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 moderate solar activity and very quiet geomagnetic conditions. With a solar flux index of 106 and sunspot numbers around 60-79, expect good performance on the lower and mid bands (80m-20m), while higher bands (17m-10m) will be more challenging, especially for long-haul DX. The K-index is at 0, indicating very stable ionospheric conditions and minimal geomagnetic disturbance—great news for noise-sensitive operations. Operators should focus on the lower bands for reliable contacts, but keep an eye on short-lived openings on 15m and 17m, especially during daylight hours.

💡 Operator Tips:

• Prioritize 40m and 20m for both local and DX contacts—these bands offer the most consistent propagation today.
• Digital modes (FT8, FT4, PSK31) will outperform SSB/CW on marginal bands like 17m and 15m.
• Monitor 10m and 12m for sporadic E-skip, but expect generally poor conditions.
• Low noise floor: Take advantage of the quiet geomagnetic field for weak signal work, especially on 80m and 40m.
• Contesters and DXers: Work the grayline on 40m/20m for best long-haul opportunities; use spotting networks to catch fleeting high-band openings.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m and 40m: Consistently good all day and night—excellent for regional and some DX work.
• 20m: Good throughout the day; best for daytime DX and intercontinental paths.
• 17m and 15m: Fair conditions—possible short openings, especially midday.
• 12m and 10m: Poor—expect these bands to be mostly closed except for rare, brief openings.

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline propagation is strong on 40m and 20m; target sunrise/sunset for best DX.
• 20m remains the most reliable for intercontinental contacts, especially east-west paths.
• 17m/15m may open for short periods, mainly to equatorial and low-latitude regions.
• 10m/12m: Watch for sporadic E-skip, especially around local noon, but don’t expect sustained DX.
• Auroral activity is low (Aurora index 3), so VHF/UHF aurora paths are unlikely.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

• Best bands today: 80m, 40m, and 20m are all good for both day and night operation, making them the top choices for reliable contacts.
• 17m and 15m: Fair—occasional openings possible, especially for digital modes.
• 12m and 10m: Poor—these bands are mostly closed due to low solar flux and moderate sunspot numbers.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 0 (very quiet) — minimal geomagnetic disturbance, resulting in low noise and stable propagation.
• Solar Flux: 106 (down from recent months) — indicates limited ionization for higher HF bands.
• Sunspot Number: 60 (recently 79-85) — moderate, supporting good low/mid-band propagation but not enough for robust high-band openings.
• Space Weather: No significant flares or disturbances; X-ray activity at B7.7 is low.

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained at or near 0 over the past 24 hours, showing very stable geomagnetic conditions.
• No recent geomagnetic storms or disturbances—this is ideal for weak-signal work and reduces QRM/QRN.
• Expect continued quiet conditions unless a sudden solar event occurs.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B7.7 (low)—no risk of HF blackouts or sudden ionospheric disturbances.
• Solar Wind Speed: 404 km/s—moderate, not high enough to trigger geomagnetic storms.
• Electron Flux: 4960—elevated but not extreme; may cause minor absorption at polar latitudes but no major impact.
• Proton Flux: 1720—well below storm thresholds.
• Aurora: 3 (low)—no significant auroral propagation expected.
• Helium Line: 102.4—stable, indicating no major solar changes imminent.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Over the past several months, solar flux and sunspot numbers have gradually declined from late 2025 highs (SF ~160, SSN ~130) to current moderate levels (SF ~120, SSN ~79).
• This downward trend means lower maximum usable frequencies (MUF), especially affecting 12m and 10m.
• Lower bands (80m-20m) remain robust, but high-band DX will be less frequent until solar activity rises again.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• HF conditions expected to remain stable with continued quiet geomagnetic field and moderate solar activity.
• 80m-20m will continue to be the best bands for reliable operation.
• 17m/15m may offer brief openings, especially during local midday.
• 12m/10m: Remain poor; monitor for sporadic E-skip but expect little DX.
• No alerts or warnings at this time—enjoy the quiet conditions for weak-signal and DX work!