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 in a favorable state for most amateur bands, thanks to a solid solar flux of 141 and a moderate sunspot number of 44. Geomagnetic conditions are stable, with the K-index at 2, supporting reliable band openings and minimizing disruptions. Expect good daytime performance on 20m, 17m, and 15m, with 80m and 40m performing best at night. Higher bands (12m, 10m) are showing only fair to poor conditions, so focus your efforts on the lower and mid bands for DX and reliable contacts. No major space weather alerts are in effect, making this a great day for both casual and DX operations.

💡 Operator Tips

• For daytime DX, prioritize 20m, 17m, and 15m—these bands offer the best propagation under current solar conditions.
• 80m and 40m are your best bet for evening and night operations, especially for regional and NVIS contacts.
• Digital modes (FT8, FT4) will help you make the most of marginal openings, especially on 12m and 10m.
• Use directional antennas and low-noise receive setups to maximize weak-signal DX, especially during grayline.
• If you’re chasing awards or contests, focus on the afternoon and evening hours for transcontinental and intercontinental paths.
• Monitor for sudden changes in K-index or X-ray activity, which could briefly disrupt HF, especially on higher bands.

⏰ Best Operating Times

20m, 17m, and 15m are performing best throughout the day and evening, making them ideal for DX and long-haul contacts. 80m and 40m are strongest at night for local and regional work. 12m and 10m are only fair during daylight and mostly closed at night—watch for brief openings during peak solar activity or sporadic-E events.

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline propagation is strong on 40m and 20m—target sunrise and sunset for long-path DX.
• 20m and 17m offer the most consistent worldwide openings, especially to equatorial and mid-latitude regions.
• 15m may provide surprise DX into the afternoon, especially on north-south paths.
• Watch for short-lived 10m/12m openings during local noon or after minor solar upticks.
• Aurora activity is low, so VHF auroral propagation is unlikely today.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Analysis:

• 20m, 17m, and 15m are the most reliable for both DX and domestic contacts throughout the day and into the evening.
• 80m and 40m are best at night and during local sunrise/sunset, with fair conditions during the day.
• 12m and 10m are marginal—try digital modes or monitor for short-lived openings, especially around midday.
• No significant VHF/UHF propagation enhancements expected today.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 2 — Low geomagnetic activity; stable HF conditions, minimal absorption or blackout risk.
• Solar Flux: 141 — Good for supporting higher band openings (20m-15m); slightly below recent monthly averages but still favorable.
• Sunspot Number: 44 — Moderate; supports reliable propagation but not peak cycle levels.
• Space Weather Overview: No major solar flares or disturbances reported. X-ray flux at C1.1 (minor), so only minimal risk of sudden HF blackouts.

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has trended downward over the past 24 hours, dropping from values near 4 (unsettled) to a stable 1-2 (quiet).
• This improvement means less absorption and better reliability on all HF bands, especially for higher-latitude and polar paths.
• No geomagnetic storms or warnings are in effect. Conditions are stable and favorable for HF operation.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: C1.1 — Minor X-ray flux; little to no impact on HF, but keep an ear out for sudden increases which could cause short blackouts.
• Solar Wind: 407.4 km/s — Typical solar wind speed; not high enough to trigger geomagnetic storms.
• Particle Environment:
  • Electron Flux: 2640 — Slightly elevated, but not at levels that typically degrade HF.
  • Proton Flux: 9 — Quiet; no HF absorption expected from proton events.
• Aurora Activity: 2 — Very low; auroral propagation on VHF/UHF is not expected.
• Helium Line: 129.4 — Indicates moderate solar activity, consistent with current solar flux and sunspot numbers.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Recent solar flux has hovered between 140-160 over the past several months, supporting consistent HF openings, especially on 20m-15m.
• Sunspot numbers have declined from late 2025 highs but remain in a healthy range for good propagation.
• Expect stable band conditions to continue unless a sudden solar event occurs.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• HF conditions are expected to remain stable with continued low geomagnetic activity and steady solar flux.
• 20m, 17m, and 15m will continue to be the best bands for DX and long-haul contacts.
• 80m and 40m will perform best at night and during grayline.
• Monitor for solar flare alerts—any increase in X-ray or K-index could briefly degrade HF, especially on higher bands.
• No significant VHF/UHF enhancements or auroral events are forecasted. Enjoy the stable conditions for contesting, DXing, and casual QSOs!