Sun Images for Past 72 Hours
Images copyrighted by the SDO/NASA and Helioviewer project
📋 Propagation Summary: HF propagation is looking favorable today, with solar flux at a robust 188 and a sunspot number of 119, supporting good conditions on most bands. The K-index is low (1), indicating very quiet geomagnetic conditions, so expect stable signals and minimal fading. Daytime operations on 20m through 10m will be strong, while 80m and 40m shine at night. No major space weather disturbances are present, so this is an excellent day for both local and DX contacts—take advantage of the calm before any solar surprises!
💡 Operator Tips:
- Focus on 20m, 17m, and 15m for all-day DX and reliable regional contacts.
- Try 12m and 10m during daylight for possible short-skip and sporadic-E openings.
- Use 80m and 40m after sunset for strong regional and intercontinental paths.
- Digital modes (FT8, FT4) will maximize weak signal work, especially on higher bands.
- For contesters and DXers: check grayline times for enhanced long-path openings.
- Keep antennas tuned and check for band openings throughout the day, as conditions are stable and ripe for surprises.
⏰ Best Operating Times
| Band | Best Times (UTC) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 80m | 20:00–08:00 | Nighttime best; strong regional NVIS |
| 40m | 19:00–09:00 | Night and early morning; good for DX |
| 20m | 08:00–20:00 (all day) | Reliable worldwide coverage |
| 17m | 09:00–19:00 | Good DX, less crowded |
| 15m | 10:00–18:00 | Great for intercontinental paths |
| 12m | 11:00–17:00 | Daytime only; check for short-skip |
| 10m | 12:00–16:00 | Daytime only; watch for sporadic-E |
🌍 DX Opportunities
- Grayline openings: Expect enhanced propagation on 40m and 20m during sunrise and sunset—ideal for chasing rare DX.
- Daytime DX: 15m, 17m, and 20m are open for long-haul contacts, especially east-west paths.
- Sporadic-E: 10m and 12m may see short-skip and European openings midday.
- Aurora activity is low, so VHF/UHF auroral propagation is not expected.
- No major solar events forecast, so plan for stable conditions and maximize DX during daylight.
📻 Band-by-Band Analysis
| Band | Morning | Day | Evening | Night |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80m | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🟡 Good | 🟢 Excellent |
| 40m | 🟠 Fair | 🔴 Poor | 🟡 Good | 🟢 Excellent |
| 20m | 🟡 Good | 🟢 Excellent | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good |
| 17m | 🟡 Good | 🟢 Excellent | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good |
| 15m | 🟡 Good | 🟢 Excellent | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good |
| 12m | 🟠 Fair | 🟡 Good | 🟠 Fair | 🔴 Poor |
| 10m | 🟠 Fair | 🟡 Good | 🟠 Fair | 🔴 Poor |
Analysis: The best bands today are 20m, 17m, and 15m, which offer reliable propagation from morning through evening. 12m and 10m are open during the day but close at night—check for sporadic-E. 80m and 40m are poor during the day but become excellent after sunset for regional and DX work.
📊 Current Solar Activity
Solar Activity Metrics
K-index
Solar Flux (10.7cm)
Sunspot Number
- K-index: 1 (very quiet) – Geomagnetic field is calm; expect stable signals and low absorption.
- Solar Flux: 188 (high) – Indicates strong ionization; supports excellent HF propagation, especially on higher bands (15m, 12m, 10m).
- Sunspot Number: 119 – Healthy sunspot activity, boosting overall HF conditions.
- Space Weather Overview: No major flares or storms; X-ray flux at C2.6 (minor activity), so blackout risk is low.
📈 Geomagnetic Conditions
- The K-index has remained low and stable over the past 24 hours, indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions.
- No recent spikes or disturbances—propagation is not being degraded by geomagnetic storms.
- Expect continued stability unless a sudden solar event occurs.
🌟 Space Weather Details
Space Weather Dashboard
X-ray Activity
Solar Wind Speed
Aurora Activity
- X-ray Activity: C2.6 – Minor solar flare activity; no significant HF blackouts expected.
- Solar Wind: 499.8 km/s – Slightly elevated, but not enough to trigger geomagnetic storms; keep an eye out for any sudden increases.
- Particle Environment: Electron flux at 1460 and proton flux at 76 – Both within normal ranges; no impact on HF expected.
- Aurora Activity: 2 – Very low; auroral propagation on VHF/UHF is unlikely.
- Helium Line: 122.1 – Indicates moderate solar activity; trend is stable, supporting good HF conditions.
📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details
Propagation Quality Timeline (24 Hours)
Recent months show a declining trend in solar flux and sunspot numbers from late 2025 to early 2026, but current values have rebounded slightly. This supports the current good HF conditions, especially on higher bands.
Solar Activity Trends (6 Months)
- Solar flux peaked above 160 in late 2025, dipped to 120–130 in early 2026, and is now back up to 188.
- Sunspot numbers followed a similar pattern, currently at a healthy level.
- These trends suggest we are in a favorable phase for HF propagation, but keep an eye on future solar activity for any downturns.
🔮 3-Day Forecast
3-Day K-index Forecast
- Propagation is expected to remain good over the next three days, with continued low K-index and stable solar flux.
- 20m, 17m, and 15m will remain the best bets for DX and reliable contacts.
- No major geomagnetic storms or solar flares are forecast.
- Monitor for any sudden changes in the K-index or X-ray flux, but overall, enjoy the stable and enhanced conditions for HF operation!