Amateur Radio Propagation Report

Sun Images for Past 72 Hours

Images copyrighted by the SDO/NASA and Helioviewer project

📋 Propagation Summary: HF propagation today is moderately favorable, with stable geomagnetic conditions and a solar flux index around 130, though slightly lower than recent months. Expect good performance on 20m, while higher bands like 12m and 10m remain mostly poor. Low K-index and minimal aurora mean quiet bands and low noise, especially for the lower frequencies. Operators should focus on 20m and 40m for reliable contacts, with some DX possible during grayline. Keep an eye on band openings, as conditions may fluctuate with minor solar activity.

💡 Operator Tips

• Use 20m during daylight for the best all-around propagation—great for both local and DX contacts.
• 40m and 80m will perform well at night; consider digital modes (FT8, PSK31) to maximize weak signal work.
• 15m and 17m may offer short openings, especially during local midday—monitor for brief DX chances.
• 12m and 10m are mostly closed; check for sporadic E or unexpected openings, but don't expect much.
• With low geomagnetic activity, noise levels should be low—take advantage for weak-signal and QRP operation.
• For contesters and DXers: focus on grayline periods and sunrise/sunset for best long-haul propagation.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m & 40m: Best at night and early morning (local time)
• 20m: Excellent from late morning through afternoon, still good into early evening
• 17m & 15m: Try late morning to early afternoon for possible short openings
• 12m & 10m: Limited, but check midday for any brief activity
• Grayline (dawn/dusk): Enhanced DX on 40m and 20m

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline propagation will favor long-path DX on 40m and 20m, especially around sunrise and sunset.
• 20m offers the most reliable international paths, including trans-equatorial and east-west routes.
• 15m and 17m may open briefly to southern latitudes or along the equator.
• Aurora activity is minimal, so VHF/UHF auroral propagation is not expected.
• Watch for short-lived band enhancements during minor solar events or if the K-index briefly rises.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Analysis: 20m is the most consistent performer throughout the day and into the evening, making it the top choice for both local and DX contacts. 40m and 80m improve after sunset, with good night-time propagation for regional and some DX work. 15m and 17m are marginal but worth checking during midday for possible short openings. 12m and 10m are largely closed due to low solar flux and sunspot numbers—activity will be rare.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 1 (very quiet)—indicates low geomagnetic disturbance, supporting stable HF conditions.
• Solar Flux: 107 (real-time) / 130.66 (monthly average)—slightly below recent peaks, but still supportive of mid-band HF propagation.
• Sunspot Number: 50 (real-time) / 85.9 (monthly)—moderate, but lower than previous months, contributing to weaker high-band openings.
• Space Weather Overview:
  • No major flares or disturbances reported.
  • X-ray activity at B3.3 (low), so no risk of radio blackouts.
  • Aurora index at 2—very low, minimal impact on HF/VHF.

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained very low and stable (0-1) over the past 24 hours, indicating calm geomagnetic conditions.
• No recent geomagnetic storms or disturbances—bands should remain quiet with low noise.
• Stable geomagnetic field supports reliable propagation, especially on lower bands.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B3.3—very low, so no threat of HF blackouts or sudden ionospheric disturbances.
• Solar Wind Speed: 350 km/s—moderate, not likely to trigger geomagnetic activity.
• Particle Environment:
  • Electron Flux: 1910—slightly elevated, but not at levels that cause significant absorption or fadeouts.
  • Proton Flux: 36—quiet, no solar radiation storms.
• Aurora Activity: 2—very low, so VHF/UHF auroral propagation is not expected.
• Helium Line: 104.2—indicates stable solar conditions, with no major changes in activity trend.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Over the past several months, solar flux has gradually declined from a high of 160 (Dec 2025) to the current 130 range.
• Sunspot numbers have also decreased from over 120 to the 85 range, reflecting a modest downturn in solar activity.
• Despite this, conditions remain good for mid-band HF (20m, 17m, 15m), but high bands (12m, 10m) are mostly closed.
• Lower bands (80m, 40m) benefit from the quiet geomagnetic field, especially at night.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Expect continued quiet geomagnetic conditions (low K-index) and stable, moderate solar activity.
• 20m will remain the best band for reliable contacts, with 40m/80m strong at night.
• No significant solar storms or flares are forecast—no major disruptions expected.
• High bands (12m/10m) will likely stay closed, but monitor for any surprise openings, especially during local midday.
• No alerts or warnings at this time—enjoy the stable bands and low noise!