Sun Images for Past 72 Hours
Images copyrighted by the SDO/NASA and Helioviewer project
📋 Propagation Summary: Today’s HF propagation is being shaped by moderate solar activity and quiet geomagnetic conditions. The solar flux is at 120, with a sunspot number around 79, both showing a gradual decline over recent months. K-index is very low (quiet), so bands are stable, but the lower solar flux means higher bands (20m and above) are mostly poor, while lower bands (80m/40m) offer the best chances, especially at night. Expect limited DX on higher HF, but good regional and some intercontinental paths on the low bands. Recommendation: Focus your efforts on 80m and 40m, especially after dark.
💡 Operator Tips
- Use 80m and 40m for most reliable contacts, especially during evening and night hours.
- Try digital modes (FT8, JT65) on higher bands (20m–10m) if you want to chase any weak openings.
- For DX, target grayline periods on 40m and 80m.
- Keep an eye on the K-index; with quiet geomagnetic conditions, noise is low—take advantage for weak-signal work.
- If you’re contesting or chasing awards, focus on low bands and use directional antennas to maximize reach.
⏰ Best Operating Times
- 80m & 40m: Best at night and early morning (local time)
- 20m: Marginal during midday, best chance for short skip or sporadic E
- 17m–10m: Generally poor, but try midday for possible brief openings, especially on digital modes
🌍 DX Opportunities
- Grayline on 80m/40m: Best shot at long-haul DX, especially toward sunrise/sunset.
- 20m: Occasional short-path openings possible around local noon, but expect weak signals.
- Aurora: Low activity, so no significant VHF/UHF auroral propagation expected.
- Watch for sporadic E on 10m/6m during the day, but conditions are not favorable overall.
📻 Band-by-Band Analysis
| Band | Morning | Day | Evening | Night |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80m | 🟡 Good | 🟠 Fair | 🟡 Good | 🟢 Excellent |
| 40m | 🟡 Good | 🟠 Fair | 🟡 Good | 🟢 Excellent |
| 20m | 🔴 Poor | 🟠 Fair | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor |
| 17m | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor |
| 15m | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor |
| 12m | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor |
| 10m | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor |
80m and 40m are the workhorses today, especially from sunset through sunrise, with excellent night conditions. 20m may offer fair propagation during the day, but higher bands (17m–10m) are mostly closed or poor. For reliable contacts, stick to the lower bands, and try digital modes if you want to experiment on 20m.
📊 Current Solar Activity
Solar Activity Metrics
K-index
Solar Flux (10.7cm)
Sunspot Number
- K-index: 0–1 (very quiet) – Geomagnetic field is stable, minimal noise, and good for weak-signal work.
- Solar Flux: 120 – On the low side; supports low-band propagation, but limits higher HF bands.
- Sunspot Number: 79 – Moderate, but part of a declining trend, which means less ionization for upper bands.
- Space Weather: No major flares or disturbances reported.
📈 Geomagnetic Conditions
- The K-index has remained very low and stable over the past 24 hours, indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions.
- No recent geomagnetic storms or disturbances—propagation is not being disrupted by space weather.
- Expect low noise levels and stable propagation, especially on the low bands.
🌟 Space Weather Details
Space Weather Dashboard
X-ray Activity
Solar Wind Speed
Aurora Activity
- X-ray Activity: B6.6 (low) – No risk of HF blackouts; solar flare activity is minimal.
- Solar Wind: 456.7 km/s – Slightly elevated but not enough to disturb geomagnetic conditions.
- Particle Environment: Electron flux at 3200 (moderate); proton flux at 29 (quiet) – No significant impact on HF/VHF.
- Aurora: Index 3 – Low auroral activity; no VHF/UHF aurora expected for northern operators.
- Helium Line: 127.2 – Indicates stable, moderate solar output; no trend toward increased activity.
📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details
Propagation Quality Timeline (24 Hours)
- Over the past several months, both solar flux and sunspot numbers have declined steadily from late 2025 highs (solar flux ~160, SSN ~130) to current levels (solar flux 120, SSN 79).
- This trend means fewer opportunities on higher HF bands and a shift toward low-band dominance for reliable propagation.
Solar Activity Trends (6 Months)
🔮 3-Day Forecast
3-Day K-index Forecast
- Solar and geomagnetic conditions are expected to remain stable for the next 3 days.
- Low bands (80m/40m) will continue to offer the best propagation, especially at night.
- Higher bands (20m–10m) will likely remain poor, with only brief, weak openings possible during midday.
- No alerts or warnings are in effect; continue to monitor for any sudden solar events, but quiet conditions are forecast.