Sun Images for Past 72 Hours
Images copyrighted by the SDO/NASA and Helioviewer project
📋 Propagation Summary: HF propagation is looking solid today, with solar flux at 156 and a sunspot number of 122, supporting good conditions on most bands. The K-index is low (1), meaning geomagnetic activity is quiet—great news for stable HF paths. Expect excellent daytime performance on 20m through 10m, while 80m and 40m will shine at night. Watch for brief blackouts from moderate X-ray activity (C1.3), but overall, conditions favor both local and DX contacts. Now’s a great time to get on the air and take advantage of the improved high-band openings!
💡 Operator Tips
- Target 20m–10m during daylight for the best DX and intercontinental contacts.
- Nighttime is prime for 80m and 40m—great for regional and domestic QSOs.
- Use FT8, CW, and SSB for maximum reach; digital modes will excel during any brief solar disturbances.
- Monitor the K-index: If it rises, expect increased noise, especially on polar paths.
- Portable ops? A simple vertical or dipole will work wonders today, especially on 15m and 10m.
- Contesters and DXers: Focus on sunrise/sunset for grayline enhancement, especially on 40m and 20m.
⏰ Best Operating Times
- 80m & 40m: Best at night and early morning (local time)
- 20m: Good all day, especially late morning through afternoon
- 17m, 15m: Excellent mid-morning to late afternoon
- 12m, 10m: Peak from late morning to mid-afternoon; may close quickly after sunset
🌍 DX Opportunities
- Daytime DX: 15m, 12m, and 10m are open for long-haul DX—look for trans-equatorial and east-west paths.
- Grayline: 40m and 20m will benefit most—try for rare DX at sunrise and sunset.
- Aurora: Minimal today (Aurora index 1), so VHF auroral propagation is unlikely.
- Special events: With quiet geomagnetic conditions, polar and high-latitude paths are favorable.
📻 Band-by-Band Analysis
| Band | Morning | Day | Evening | Night |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80m | 🟠 Fair | 🔴 Poor | 🟡 Good | 🟢 Excellent |
| 40m | 🟠 Fair | 🔴 Poor | 🟡 Good | 🟢 Excellent |
| 20m | 🟡 Good | 🟢 Excellent | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good |
| 17m | 🟡 Good | 🟢 Excellent | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good |
| 15m | 🟡 Good | 🟢 Excellent | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good |
| 12m | 🟡 Good | 🟢 Excellent | 🟠 Fair | 🔴 Poor |
| 10m | 🟡 Good | 🟢 Excellent | 🟠 Fair | 🔴 Poor |
- Best bands today: 20m, 17m, and 15m are excellent during the day, with 12m and 10m also strong but closing quickly after sunset.
- Nighttime: 80m and 40m are your best bet for regional and domestic contacts.
- Low bands (80m/40m): Poor during the day due to D-layer absorption, but excellent after dark.
- High bands (12m/10m): Use them during daylight for DX, but expect them to close at night.
📊 Current Solar Activity
Solar Activity Metrics
K-index
Solar Flux (10.7cm)
Sunspot Number
- K-index: 1 (very quiet)—minimal geomagnetic disturbance, ideal for stable HF propagation.
- Solar Flux: 156 (high)—supports strong F-layer ionization, great for 10m–20m openings.
- Sunspot Number: 122 (high)—increases MUF, boosting high-band performance.
- Space Weather: No major disturbances; moderate X-ray (C1.3) could cause occasional short blackouts on the sunlit side.
📈 Geomagnetic Conditions
- Recent trend: The K-index has remained low and stable over the past 24 hours, indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions.
- Impact: Expect low noise levels and stable propagation, especially on polar and transatlantic routes.
- **No warnings or alerts_—enjoy the calm!
🌟 Space Weather Details
Space Weather Dashboard
X-ray Activity
Solar Wind Speed
Aurora Activity
- X-ray Activity: C1.3 (moderate)—possible brief HF blackouts on sunlit paths, but nothing severe.
- Solar Wind: 423 km/s—typical speed, not likely to trigger geomagnetic storms.
- Electron Flux: 1810—elevated, may cause minor absorption on lower bands but generally not problematic.
- Proton Flux: 128—quiet, no radiation storm risk.
- Aurora: Index 1—very low, so auroral propagation on VHF/UHF is unlikely.
- Helium Line: 119.4—steady, no major trend shifts detected.
📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details
Propagation Quality Timeline (24 Hours)
- Recent solar flux: Peaked in December 2025 (160), now slightly lower but still high (130–156 range).
- Sunspot trend: After a strong peak in late 2025, numbers have decreased but remain robust for good HF conditions.
- Current phase: Still near solar maximum—expect continued high-band activity for the coming weeks.
Solar Activity Trends (6 Months)
🔮 3-Day Forecast
3-Day K-index Forecast
- Propagation outlook: Expect continued good to excellent conditions on 20m–10m, with stable geomagnetic activity and no major solar storms forecast.
- Best opportunities: Daytime DX on high bands, nighttime domestic on 80m/40m.
- **Keep an eye on X-ray activity_—if it increases, be prepared for brief HF blackouts.
- **No alerts or warnings_—enjoy the bands and make those contacts!