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 moderate solar activity and very quiet geomagnetic conditions. With a solar flux of 128 and a sunspot number of 61, expect good performance on the 20m, 17m, and 15m bands throughout the day and evening. The K-index is at 1, indicating low geomagnetic disturbance, which favors stable propagation, especially for DX. Higher bands (12m, 10m) may be less reliable, particularly at night, while lower bands (80m, 40m) will perform best after sunset. Take advantage of the calm space weather for reliable contacts, especially on the mid-HF bands.

💡 Operator Tips

• Target 20m, 17m, and 15m for the most consistent contacts today, both for local and DX.
• Digital modes (FT8, FT4, PSK31) will help pull signals through on marginal bands, especially 12m and 10m.
• CW and SSB will perform well on 40m and 80m during the evening and night.
• For DX, operate during your local sunrise/sunset (grayline) for enhanced long-path opportunities.
• Check 10m and 12m during midday for possible short openings, especially if you notice sporadic-E or TEP activity.
• Low noise floors today mean portable and QRP operations are favorable.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m/40m: Strongest after sunset through sunrise.
• 20m/17m/15m: Open most of the day, peaking late morning to early evening.
• 12m/10m: Try late morning to mid-afternoon; expect short, sporadic openings.

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline paths (sunrise/sunset) on 40m and 20m are prime for long-haul DX.
• 20m and 17m offer the best shot at intercontinental contacts, especially east-west.
• Watch for short 10m/12m openings—even a modest solar flux can bring surprises, especially toward equatorial and southern latitudes.
• Aurora activity is low, so northern VHF/UHF auroral DX is unlikely.
• No major space weather events forecast—enjoy stable conditions for contesting or award chasing.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

The 20m, 17m, and 15m bands are your best bets for reliable propagation all day and into the evening. 80m and 40m improve after sunset, making them ideal for nighttime local and regional QSOs. 12m and 10m are marginal—check for brief midday openings, but expect them to close quickly after sunset.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 1 (very quiet) – Minimal geomagnetic disturbance, excellent for HF stability.
• Solar Flux: 128 (moderate) – Supports good propagation on mid-HF bands; higher bands may be spotty.
• Sunspot Number: 61 (moderate) – Indicates some solar activity, but not enough for sustained high-band openings.
• Space Weather Overview:
  • No major solar flares or X-ray events.
  • Quiet solar wind and low auroral activity.

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained low and stable over the past 24 hours, with no significant spikes.
• This trend means propagation is steady and reliable, with minimal fading or absorption.
• No geomagnetic storms or warnings are in effect—excellent time for DX and weak-signal work.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: A0.0 (very low) – No risk of sudden HF blackouts; stable D-layer absorption.
• Solar Wind: 459.6 km/s – Slightly elevated but not enough to disturb geomagnetic conditions.
• Particle Environment:
  • Electron Flux: 1750 – Moderate; may cause minor background noise but no major impact.
  • Proton Flux: 93 – Quiet; no radiation storm effects.
• Aurora Activity: 2 (very low) – Little to no auroral propagation expected; VHF/UHF aurora paths unlikely.
• Helium Line: 120.8 – Indicates stable solar output; no major trend changes.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Recent months show a gradual decline in solar flux and sunspot numbers from late 2025 peaks, but values remain in the moderate range.
• Solar flux has dropped from ~160 in December 2025 to ~126 now, while sunspot numbers have decreased from 124 to 101.
• This trend suggests mid-HF bands remain open, but high-band (12m/10m) conditions are more sporadic.
• No recent major solar events—propagation is driven by steady, moderate solar output.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Expect continued quiet geomagnetic conditions with K-index likely to remain low.
• Solar flux and sunspot numbers are forecast to stay steady, supporting ongoing good propagation on 20m–15m.
• No major space weather disturbances expected—plan for stable HF operation.
• Watch for brief 10m/12m openings during local midday, especially if you notice increased solar flux or sporadic-E reports.
• Nighttime 80m/40m will continue to improve as geomagnetic conditions remain quiet—great for regional nets and ragchews.
• No alerts or warnings for amateur radio operators at this time. Enjoy the calm and make the most of the bands!