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 moderate with some variability due to recent geomagnetic activity. The solar flux is at 125, which supports decent daytime propagation on the higher bands, but the sunspot number has dipped to 25, limiting the best openings. The K-index is at 2, showing quiet geomagnetic conditions now, but the past few days saw some unsettled periods. Expect good conditions on 20m, 17m, and 15m during the day, while 80m and 40m will be more reliable at night. The higher bands (12m, 10m) may be spotty, especially after sunset. For best results, focus on daytime operation and take advantage of the quieter geomagnetic window.

💡 Operator Tips

• Use 20m, 17m, and 15m for daytime DX and intercontinental contacts—these bands are currently the most reliable.
• 80m and 40m will provide solid regional and some DX contacts at night; try these bands after local sunset.
• Digital modes (FT8, FT4) are recommended on 12m and 10m, where conditions are less stable.
• Keep an eye on the K-index; if it rises, expect more absorption and fading, especially on polar and east-west paths.
• For contesters: Focus your efforts on the mid-bands (20/17/15m) during daylight and 40m after dark for best rates.

⏰ Best Operating Times

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline paths are favorable on 40m and 80m at local sunrise and sunset—watch for DX on these bands during twilight.
• 20m and 17m offer the best shot at long-haul DX, especially toward the equator and along north-south paths.
• 10m and 12m may open briefly to South America and Africa during peak solar hours—use digital modes for weak signals.
• No major aurora alerts, so VHF/UHF DX via auroral propagation is unlikely today.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

The mid-bands (20m, 17m, 15m) are performing best throughout the day and into the evening, offering consistent regional and DX opportunities. 80m and 40m are stronger at night, ideal for local and some long-haul contacts. 12m and 10m are marginal, with only brief daytime openings—primarily for digital modes and short skip.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 2 (quiet geomagnetic field), so minimal absorption and good HF reliability.
• Solar Flux: 125 (10.7cm) — moderate, supports decent propagation on 20m–15m, but not enough for strong 10m openings.
• Sunspot Number: 25 — low, limiting maximum usable frequency (MUF) and reducing high-band DX.
• Space Weather: No major solar flares reported, but C-class X-ray activity is ongoing.

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has trended downward over the past 24 hours, moving from unsettled (K=4–5) to quiet (K=2).
• This improvement means less auroral absorption and better HF stability, especially on polar and high-latitude paths.
• If the K-index remains low, expect continued improvement, but monitor for sudden increases.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: C1.1 — indicates minor solar flare activity; no major HF blackouts expected, but brief absorption possible.
• Solar Wind: 529 km/s — slightly elevated, which can trigger minor geomagnetic disturbances but nothing severe at present.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux 2400, Proton flux 56 — normal to slightly elevated; minimal impact on HF, but keep an eye on sudden spikes.
• Aurora Activity: Level 5 — low to moderate; not enough for VHF auroral propagation, but northernmost operators may notice some effects.
• Helium Line: 124.5 — stable, suggesting no major solar trend changes imminent.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

Recent solar flux and sunspot numbers have declined slightly from late 2025 peaks (solar flux 160, SSN 124) to current moderate levels (solar flux 125, SSN 25). This downward trend means the higher bands (12m, 10m) are less reliable, while the mid-bands remain productive. Watch for further changes as the solar cycle evolves.

🔮 3-Day Forecast