Sun Images for Past 72 Hours
Images copyrighted by the SDO/NASA and Helioviewer project
📋 Propagation Summary: HF propagation is currently moderate to good across most bands, thanks to a solar flux around 130 and a sunspot number near 100. The geomagnetic field is quiet (K-index at 2), supporting stable conditions and minimal disruptions. Expect good openings on 20m, 17m, and 15m during the day and evening, while 10m and 12m are less reliable but may still offer short daytime openings. 80m and 40m remain solid choices for night and early morning work. No major solar storms or aurora threats are present, so operators can plan for regular HF activity with confidence.
💡 Operator Tips
- Prioritize 20m, 17m, and 15m for daytime and early evening DX—these bands are performing well.
- 80m and 40m are your best bets for local and regional contacts after sunset.
- 10m and 12m may open briefly during midday, especially for north-south paths—monitor for sporadic E.
- Use FT8, CW, and other weak-signal modes to take advantage of marginal band openings, especially on higher bands.
- For DXers: Watch the grayline on 20m and 17m for enhanced long-path opportunities.
- Keep an ear on the beacons and WSPR for real-time propagation clues.
⏰ Best Operating Times
- 80m & 40m: Best at night and early morning (local time)
- 20m, 17m, 15m: Best from late morning through early evening
- 12m & 10m: Try midday and early afternoon for possible short openings
- Grayline (sunrise/sunset): Enhanced DX on 40m–20m
🌍 DX Opportunities
- 20m and 17m are showing reliable DX paths, especially along the grayline—watch for trans-equatorial and long-path openings.
- 15m is open for intercontinental contacts, especially during local afternoon.
- 10m and 12m may support sporadic E, especially for north-south paths and short skip—check for brief DX windows.
- No significant aurora activity, so polar paths remain open.
- Grayline enhancement is strong on 40m–20m; plan for sunrise/sunset DX.
📻 Band-by-Band Analysis
| Band | Morning | Day | Evening | Night |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80m | 🟡 Good | 🟠 Fair | 🟡 Good | 🟢 Excellent |
| 40m | 🟡 Good | 🟠 Fair | 🟡 Good | 🟢 Excellent |
| 20m | 🟡 Good | 🟢 Excellent | 🟢 Excellent | 🟡 Good |
| 17m | 🟡 Good | 🟢 Excellent | 🟢 Excellent | 🟡 Good |
| 15m | 🟡 Good | 🟢 Excellent | 🟢 Excellent | 🟡 Good |
| 12m | 🟠 Fair | 🟡 Good | 🟠 Fair | 🔴 Poor |
| 10m | 🟠 Fair | 🟡 Good | 🟠 Fair | 🔴 Poor |
- Best bands today: 20m, 17m, and 15m during daylight and early evening—expect solid DX and reliable regional coverage.
- 80m and 40m shine after dark for local and regional work, with excellent conditions overnight.
- 10m and 12m are less reliable, but may surprise you with short, sporadic openings around midday—monitor for quick DX.
📊 Current Solar Activity
Solar Activity Metrics
K-index
Solar Flux (10.7cm)
Sunspot Number
- K-index: 2 (quiet geomagnetic field)—minimal disruptions, stable HF conditions.
- Solar Flux: 130 (moderate)—supports good propagation on 20m–15m, with some potential for 12m and 10m.
- Sunspot Number: 92–101—healthy for mid-band HF propagation, but not at solar maximum levels.
- Space Weather: No major flares or storms; X-ray activity at C3.0 is elevated but not threatening.
📈 Geomagnetic Conditions
- Recent K-index: Stable at 2 (quiet) over the past 24 hours.
- Trend: No significant geomagnetic disturbances—conditions have remained calm and are expected to continue.
- Impact: Low K-index means minimal absorption and good stability for HF propagation, especially on higher bands.
🌟 Space Weather Details
Space Weather Dashboard
X-ray Activity
Solar Wind Speed
Aurora Activity
- X-ray Activity: C3.0—slightly elevated, but not enough to cause HF blackouts. Monitor for sudden increases.
- Solar Wind: 389 km/s—moderate speed, not likely to trigger geomagnetic storms.
- Electron Flux: 1770—within normal range; no significant impact on HF.
- Proton Flux: 13—quiet, no radiation storm risk.
- Aurora: 1—very low, so VHF/UHF auroral propagation is not expected.
- Helium Line: 124.4—stable, indicating no major solar trend changes.
📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details
Propagation Quality Timeline (24 Hours)
- Recent solar flux has trended downward from a high of 160 in December 2025 to 125–130 now, reflecting a gradual easing from recent solar maximum conditions.
- Sunspot numbers have also decreased from 125+ to just over 100, but remain supportive of good HF propagation.
- Long-term trend: While we're past the peak, conditions remain very usable for HF, especially on the mid-bands.
Solar Activity Trends (6 Months)
🔮 3-Day Forecast
3-Day K-index Forecast
- Propagation is expected to remain stable with no major geomagnetic storms or solar flares predicted.
- 20m, 17m, and 15m will continue to offer the best DX and general coverage.
- 10m and 12m may see brief improvements if solar flux ticks up or sporadic E occurs—keep checking!
- 80m and 40m will stay strong for night and early morning work.
- No alerts or warnings for HF or VHF operators at this time—enjoy the bands!