Sun Images for Past 72 Hours
Images copyrighted by the SDO/NASA and Helioviewer project
📋 Propagation Summary: HF propagation today is looking moderately favorable for most amateur operators. With a solar flux of 137 and a sunspot number of 86, there’s enough solar activity to support decent daytime openings on the higher bands, while the low bands remain reliable at night. The K-index is at 0, indicating very quiet geomagnetic conditions—great news for stable propagation and low noise. Expect good conditions on 20m–15m throughout the day, with 80m and 40m coming alive after sunset. Keep an eye on the X-ray flux (C1.8) for possible short-term disruptions, but overall, today is a solid day to get on the air.
💡 Operator Tips:
- Daytime: Focus on 20m, 17m, and 15m for reliable DX and regional contacts.
- Nighttime: 40m and 80m will be your best bets for both local and longer-haul QSOs.
- Modes: Use FT8, CW, or SSB as appropriate—digital modes may punch through when conditions are marginal.
- Antennas: Vertical or directional antennas will help maximize DX, especially on higher bands.
- Contesters: Take advantage of quiet geomagnetic conditions for low noise and stable signals.
- DXers: Check grayline times for enhanced long-path openings, especially on 20m and 17m.
⏰ Best Operating Times
| Band | Best Times (UTC) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 80m | 20:00–08:00 | Best after sunset, low noise tonight |
| 40m | 19:00–09:00 | Strong at night, some daytime skip |
| 20m | 10:00–20:00 | Excellent daytime DX, grayline boost |
| 17m | 11:00–19:00 | Good daytime, some late afternoon DX |
| 15m | 12:00–18:00 | Good midday, check for short DX |
| 12m | 13:00–17:00 | Fair, check for sporadic E openings |
| 10m | 14:00–16:00 | Fair, possible short skip, watch for E-skip |
🌍 DX Opportunities
- Grayline enhancement: Best DX on 20m and 17m around local sunrise and sunset.
- 20m/17m: Good trans-equatorial and east-west openings expected during daylight.
- 15m/12m/10m: Watch for short, sporadic E-skip and possible north-south paths midday.
- Low bands: 40m and 80m will support long-haul DX after dark, especially with low K-index.
- Special events: No major geomagnetic storms or aurora expected—take advantage of the stable conditions for rare DX.
📻 Band-by-Band Analysis
| Band | Morning | Day | Evening | Night |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80m | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good |
| 40m | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good |
| 20m | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good |
| 17m | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good |
| 15m | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good |
| 12m | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🔴 Poor |
| 10m | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🔴 Poor |
The 20m, 17m, and 15m bands are performing best throughout the day and into the evening, offering reliable DX and regional contacts. 80m and 40m are best at night, with reduced noise and good skip for both local and long-distance QSOs. 12m and 10m are only fair during the day—watch for brief openings, especially if sporadic E develops, but expect them to close at night.
📊 Current Solar Activity
Solar Activity Metrics
K-index
Solar Flux (10.7cm)
Sunspot Number
- K-index: 0 — Very quiet geomagnetic field, minimal auroral or polar absorption, excellent for all bands.
- Solar Flux: 137 — Moderate solar activity, supports good HF propagation up to 15m and occasional 12m/10m openings.
- Sunspot Number: 86 — Healthy sunspot count, indicating continued solar cycle activity and decent ionization for HF.
📈 Geomagnetic Conditions
- The K-index has remained low and stable over the past 24 hours, indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions. No recent spikes or disturbances, so expect low noise and stable propagation, especially on the low bands. Conditions are improving compared to earlier months with more variable K-index.
🌟 Space Weather Details
Space Weather Dashboard
X-ray Activity
Solar Wind Speed
Aurora Activity
- X-ray Activity: C1.8 — Low to moderate flare activity. Minor risk of short-lived HF blackouts, but no major disruptions expected.
- Solar Wind: 320.9 km/s — Low solar wind speed, which helps keep geomagnetic activity minimal.
- Particle Environment: Electron flux at 1730 and proton flux at 11 — Normal levels, no significant impact on HF expected.
- Aurora Activity: 1 — Very low auroral activity, so no auroral propagation on VHF/UHF; northern operators will see quiet bands.
- Helium Line: 123.5 — Stable solar activity indicator, suggesting no major changes in solar output.
📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details
Propagation Quality Timeline (24 Hours)
Recent months show a gradual decrease in solar flux and sunspot numbers from late 2025 through spring 2026. While the solar cycle is past its peak, current values are still supportive of good HF propagation, especially on the higher bands during the day.
Solar Activity Trends (6 Months)
The trend shows solar flux dropping from 160+ to around 120, and sunspot numbers from over 120 to about 79. This means slightly shorter high-band openings than during peak months, but still plenty of action for active operators.
🔮 3-Day Forecast
3-Day K-index Forecast
- Propagation is expected to remain stable over the next three days, with quiet geomagnetic conditions and moderate solar activity.
- Best bands: 20m, 17m, and 15m during the day; 40m and 80m at night.
- Watch for: Brief 10m and 12m openings, especially if solar flux ticks up or sporadic E develops.
- No alerts or warnings for HF or VHF operators—enjoy the quiet bands while they last!