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 a moderate solar flux (104–116) and a quiet geomagnetic field (K-index 0), providing generally stable conditions for most bands. Expect good performance on 80m, 40m, and 20m throughout the day and night, while higher bands (15m, 12m, 10m) will be more challenging, especially for DX. Solar and geomagnetic activity remain low, so there are no major disruptions expected. For daily operations, focus on the lower bands for reliable contacts, and watch for brief higher band openings around local noon. No alerts or warnings are in effect—enjoy steady conditions!

💡 Operator Tips:

• Use 80m, 40m, and 20m for both local and DX contacts—these are the most reliable today.
• For DX, target 20m during daylight and 40m at night; use digital modes (FT8, PSK31) to maximize weak signal performance.
• Higher bands (15m, 12m, 10m) may open briefly around midday—monitor for short-lived DX, especially on 15m.
• Keep antennas optimized for lower bands; consider verticals or dipoles for 40m/20m.
• Contest operators: Focus on 40m/20m for rate; check 15m for surprise openings.
• Monitor real-time cluster spots for any unexpected high-band activity.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m/40m/20m: Consistent good conditions all day and night—best for reliable QSOs and DX.
• 17m/15m: Only fair—try during daylight, especially late morning to early afternoon.
• 12m/10m: Poor—unlikely to support much activity except for very short, sporadic openings.

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Best DX paths: 20m is your go-to for daylight DX, especially east-west. 40m opens up for long-haul DX after sunset.
• Grayline: Watch the 40m and 20m bands during local sunrise/sunset for enhanced propagation along the terminator.
• Special events: No major space weather events or alerts—conditions are stable.
• VHF/UHF: No auroral or sporadic-E enhancements expected today.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

• Best bands: 80m, 40m, and 20m are performing consistently well at all times—ideal for both local and DX contacts.
• 17m and 15m: Fair conditions—try these bands during daylight for regional and some DX, but expect weaker signals.
• 12m and 10m: Poor—skip these unless you spot a rare opening or are chasing local groundwave contacts.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 0 (very quiet) — minimal geomagnetic disturbance, excellent for stable HF propagation.
• Solar Flux: 104–116 (moderate) — supports good conditions on 80m–20m, but not enough for reliable high-band openings.
• Sunspot Number: 76–85 — moderate, sustaining the current level of propagation but not boosting high bands.
• Space Weather: No significant flares or disturbances; X-ray level is B3.3 (low background activity).

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained at or near zero for the past 24 hours, indicating very quiet geomagnetic conditions.
• No recent geomagnetic storms or disturbances—conditions are stable and favorable for HF.
• Expect continued low absorption and minimal auroral interference.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B3.3 — low, so no risk of HF blackouts or sudden absorption events.
• Solar Wind: 332.9 km/s — a gentle breeze, not strong enough to trigger geomagnetic activity.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux 1730, Proton flux 9 — both at typical background levels, so no unusual propagation effects.
• Aurora Activity: Index 3 — low; auroral propagation on VHF/UHF is not expected.
• Helium Line: 111.5 — stable, indicating no major changes in solar activity trend.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Over the past several months, solar flux and sunspot numbers have gradually decreased from early 2026 highs (SF ~138, SSN ~101) to current moderate values (SF ~116, SSN ~76).
• This downward trend means lower bands (80m–20m) remain reliable, but high bands (15m–10m) are less likely to open except during brief midday enhancements.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Expect continued quiet geomagnetic conditions (K-index forecast to remain low).
• Solar flux and sunspot numbers are likely to stay steady, so no major changes in HF propagation are anticipated.
• Best bands: 80m, 40m, 20m for both local and DX.
• Worst bands: 12m, 10m—unlikely to improve unless a solar uptick occurs.
• No alerts or warnings—enjoy stable and predictable HF conditions for the next several days!