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 moderately challenging, with solar flux at 143 and a sunspot number of 130—both supportive of decent daytime propagation, especially on the higher bands. However, a K-index of 4 signals unsettled geomagnetic conditions, which may cause some fading and absorption, particularly on polar and east-west paths. Expect fair conditions on most bands, with low bands (80m/40m) underperforming during the day and high bands (12m/10m) struggling at night. Operators should focus on mid-bands (20m/17m/15m) for the most reliable contacts and watch for short-lived DX openings during grayline periods.

💡 Operator Tips:

• Use digital modes (FT8, FT4, RTTY) for better performance under marginal conditions, especially on higher bands.
• 20m, 17m, and 15m are your best bets for daytime DX; check 12m/10m for brief openings, especially during local noon and grayline.
• For nighttime operation, stick to 40m and 80m, but expect only fair results—use low-noise antennas and strong filtering.
• Monitor the K-index: if it rises further, expect increased fading and possible blackouts, especially on polar paths.
• For contests or DXpeditions, focus on the mid-bands and time your operations around sunrise/sunset for maximum reach.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m/40m: Best after sunset through early morning; avoid daytime unless targeting local NVIS contacts.
• 20m/17m/15m: Open most of the day, peaking mid-morning to late afternoon; check for grayline enhancements at sunrise/sunset.
• 12m/10m: Try late morning to early afternoon for sporadic E or F-layer openings; limited at night.
• Grayline: All bands may experience short-term enhancements during local sunrise and sunset—ideal for chasing DX.

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline propagation is your friend today—target sunrise/sunset for long-haul DX, especially on 20m and 17m.
• North-south paths (e.g., Europe to South America, North America to South Pacific) are more stable than east-west or polar routes due to unsettled geomagnetic conditions.
• Watch for brief 10m/12m openings around local noon, especially if you’re in the mid-latitudes.
• Aurora activity is moderate (level 5), so northern operators may see some VHF auroral propagation—check 6m and 2m for possible aurora scatter.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

The mid-bands (20m, 17m, 15m) are performing most consistently throughout the day and evening, offering the best chance for both local and DX contacts. 80m and 40m are underperforming during the day but may provide fair results at night, especially for regional QSOs. 12m and 10m are fair during daylight but close down at night—check for brief daytime DX, especially during solar peak hours.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 4 (Unsettled) — Indicates increased geomagnetic activity, leading to potential fading and absorption, especially on higher latitude and polar paths.
• Solar Flux: 143 (Moderate to High) — Supports good ionization for mid/high bands; expect decent daytime propagation, especially on 20m-10m.
• Sunspot Number: 130 (Elevated) — Favors higher band openings and supports F-layer propagation for DX.
• Space Weather Overview: X-ray activity is at C1.3 (minor flare level), with a solar wind speed of 510.8 km/s (above average), and electron flux at 2110 (elevated)—all contributing to dynamic but usable HF conditions.

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has recently increased to 4, indicating unsettled geomagnetic conditions. This trend suggests a recent disturbance, possibly from a coronal hole or minor CME.
• Over the past 24 hours, conditions have worsened slightly, so expect more absorption and fading, especially on polar and east-west paths.
• If the K-index stabilizes or drops, expect gradual improvement, but if it rises, be prepared for further HF degradation.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: C1.3 (minor flare) — No major HF blackouts, but keep an ear out for sudden shortwave fadeouts on the sunlit side.
• Solar Wind: 510.8 km/s — Elevated speed increases geomagnetic activity, contributing to the current unsettled K-index.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux at 2110 and proton flux at 11 — High electron flux can cause increased D-layer absorption, especially on lower bands.
• Aurora Activity: Level 5 — Moderate auroral activity; VHF/UHF operators in northern latitudes should check for aurora scatter, especially on 6m and 2m.
• Helium Line: 118.2 — Indicates ongoing solar activity; watch for further flares or disturbances that could impact propagation.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

Recent months show solar flux peaking in December 2025 at over 160, then gradually declining to the current value near 130. Sunspot numbers have also decreased from a high of 124 to the current 85-130 range. This trend suggests we are past the solar maximum peak, but conditions remain favorable for HF propagation, especially on the mid and high bands.

🔮 3-Day Forecast