Amateur Radio Propagation Report

Sun Images for Past 72 Hours

Images copyrighted by the SDO/NASA and Helioviewer project

📋 Propagation Summary

HF propagation is looking promising for most bands today, thanks to a high solar flux (around 162) and a low K-index (currently 1.33), indicating very quiet geomagnetic conditions. The sunspot number is healthy at 106, supporting strong ionospheric activity. Expect excellent conditions on 20m, 17m, and 15m throughout the day and night, while the higher bands (12m/10m) are open during daylight but fade after sunset. Nighttime favors the lower bands, especially 40m and 80m. Operators should take advantage of stable conditions for both DX and local contacts, with minimal geomagnetic disturbance expected.

💡 Operator Tips

• Daytime: Focus on 20m, 17m, and 15m for reliable DX and intercontinental contacts.
• Nighttime: Switch to 40m and 80m for regional and long-haul paths, especially after sunset.
• Modes: Use FT8, CW, or SSB for best results; digital modes will excel on marginal bands.
• Equipment: Modest antennas and 100W will perform well today; QRP is also viable on the stronger bands.
• DX Strategy: Monitor grayline times for enhanced openings, especially on 20m and 40m.
• Contesting: Expect high activity and low noise, ideal for contesters and award chasers.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m/40m: Best at night and early morning
• 20m/17m/15m: All day and into the evening
• 12m/10m: Late morning through afternoon (local time)
• Grayline: Sunrise/sunset for enhanced long-path DX, especially on 40m and 20m

🌍 DX Opportunities

• 20m, 17m, 15m: Strong worldwide DX potential, especially on east-west paths during daylight.
• 10m/12m: Short-skip and sporadic-E possible midday; check for surprise openings.
• Grayline: Watch for enhanced propagation to antipodal regions on 40m and 20m at sunrise/sunset.
• Aurora: Low aurora index (1) means minimal auroral propagation, but northern ops should check VHF for rare openings.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Daytime brings excellent propagation on 20m, 17m, and 15m, with 12m and 10m also open for DX, especially around midday. 80m and 40m are best after sunset and through the night, offering strong regional and long-haul contacts. 10m and 12m close quickly after dark, so work these bands early. 20m is the most reliable for all-day DX, while 40m and 80m shine at night.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 1.33 (very quiet geomagnetic field, excellent for HF)
• Solar Flux: 162 (high, supports strong F-layer ionization and high MUF)
• Sunspot Number: 106 (active sun, good for propagation)
• Space Weather: No major disturbances; X-ray flux at M1.8 (moderate solar flare activity, but no current blackouts)

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

The K-index has steadily decreased over the past 48 hours, dropping from stormy levels (K=5.33) to today's quiet values (K=1.33). This trend means geomagnetic conditions are stable and improving, with minimal absorption or auroral disruption. Expect low noise and strong signals, especially on higher bands.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: M1.8 (moderate flare; brief HF blackouts possible, but none ongoing)
• Solar Wind: 474 km/s (slightly elevated, but not enough to trigger geomagnetic storms)
• Particle Environment: Electron flux is high (7390), which may cause minor polar absorption, but not significant for most users; proton flux is low (70), so no polar cap absorption events.
• Aurora Activity: Low (1), so auroral propagation is unlikely; VHF/UHF aurora paths not expected.
• Helium Line: 132.5 (steady, indicating stable solar output and no rapid changes in solar activity)

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

Solar flux and sunspot numbers have remained high and stable over the past several months, with only minor dips. This consistency supports continued strong HF propagation, especially on the upper bands.

🔮 3-Day Forecast