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 being shaped by moderate solar activity and very quiet geomagnetic conditions. With a solar flux of ~126 and sunspot numbers just above 100, the higher bands (20m and up) are mostly underperforming, while the lower bands (80m and 40m) offer the most reliable contacts—especially during nighttime. The K-index is at 0-1, indicating very stable geomagnetic conditions and minimal disturbances. Operators should focus on nighttime operation for best results, especially on the low bands, and expect challenging conditions for DX on higher frequencies.

💡 Operator Tips

• Prioritize 80m and 40m for both local and regional contacts, especially after sunset.
• Use digital modes (FT8, JT65, PSK31) on higher bands (20m-10m) to maximize weak signal work.
• For DX, target grayline periods on 40m and 80m; higher bands are unlikely to open except for short, sporadic events.
• Keep antennas optimized for low-angle radiation on 40m/80m for best DX.
• Monitor solar and geomagnetic updates; conditions are stable now, but rapid changes can occur.
• Contest and DXers: Focus efforts on nighttime low-band openings and be prepared for short, weak high-band windows.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m & 40m: Excellent from sunset through sunrise; Fair during the day.
• 20m: Poor most of the day; may see brief improvement near local noon.
• 17m, 15m, 12m, 10m: Poor throughout; check for short-lived sporadic E or weak openings midday.
• Grayline (dawn/dusk): Best chance for DX on 40m and possibly 20m.

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline paths on 40m and 80m are your best bet for intercontinental DX.
• 20m may support limited short-path DX around local noon, but expect weak signals.
• No significant auroral or polar openings expected; VHF/UHF paths remain typical.
• Watch for sporadic E on 10m/6m, especially during the afternoon, but overall chances are low with current solar numbers.
• No major solar events forecasted, so conditions should remain stable for the next 24-48 hours.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

The 80m and 40m bands are working best, especially at night and during the evening, providing reliable regional and some DX contacts. 20m and above are mostly closed or poor, with little to no reliable propagation expected throughout the day or night. Operators should focus their activity on the lower bands for both local and DX work.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 0-1 — Very quiet geomagnetic field, excellent for low-band propagation and minimal absorption.
• Solar Flux (10.7cm): ~126 — Indicates moderate solar activity, but not enough to reliably open higher HF bands.
• Sunspot Number: 101 — Slightly below recent months, supporting only marginal high-band activity.
• Space Weather Overview:
  • No major solar flares or disturbances.
  • X-ray activity is at B5.6 (low), so no HF blackouts expected.
  • Solar wind speed is moderate at 445 km/s.

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The historical K-index has remained very low and stable (0-1) over the past 24 hours, indicating a quiet geomagnetic environment.
• No recent geomagnetic storms or disturbances, so propagation is not being disrupted by space weather.
• These conditions favor low-band stability and reduce absorption, especially at high latitudes.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B5.6 — Low-level, no risk of radio blackouts.
• Solar Wind Speed: 445 km/s — Moderate, not enough to trigger geomagnetic storms.
• Particle Environment:
  • Electron Flux: 1890 — Slightly elevated, but not at levels that cause significant HF absorption.
  • Proton Flux: 45 — Well below storm thresholds.
• Aurora Activity: 1 — Very low, so no auroral propagation expected on HF or VHF.
• Helium Line: 118.3 — Indicates moderate solar activity, but not trending upward.
• For VHF/UHF: No enhanced propagation expected due to low auroral and solar activity.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Recent solar flux and sunspot trends show a decline from late 2025 highs (solar flux 160+, SSN 125+) to current moderate levels (solar flux ~126, SSN ~101).
• This downward trend means less reliable high-band propagation and more dependence on low bands for DX.

• The last several months have seen a steady decrease in both solar flux and sunspot numbers, confirming the current low-to-moderate solar activity phase.
• Expect continued emphasis on low-band operation unless solar activity increases.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Propagation is expected to remain stable with quiet geomagnetic conditions and moderate solar flux.
• 80m and 40m will continue to be the best bands, especially at night.
• 20m and above will remain challenging, with only brief, weak openings possible.
• No alerts or warnings are in effect; monitor for sudden solar events, but none are forecasted.
• Operators should plan for low-band activity and use digital modes to maximize contacts on higher frequencies.