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 moderate solar activity and a quiet geomagnetic field. With a solar flux of 132 and sunspot numbers around 146, operators can expect good conditions on the 20m, 17m, and 15m bands throughout the day and evening. The lower bands (80m/40m) are less favorable during daylight but improve after sunset. Higher bands (12m/10m) may open for short periods, especially during daylight, but are generally less reliable. Keep an eye on the K-index, which is currently low, supporting stable propagation—ideal for both local and DX contacts.

💡 Operator Tips

• Focus your operations on 20m, 17m, and 15m for the best all-day results.
• Use digital modes (FT8, FT4, PSK31) on higher bands (12m/10m) to take advantage of brief openings.
• For DX, operate during local sunrise and sunset (grayline) on 20m and 17m.
• 80m and 40m are best reserved for nighttime and early morning local contacts.
• If contesting, prioritize 20m and 15m for the highest QSO rates.
• Portable and QRP operators: midday on 20m/17m offers the best chance for long-haul contacts with modest setups.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m/40m: Best after sunset through early morning (night, pre-dawn)
• 20m/17m/15m: Excellent from late morning through early evening
• 12m/10m: Try mid-day for possible short openings, especially during solar peaks
• Grayline: Sunrise and sunset on 20m/17m for enhanced DX

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline propagation is especially strong on 20m and 17m—target long-path DX at sunrise and sunset.
• 15m remains open for intercontinental contacts during daylight hours.
• 10m/12m: Watch for brief, sporadic-E or F2 openings, especially around local noon.
• Auroral activity is low (Aurora index: 3), so northern VHF/UHF DX is unlikely today.
• Focus on east-west paths during daylight and north-south paths during grayline for best results.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

The 20m, 17m, and 15m bands are the most reliable for both local and DX contacts throughout the day and evening. 80m and 40m are challenging during daylight but improve after dark for regional QSOs. 12m and 10m may offer brief openings, especially midday, but are generally less dependable—use digital modes to maximize your chances.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 3 (low geomagnetic activity, stable HF conditions)
• Solar Flux: 132 (moderate, supports good propagation on mid-high HF bands)
• Sunspot Number: 146 (healthy, enhances F-layer ionization and band openings)
• Space Weather: No major flares or disturbances; X-ray flux at B6.9 (low, minimal risk of HF blackouts)

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained low and steady over the past 24 hours, indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions.
• No recent spikes or storms; this stability favors consistent HF propagation and minimizes sudden band closures.
• Expect continued stable conditions unless a solar wind shock arrives.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B6.9 (low)—no risk of shortwave blackouts or sudden ionospheric disturbances.
• Solar Wind: 394 km/s (moderate)—no significant geomagnetic impact expected.
• Electron Flux: 1800 (elevated but not extreme)—may cause mild absorption at high latitudes, but little effect for most operators.
• Proton Flux: 36 (quiet)—no radiation storm concerns.
• Aurora: 3 (low)—northern lights unlikely; VHF/UHF auroral propagation not expected.
• Helium Line: 124.2 (stable)—no major trend changes in solar activity.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Recent months show a gradual decline in solar flux and sunspot numbers from late 2025 peaks, but values remain strong enough for good HF propagation.
• Solar flux has decreased from 160 in December 2025 to 125 in May 2026, but this still supports reliable openings on 20m–15m.
• Sunspot numbers have rebounded slightly in May after a dip in early 2026, suggesting a possible stabilization or minor uptick in solar activity.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Propagation is expected to remain stable with continued moderate solar flux and low geomagnetic activity.
• 20m, 17m, and 15m will continue to be the best bands for both local and DX work.
• Watch for brief 10m/12m openings around mid-day, especially if solar flux ticks upward.
• No major geomagnetic storms or solar flares are forecast—enjoy steady conditions for contests, nets, and DXing.
• No alerts or warnings at this time; keep monitoring for sudden changes, especially if solar wind increases.