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 favorable, with solar flux at 144 and a sunspot number of 64, supporting decent daytime openings on the higher bands. Geomagnetic conditions are slightly unsettled with a K-index around 3, which may cause some fading or short-term disturbances, especially at higher latitudes. Expect good conditions on 20m, 17m, and 15m throughout the day and evening, while 12m and 10m are more variable. Nighttime favors the lower bands, but 80m and 40m remain only fair due to recent geomagnetic activity. Plan your operations for daylight hours on the higher bands and watch for brief DX windows around sunrise and sunset.

💡 Operator Tips

• Focus on 20m, 17m, and 15m for reliable daytime DX and regional contacts.
• Use digital modes (FT8, FT4, PSK31) to take advantage of marginal band openings, especially on 12m and 10m.
• For contesting or DXing, operate during local morning and late afternoon for the best east-west and north-south paths.
• At night, try 40m and 80m for domestic and short-haul DX, but expect some QSB (fading).
• Keep an eye on the K-index; if it rises further, expect increased absorption and possible short blackouts on polar paths.
• Portable and QRP operators: verticals and high dipoles will help maximize your chances on the higher bands during the day.

⏰ Best Operating Times

🌍 DX Opportunities

• 20m, 17m, and 15m are open for intercontinental DX, especially along grayline paths (sunrise/sunset).
• Grayline enhancement favors long-haul contacts on 40m and 80m at local dawn and dusk.
• 10m and 12m may open briefly to southern latitudes and equatorial regions—monitor FT8 for weak signals.
• Aurora is low (index 3), so VHF auroral propagation is unlikely, but northern operators should still check 6m for surprises.
• Watch for short-lived DX windows on higher bands during solar wind fluctuations.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Analysis:
20m, 17m, and 15m are the most reliable bands today, offering good propagation from morning through evening and even into the night for some paths. 12m and 10m are more variable, with fair conditions during daylight but closing quickly after sunset. 80m and 40m are only fair at night and early morning, with poor daytime conditions due to D-layer absorption and recent geomagnetic activity. For best results, operate on 20m–15m during the day and try 40m/80m at night for regional contacts.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 3 — Indicates slightly unsettled geomagnetic conditions; minor absorption and fading possible, especially at higher latitudes.
• Solar Flux (10.7cm): 144 — Supports good propagation on 20m–15m, with occasional openings on 12m and 10m.
• Sunspot Number: 64 — Moderate, enough for decent HF activity but lower than previous months.
• Space Weather Overview: No major flares, but background X-ray flux is at B7.1 (quiet to moderate). Solar wind is moderately elevated.

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

Recent K-index trends show a mostly quiet geomagnetic field with values between 1 and 2 over the past 48 hours, but a rise to 3.33 in the last reporting period. This suggests a period of relative stability, with a slight uptick in geomagnetic activity that could cause minor HF disturbances, particularly on polar and high-latitude paths. Overall, conditions are stable but should be monitored for further increases.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B7.1 — Low-level, no significant risk of HF blackouts, but keep an eye on sudden increases.
• Solar Wind: 445.7 km/s — Slightly above average, can contribute to minor geomagnetic disturbances and fading.
• Particle Environment:
  • Electron Flux: 3360 — Elevated, may cause minor absorption on polar paths.
  • Proton Flux: 13 — Quiet, no major impact on HF.
• Aurora Activity: 3 — Low, unlikely to affect HF or VHF propagation except at very high latitudes.
• Helium Line: 129.0 — Indicates moderate solar activity, consistent with current solar flux and sunspot trends.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

Recent months show a decline in solar flux and sunspot numbers from late 2025 into early 2026, with solar flux dropping from ~160 to ~136 and sunspots from ~124 to ~78. This trend means high bands (12m, 10m) are less reliable than during peak months, but mid-high bands (20m–15m) remain solid. Watch for further decreases, which may limit higher band openings in the coming weeks.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Expect continued moderate solar activity with solar flux in the 135–145 range and K-index likely to remain between 2 and 3.
• Best bands: 20m, 17m, 15m for both DX and regional contacts.
• Worst bands: 80m, 40m during the day; 12m, 10m at night.
• No major geomagnetic storms or solar flares forecast, but monitor space weather alerts for sudden changes.
• VHF/UHF: No auroral or sporadic-E activity expected, but check 6m for brief openings during solar wind changes.
• Advice: Operate during daylight on the higher bands, use digital modes for marginal conditions, and take advantage of grayline for DX. Stay flexible and check real-time band reports for short-term changes.