hours also productive.
• 12m/10m: Watch for short daytime openings; conditions drop off rapidly after sunset.

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Daytime DX: 20m, 17m, and 15m are open for long-haul east-west and north-south paths, including transatlantic and transpacific.
• Grayline: Enhanced propagation on 40m and 20m around sunrise and sunset—ideal for chasing rare DX.
• 10m/12m: Look for sporadic E and F2 openings, especially around local noon and early afternoon.
• No auroral alerts: VHF/UHF aurora propagation is unlikely; focus on HF for DX.
• Contesters: This is a great period for SSB and digital contests, especially on 20m–15m.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

The 20m, 17m, and 15m bands are performing best throughout the day and into the evening, providing reliable DX and intercontinental contacts. 80m and 40m are best at night and early morning, especially for regional and some long-haul paths. 12m and 10m are only fair during daylight hours and generally closed at night—use digital modes to take advantage of any brief openings.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 1 — Very quiet, indicating minimal geomagnetic disturbance and stable HF conditions.
• Solar Flux (10.7cm): 143 — Moderate, supporting good propagation on 20m–15m and occasional openings on 12m/10m.
• Sunspot Number: 75 — Moderate, enough to sustain F2 layer propagation but not at solar maximum levels.
• Space Weather: No major flares or storms reported; X-ray flux at B7.5 (quiet), solar wind at 389 km/s (average), and aurora index at 5 (quiet).

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has trended downward over the past 24 hours, moving from a brief spike (K=5) two days ago to a stable, quiet level (K=1 or below) for the last 36 hours.
• This sustained quiet geomagnetic field means minimal absorption and excellent stability for HF propagation, especially on higher bands.
• No geomagnetic storms are present or forecasted—expect reliable conditions for the next 24–48 hours.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B7.5 (very low)—no risk of HF blackouts or sudden ionospheric disturbances.
• Solar Wind: 389 km/s—average speed, not likely to trigger geomagnetic activity.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux at 2280 (moderate); proton flux at 30 (quiet)—no significant impact on HF or VHF propagation.
• Aurora Activity: 5 (quiet)—no auroral propagation expected for VHF/UHF; northern operators will not see enhanced auroral effects.
• Helium Line: 124.9—steady, indicating no major solar trend changes.
• Summary: No space weather threats; conditions are stable and favorable for HF.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

Recent months show a gradual decrease in both solar flux and sunspot numbers from late 2025 into early 2026. Solar flux has dropped from ~160 in December to ~136 in February, and sunspots from 124 to 78. This trend means upper HF bands (10m/12m) are less reliable than during peak solar activity, but mid-HF (20m/17m/15m) remains robust for most paths.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Propagation will remain stable with quiet geomagnetic conditions (K-index forecast to stay low).
• 20m–15m will continue to provide the best DX opportunities during daylight and early evening.
• 80m/40m will be strong at night for both local and some DX contacts.
• 10m/12m: Watch for short, sporadic daytime openings—digital modes recommended.
• No alerts or warnings: No major solar or geomagnetic events expected. Enjoy the quiet bands and plan for extended operating sessions!