Sun Images for Past 72 Hours
Images copyrighted by the SDO/NASA and Helioviewer project
📋 Propagation Summary: HF propagation is currently impacted by elevated geomagnetic activity and unsettled space weather. With a solar flux of 136 and sunspot number at 118, there’s enough solar energy for higher bands, but a K-index of 5 (geomagnetic storm level) is causing significant absorption and poor conditions, especially on the lower bands. Expect fair openings on 17m, 15m, and 12m during the day, while 20m and below will struggle. Operators should be prepared for rapid changes and increased noise, especially at high latitudes. Focus on higher bands for any DX, and monitor for auroral effects.
💡 Operator Tips
- Use digital modes (FT8, FT4, PSK31) to punch through noisy or weak conditions, especially on 17m, 15m, and 12m.
- Short skip and NVIS on 40m/80m will be unreliable; try 20m+ for any regional or DX work.
- Monitor the K-index: If it drops, 20m and 17m may quickly improve.
- Vertical antennas and directional beams will help mitigate absorption and noise.
- For contesters: Focus efforts on 15m and 17m during daylight hours.
- Aurora watchers: VHF/UHF may open for northern stations—check 6m and 2m for auroral scatter.
⏰ Best Operating Times
| Band | Best Times (UTC) |
|---|---|
| 80m | Limited, best after local midnight if at all |
| 40m | Poor all day, slight improvement pre-dawn |
| 20m | Marginal midday, but poor overall |
| 17m | Late morning to afternoon |
| 15m | Late morning to early evening |
| 12m | Midday to afternoon |
| 10m | Early afternoon, but unreliable |
🌍 DX Opportunities
- DX is most likely on 17m and 15m during daylight, especially on north-south paths.
- Grayline propagation is weak today due to high geomagnetic activity, but check 17m/15m at sunrise/sunset for brief openings.
- Auroral activity may enable VHF/UHF DX for stations at higher latitudes (aurora level 5).
- Watch for sporadic-E on 10m and 6m as geomagnetic disturbances can trigger short, intense openings.
📻 Band-by-Band Analysis
| Band | Morning | Day | Evening | Night |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80m | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor |
| 40m | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor |
| 20m | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor |
| 17m | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair |
| 15m | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair |
| 12m | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🔴 Poor |
| 10m | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🔴 Poor |
Analysis: 17m and 15m are your best bets for any HF activity today, with fair conditions throughout daylight and evening hours. 12m and 10m may offer brief openings but are less reliable, especially at night. 20m and below are largely closed due to geomagnetic absorption and high noise.
📊 Current Solar Activity
Solar Activity Metrics
K-index
Solar Flux (10.7cm)
Sunspot Number
- K-index: 5 – Indicates a geomagnetic storm; expect high absorption, especially on lower bands.
- Solar Flux: 136 – Moderate, supports higher band openings under quiet geomagnetic conditions.
- Sunspot Number: 118 – Healthy, but not enough to overcome current geomagnetic disturbance.
- Space Weather: X-ray at B8.9 (quiet), but high solar wind and particle fluxes are causing disturbances.
📈 Geomagnetic Conditions
- The K-index has recently spiked to 5, signaling a geomagnetic storm in progress.
- Trend: Conditions have worsened over the past 24 hours, with increased geomagnetic instability.
- Impact: Expect continued absorption and fading, especially at higher latitudes and on lower HF bands.
🌟 Space Weather Details
Space Weather Dashboard
X-ray Activity
Solar Wind Speed
Aurora Activity
- X-ray Activity: B8.9 (low) – No major HF blackouts expected, but minor absorption persists.
- Solar Wind: 678.6 km/s – Elevated; contributes to geomagnetic storming and auroral activity.
- Particle Environment: Electron flux 28,500, Proton flux 12,100 – High levels can increase D-layer absorption and noise.
- Aurora Activity: Level 5 – High; VHF/UHF auroral propagation possible for northern operators.
- Helium Line: 124.5 – Indicates ongoing moderate solar activity; no major flares, but persistent disturbances.
📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details
Propagation Quality Timeline (24 Hours)
- Solar flux and sunspot numbers have trended downward since late 2025, with a peak in December and steady decline into spring 2026.
- This downward trend, coupled with today’s geomagnetic storm, explains the current poor HF conditions.
- Expect continued variability as the solar cycle fluctuates.
Solar Activity Trends (6 Months)
🔮 3-Day Forecast
3-Day K-index Forecast
- Next 3 days: Geomagnetic activity may remain elevated, with possible brief improvements if the K-index drops below 4.
- HF conditions: 17m and 15m will continue to offer the best chances for QSOs, especially during daylight.
- VHF/UHF: Watch for auroral openings, especially in northern regions.
- Recommendations: Stay flexible, monitor real-time K-index and solar data, and use digital modes to maximize contacts. Avoid relying on 80m/40m for critical communications until geomagnetic conditions improve.