Amateur Radio Propagation Report

Sun Images for Past 72 Hours

Images copyrighted by the SDO/NASA and Helioviewer project

📋 Propagation Summary: HF propagation today is shaped by a moderate solar flux (around 105–131) and a relatively low sunspot number (35–86), resulting in average to below-average conditions on most bands. Expect good performance on 20m throughout the day and night, while higher bands (15m, 12m, 10m) will be challenging with mostly poor openings. Lower bands (80m, 40m) will be your best bet for reliable contacts, especially during nighttime. Geomagnetic activity is currently quiet (K-index 0–2), so no major disruptions are expected. Focus your efforts on the 20m and 40m bands for the best DX and regional results.

💡 Operator Tips

• Prioritize 20m and 40m for both DX and regional QSOs; these bands offer the most consistent openings today.
• Try digital modes (FT8, PSK31, RTTY) on higher bands (15m–10m) to take advantage of weak-signal performance.
• Nighttime is prime time for 80m and 40m; use these bands for reliable contacts after sunset.
• Monitor grayline periods (sunrise/sunset) for enhanced long-path DX, especially on 20m and 17m.
• Keep an eye on the K-index; if it rises, expect possible short-term blackouts or absorption, especially on polar paths.
• Use directional antennas to maximize signal strength, particularly on 20m and 17m where propagation is best.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m & 40m: Best at night and early morning; fair during the day.
• 20m: Good all day and night; best during daylight and grayline.
• 17m & 15m: Fair during daytime, especially mid-morning to afternoon.
• 12m & 10m: Poor throughout; only attempt during peak daylight or if you spot sporadic-E activity.

🌍 DX Opportunities

• 20m band offers the most reliable DX paths, especially during local afternoon and evening.
• Grayline enhancement: Watch for improved long-path DX on 20m and 17m around sunrise and sunset.
• 40m and 80m: Good for intercontinental contacts during local nighttime, especially for east-west paths.
• High bands (12m, 10m): Limited DX; check for short, sporadic-E openings, especially in the afternoon.
• Aurora activity is low, so VHF/UHF auroral propagation is not expected.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Analysis:

• 20m is the most reliable band for both daytime and nighttime operations, offering good propagation nearly 24 hours.
• 40m and 80m provide good conditions at night and fair during the day, making them ideal for regional and some DX contacts after sunset.
• 17m and 15m are fair throughout the day; try digital modes or look for brief enhancements.
• 12m and 10m are mostly poor—expect little to no propagation unless there is a sudden solar uptick or sporadic-E event.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 0–2 (very quiet) — minimal geomagnetic disturbance, stable HF conditions.
• Solar Flux: 105 (current) to 131 (recent average) — moderate, supporting 20m and below, but limiting higher bands.
• Sunspot Number: 35 (current), 85 (recent average) — lower end, less ionization for upper HF.
• Space Weather: No major flares; X-ray flux at B4.8 (low), so no significant radio blackouts expected.

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• Recent K-index trend: Stable and low (0–2) over the past 24 hours, indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions.
• Impact: No significant absorption or blackouts; polar and trans-equatorial paths remain open and stable.
• Outlook: If the K-index rises, expect possible short-term HF disruptions, especially on higher latitude paths.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B4.8 — Low-level solar X-ray activity; no risk of sudden HF blackouts.
• Solar Wind: 450 km/s — Slightly elevated but not enough to trigger geomagnetic storms.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux 2210 (moderate), Proton flux 267 (quiet); no significant impacts on HF expected.
• Aurora Activity: 1 (very low) — No auroral propagation for VHF/UHF; northern operators will not see aurora-related openings.
• Helium Line: 105.2 — Indicates stable solar conditions with no major trend changes.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Recent solar flux and sunspot trends show a gradual decline since late 2025, with current values at the lower end of the recent range.
• Solar flux peaked around 160 in December 2025 and has steadily dropped to ~131 by March 2026.
• Sunspot numbers have also declined from 124 to 85 over the same period, reflecting a less active sun.
• Practical impact: This downward trend means higher bands (15m–10m) are less likely to open, while 20m and below remain the most reliable.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Solar and geomagnetic conditions are expected to remain stable, with no major flares or storms forecasted.
• HF propagation will continue to favor 20m, 40m, and 80m, with limited openings on higher bands.
• Watch for any sudden K-index spikes; otherwise, expect similar band conditions for the next few days.
• No alerts or warnings for amateur radio operators at this time—enjoy stable, predictable HF and keep an ear on 20m for the best DX!