Amateur Radio Propagation Report

Sun Images for Past 72 Hours

Images copyrighted by the SDO/NASA and Helioviewer project

📋 Propagation Summary

Today’s HF propagation is looking very promising for most amateur operators! With a high solar flux of 186 and a sunspot number of 146, the upper bands (20m–10m) are open and performing well, especially during daylight hours. The K-index is low (1), signaling quiet geomagnetic conditions and minimal disruptions. Expect excellent opportunities for DX on higher bands, while lower bands (80m/40m) will be best at night. Take advantage of the stable space weather and plan for extended operating sessions—now is a great time to chase new countries or enjoy reliable ragchews!

💡 Operator Tips

• Daytime: Focus on 20m, 17m, 15m, 12m, and 10m for long-haul DX. These bands are open and strong thanks to high solar flux.
• Nighttime: Switch to 40m and 80m for regional and intercontinental contacts. These bands improve as D-layer absorption drops.
• Modes: Use CW and digital modes (FT8, FT4, RTTY) for weak-signal work, especially on 10m and 12m. SSB is also performing well.
• Antennas: Directional antennas (beams, rotatable dipoles) will help you take full advantage of the excellent high-band conditions.
• Contesting/DX: Now is the time to hunt rare DX and participate in contests—expect strong signals and wide openings, especially east-west.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m/40m: Best at night (after sunset to sunrise), especially for North-South and local/regional paths.
• 20m: Excellent all day, peaking late morning to afternoon.
• 17m/15m: Excellent mid-morning through late afternoon.
• 12m/10m: Best from late morning to late afternoon; may close quickly after sunset.
• Grayline: Both sunrise and sunset periods offer enhanced DX, especially on 40m and 20m.

🌍 DX Opportunities

• 20m–10m: Worldwide DX is open—look for strong signals from all continents, especially along the grayline.
• Grayline paths:_ Enhanced propagation at local sunrise/sunset—target antipodal regions for rare contacts.
• Aurora: Aurora activity is low (index 3), so VHF auroral propagation is unlikely.
• Special Events: No major space weather warnings—enjoy stable conditions for DXpeditions and contests.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

The high bands (20m–10m) are performing exceptionally well during the day, with 15m, 12m, and 10m showing the best DX potential from mid-morning to late afternoon. 80m and 40m are poor during the day but become excellent at night, making them ideal for late-night and early-morning contacts. If you’re after rare DX, focus on 15m and 10m during daylight hours, and switch to 40m/80m after dark.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 1 (very quiet)—minimal geomagnetic disturbance, great for HF propagation.
• Solar Flux: 186 (very high)—supports strong openings on 20m–10m, even for low-power stations.
• Sunspot Number: 146 (high)—indicates a very active sun, boosting MUF and band openings.
• Space Weather: No major storms or warnings; X-ray activity is elevated (C2.4), but not at blackout levels.

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has steadily declined over the past 48 hours, dropping from moderate (4.3) to very quiet (0–1) levels.
• This trend means geomagnetic conditions have stabilized, reducing absorption and improving HF propagation, especially on polar and trans-equatorial paths.
• Expect continued quiet conditions unless a new solar event occurs.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: C2.4—elevated, but not at M or X class. Slight risk of short HF fadeouts, but nothing major expected.
• Solar Wind: 407.7 km/s—moderate speed; not high enough to trigger geomagnetic storms.
• Particle Environment: Electron and proton flux not reported, but with low K-index, no significant disturbances are likely.
• Aurora Activity: 3—low auroral activity; VHF/UHF auroral propagation is not expected.
• Helium Line: 145.0—steady, confirming stable solar output and supporting ongoing good conditions.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Over the past several months, solar flux has remained consistently high (130–155), with a recent boost to 186—this is excellent news for HF ops!
• Sunspot numbers have dipped slightly from their peak but remain robust, supporting high MUF and frequent band openings.
• The combination of high solar flux and quiet geomagnetic conditions is ideal for both DX and local contacts.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Propagation Outlook: Expect continued excellent conditions on 20m–10m during the day, and on 40m/80m at night.
• Solar Activity: No major flares or geomagnetic storms predicted; solar flux should remain high.
• Best Bands: 15m and 10m for daytime DX, 40m and 80m for nighttime work.
• Alerts/Warnings: None at this time—enjoy the bands and make the most of these favorable conditions!