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 quiet geomagnetic conditions. The solar flux is at 99, with a sunspot number of 89, supporting decent propagation on the lower and mid bands, but higher bands (12m, 10m) remain challenging. The K-index is low (2), indicating stable geomagnetic conditions and minimal disturbances. Expect good performance on 20m and below, with fair openings on 17m and 15m. For best results, focus on the lower bands during the night and early morning, and mid bands during the day.
💡 Operator Tips
- Prioritize 20m, 40m, and 80m for reliable contacts, especially for DX and longer paths.
- Digital modes (FT8, PSK31, RTTY) will outperform SSB/CW on higher bands (15m, 12m, 10m) due to marginal conditions.
- Vertical antennas and low-noise receive setups will help maximize weak signal work, especially on 80m/40m.
- Monitor grayline times for enhanced DX, particularly on 40m and 80m.
- Avoid high bands (12m, 10m) unless you see sudden improvements or spot sporadic-E activity.
⏰ Best Operating Times
- 80m & 40m: Best at night and early morning (local sunrise/sunset for DX)
- 20m: Good all day, peaks mid-morning to late afternoon
- 17m & 15m: Fair mid-day; watch for short-lived openings
- 12m & 10m: Poor all day, limited to possible brief openings during peak solar hours
🌍 DX Opportunities
- Grayline DX: Enhanced propagation on 40m and 80m at sunrise/sunset—target antipodal paths.
- 20m: Remains the most reliable for intercontinental contacts throughout daylight hours.
- 15m/17m: Possible short DX windows mid-day, especially north-south paths.
- Aurora: Low risk today, but VHF operators in high latitudes may check for weak auroral scatter.
- No major special events or alerts currently, but keep an ear out for sudden solar changes.
📻 Band-by-Band Analysis
| Band | Morning | Day | Evening | Night |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80m | 🟡 Good | 🟠 Fair | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good |
| 40m | 🟡 Good | 🟠 Fair | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good |
| 20m | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good |
| 17m | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair |
| 15m | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair |
| 12m | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor |
| 10m | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor |
The best bands today are 20m, 40m, and 80m, with 20m offering the most consistent performance throughout the day. 17m and 15m may provide some fair openings, especially during midday, but expect limited DX. 12m and 10m are mostly closed due to low solar flux and moderate sunspot numbers—only attempt these if you notice sudden band openings or spot sporadic-E activity.
📊 Current Solar Activity
Solar Activity Metrics
K-index
Solar Flux (10.7cm)
Sunspot Number
- K-index: 2 (quiet geomagnetic field, minimal disturbances—good for HF)
- Solar Flux: 99 (moderate; supports 20m and below, but not enough for reliable high-band openings)
- Sunspot Number: 89 (moderate; helps sustain mid-band propagation)
- Space Weather: No major flares or disturbances; X-ray flux at B4.5 (quiet)
📈 Geomagnetic Conditions
- The K-index has remained low and stable over the past 24 hours, indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions.
- No recent geomagnetic storms or significant fluctuations—propagation is stable, with minimal absorption or blackout risk.
- These conditions favor reliable HF operation, especially for DX on the lower bands.
🌟 Space Weather Details
Space Weather Dashboard
X-ray Activity
Solar Wind Speed
Aurora Activity
- X-ray Activity: B4.5 (quiet)—no risk of HF blackouts or sudden absorption events.
- Solar Wind Speed: 416.5 km/s (moderate)—not high enough to trigger geomagnetic storms.
- Particle Environment: Electron flux 1420, Proton flux 22—both at background levels, no significant impact on HF.
- Aurora Activity: 3 (low)—northern VHF/UHF operators may see very weak auroral scatter, but HF is unaffected.
- Helium Line: 106.8—steady, indicating no sudden solar upswings or flare activity.
📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details
Propagation Quality Timeline (24 Hours)
Recent solar data shows solar flux and sunspot numbers have declined slightly since early 2026, but remain in a moderate range. This supports decent HF propagation on 20m and below, with only occasional openings on higher bands. No major solar events or strong flares have occurred in the past month.
Solar Activity Trends (6 Months)
🔮 3-Day Forecast
3-Day K-index Forecast
- HF conditions are expected to remain stable, with continued quiet geomagnetic activity and moderate solar flux.
- 20m, 40m, and 80m will continue to be the best bands for reliable operation and DX.
- 12m and 10m will likely remain poor unless an unexpected solar event occurs.
- No alerts or warnings are in effect—enjoy steady conditions and make the most of the lower bands for DX and contesting!