Amateur Radio Propagation Report

Sun Images for Past 72 Hours

Images copyrighted by the SDO/NASA and Helioviewer project

📋 Propagation Summary

Today’s HF propagation conditions are generally good for most amateur bands, with solar flux at 141 and a K-index of 2 indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions. The sunspot number is 71, supporting reliable daytime and evening operation on the mid and high bands. Expect good openings on 20m, 17m, and 15m throughout the day, while 12m and 10m will be more variable, especially at night. Low bands (80m/40m) will offer better performance after sunset. Operators should take advantage of stable conditions for both local and DX contacts, especially during daylight and early evening hours.

💡 Operator Tips

• Use 20m, 17m, and 15m for the most consistent daytime DX and intercontinental contacts.
• 80m and 40m will shine after sunset for regional and some long-haul paths—try these bands for late-night ragchews or contests.
• Digital modes (FT8, FT4, PSK31) will help you snag weak-signal DX, especially on 12m and 10m where conditions are only fair.
• Keep antennas tuned and check for grayline openings around sunrise/sunset for enhanced DX.
• Monitor for short, sporadic band openings on 10m—be ready to call CQ when you hear activity.
• With low geomagnetic activity, north-south paths and trans-equatorial propagation are favored.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m & 40m: Best at night and early morning (local time)
• 20m, 17m, 15m: Best from mid-morning through early evening
• 12m & 10m: Try late morning to mid-afternoon for best chances; expect limited night activity
• Grayline (dawn/dusk): Enhanced long-path and DX on 40m–20m

🌍 DX Opportunities

• 20m, 17m, and 15m are open for worldwide DX, especially during daylight and early evening.
• Grayline enhancement is strong—watch for DX openings on 40m and 20m at local sunrise/sunset.
• 10m and 12m may open briefly for north-south DX, especially to South America and Africa.
• Quiet geomagnetic conditions favor polar and trans-equatorial paths—listen for rare DX from high latitudes.
• No major solar events or alerts—enjoy stable conditions for DXpeditions and contests.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

The 20m, 17m, and 15m bands are the most reliable for all-day operation, providing good conditions from morning through night. 80m and 40m are best after sunset and into the night, while 12m and 10m offer only fair chances during daylight and are mostly poor or closed at night. For DX, focus on 20m–15m during the day and 40m at night.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 2 (quiet geomagnetic field) – minimal disturbance, great for HF propagation.
• Solar Flux: 141 (moderate-high) – supports good MUF for 20m–15m, some 10m/12m activity possible.
• Sunspot Number: 71 (moderate) – enough for reliable propagation but slightly below recent months.
• Space Weather: No major flares or storms; X-ray flux at B5.7 (quiet), solar wind at 421 km/s (average).

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

The K-index has remained mostly low (1–2) over the last 24 hours, with only a brief spike to 5 (minor storm) two days ago. Since then, values have stabilized, indicating improving and stable geomagnetic conditions. This favors HF propagation, especially on higher bands and polar paths.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B5.7 (quiet) – No risk of HF blackouts; expect stable conditions.
• Solar Wind: 421.6 km/s – Average speed, not likely to trigger geomagnetic storms.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux at 4050 (moderate); proton flux at 17 (low) – No significant impact on HF.
• Aurora Activity: 1 (very low) – No aurora-related VHF/UHF openings expected.
• Helium Line: 128.0 – Stable solar activity; no sudden changes expected.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

Recent months show a gradual decline in solar flux and sunspot numbers from late 2025 into early 2026. While still supportive of good HF propagation, the trend suggests slightly lower MUF and fewer high-band openings compared to peak months. Operators should expect more reliable performance on 20m–15m, with 10m/12m openings becoming more sporadic.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• HF conditions are expected to remain stable with continued low geomagnetic activity and moderate solar flux.
• Best bands: 20m, 17m, 15m for DX and reliable contacts; 40m and 80m for nighttime operation.
• 10m/12m: Watch for brief daytime openings, especially during solar flux upticks or sporadic E.
• No alerts or warnings—enjoy steady bands and plan for both DX and local nets.
• VHF/UHF: No aurora or enhanced propagation expected.