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 shaped by moderate solar activity and quiet geomagnetic conditions. With a solar flux around 121 and a K-index of 2, expect generally stable bands, though high bands (12m/10m) may be less reliable, especially at night. 20m is the standout performer for both local and DX, while 80m/40m remain solid after dark. No major space weather disruptions are present, so operators can expect predictable but not spectacular openings. For best results, focus on the mid-bands during daylight and lower bands after sunset.

💡 Operator Tips

• Use 20m for reliable daytime DX and regional contacts; it’s the most consistent performer today.
• 40m and 80m will be your go-to bands for night-time operations, with good conditions and low noise.
• 12m/10m may open briefly during peak daylight, especially for north-south paths—try FT8 or CW for weak signals.
• Consider digital modes (FT8, PSK31) on higher bands to exploit marginal openings.
• With low geomagnetic activity, expect quiet bands and minimal auroral interference—great for SSB and CW.
• For contests or DX, focus on grayline periods around sunrise and sunset for enhanced propagation.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m/40m: Best at night and early morning (local time)
• 20m: Excellent from mid-morning through late afternoon
• 17m/15m: Fair during daylight, especially late morning to mid-afternoon
• 12m/10m: Try late morning to early afternoon for possible short openings
• Grayline: All bands benefit—target sunrise/sunset for long-haul DX

🌍 DX Opportunities

• 20m offers the most reliable long-distance paths, especially east-west.
• Grayline propagation is favorable—watch for openings to Asia and the Pacific at local sunrise, and Europe/Africa at sunset.
• 15m/17m may support intercontinental DX during daylight, especially on north-south paths.
• 10m/12m: Watch for brief, sporadic-E or F2 layer openings around local noon.
• No significant aurora activity—VHF/UHF DX unlikely except for routine tropo.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Analysis:

• 20m is the most reliable all-day performer, supporting both local and DX contacts.
• 80m/40m are best at night and early morning, with good conditions and lower noise.
• 17m/15m offer fair propagation during daylight, with some potential for DX, especially on north-south paths.
• 12m/10m are marginal—try digital modes and check for brief openings midday.
• Higher bands are generally closed at night; focus efforts on lower bands after sunset.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 2 (quiet geomagnetic conditions)—minimal disruptions, stable HF
• Solar Flux: 121 (moderate)—supports good 20m/17m/15m propagation, marginal 10m/12m
• Sunspot Number: 66—moderate, enough for F2-layer propagation on most bands
• Space Weather: No major flares or storms; X-ray flux at B6.3 (quiet)

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained low and stable over the past 24 hours, indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions.
• No recent spikes or disturbances—expect predictable propagation and minimal auroral impact.
• Good news for HF: low absorption and low noise, especially on lower bands.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B6.3 (quiet)—no risk of HF blackouts or sudden absorption events.
• Solar Wind: 425 km/s—moderate, not enough to trigger geomagnetic storms.
• Electron Flux: 1770—elevated but not extreme; may cause minor absorption on polar paths.
• Proton Flux: 11—quiet, no polar cap absorption expected.
• Aurora: 5—low, so VHF/UHF aurora propagation is unlikely.
• Helium Line: 108.6—steady, indicating stable solar output.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Recent months show a gradual decrease in solar flux and sunspot numbers, from a spring peak (F10.7 ~138, SSN ~101) to current moderate levels (F10.7 ~105, SSN ~60).
• This trend means high bands (12m/10m) are less reliable, but 20m/17m/15m remain usable most days.

• The solar cycle appears to be past its recent peak, but still in an active phase—expect continued moderate conditions, with occasional high-band surprises.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Expect stable geomagnetic conditions and no major solar events in the next 72 hours.
• 20m will remain the best all-around band for both local and DX.
• 80m/40m will continue to perform well at night, especially for regional contacts.
• 15m/17m may improve slightly if solar flux ticks up; monitor for short-lived 10m/12m openings during daylight.
• No alerts or warnings—enjoy the steady bands and keep an ear out for surprise DX, especially around grayline!