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 favorable today, with a solar flux index of around 136 and a sunspot number near 78, both supporting good ionospheric conditions. The K-index is at 0, indicating very quiet geomagnetic activity—great news for stable HF paths and minimal noise. Expect solid performance on 20m, 17m, and 15m during daylight, with 40m and 80m shining after sunset. No major solar flares or space weather disturbances are reported, so operators can enjoy reliable band openings and low absorption. Take advantage of the calm space weather for DXing and ragchews, especially on the higher bands.

💡 Operator Tips

• Use 20m, 17m, and 15m for daytime DX—these bands will be most productive with the current solar flux.
• For evening and night, switch to 40m and 80m for strong regional and some long-haul contacts.
• Digital modes (FT8, FT4, PSK31) will excel on marginal bands and during low signal periods.
• With low geomagnetic activity, try CW and SSB for longer paths and contesting.
• Portable and low-power (QRP) operations will benefit from the low noise and stable conditions.
• Monitor grayline times for enhanced propagation, especially on 40m and 20m.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m & 40m: Best at night and early morning for local and regional contacts.
• 20m & 17m: Open most of the day—prime for DX from mid-morning to late afternoon.
• 15m, 12m, 10m: Open during late morning to early evening, especially for north-south paths and sporadic E.
• Grayline (sunrise/sunset): Excellent for long-haul DX on 40m and 20m.

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Daytime: Look for DX on 20m, 17m, and 15m, especially to Africa, South America, and the Pacific.
• Grayline: Enhanced openings on 40m and 20m to Asia and Oceania at your local sunrise/sunset.
• Evening: 40m and 80m will support transcontinental and some intercontinental paths.
• No major aurora or polar path disruptions—northern operators can try for polar DX on higher bands.
• Watch for short-lived Sporadic E on 10m and 6m.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

The 20m band is the workhorse for DX throughout the day, with 17m and 15m also performing well during daylight. 40m and 80m are best for night and early morning, supporting both local and long-haul contacts. 10m and 12m may open briefly during midday, especially for north-south paths, but expect limited activity. For reliable contacts, stick to 20m-40m during their respective peak times.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 0 — Very quiet geomagnetic field; expect low noise and stable propagation.
• Solar Flux Index (SFI): 136 — Above-average solar radio energy, supporting good HF band openings, especially on 20m and above.
• Sunspot Number: 78 — Moderate sunspot activity; enough to keep the ionosphere energized for HF work.

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained at or near zero over the past 24 hours, indicating very stable geomagnetic conditions.
• No recent geomagnetic storms or disturbances—propagation is improving and should remain steady.
• Expect minimal auroral absorption and low QRN, especially on the lower bands.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: No significant X-ray flux reported—no risk of HF blackouts or sudden absorption events.
• Solar Wind: No elevated solar wind speed—geomagnetic field remains undisturbed, supporting stable propagation.
• Particle Environment: No notable electron or proton flux—no increased D-layer absorption or polar cap absorption events.
• Aurora Activity: No auroral activity—northern operators will not see enhanced VHF/UHF propagation from aurora today.
• Helium Line: No unusual activity—solar trends remain steady, with no major flare or CME threats.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Over the past several months, solar flux has fluctuated between 120 and 138, with a recent uptick to 136.
• Sunspot numbers have ranged from the high 70s to low 100s, showing a generally healthy solar cycle phase.
• These trends support ongoing good HF propagation, especially on the higher bands.

🔮 3-Day Forecast