Sun Images for Past 72 Hours
Images copyrighted by the SDO/NASA and Helioviewer project
📋 Propagation Summary: HF propagation today is shaped by moderate solar activity and quiet geomagnetic conditions. With a solar flux around 108 and sunspot numbers near 101, expect good performance on 20m and fair to good conditions on 40m and 80m—especially at night. The higher bands (15m, 12m, 10m) are mostly underperforming due to lower solar flux, so daytime DX on those bands will be limited. Low K-index values mean stable conditions, so noise and fading should be minimal. For best results, focus on the lower bands at night and 20m during the day.
💡 Operator Tips:
- Use 20m for reliable daytime DX and regional contacts.
- 40m and 80m are your best bets for evening and night operations—try digital modes (FT8, PSK31) for weak signal work.
- 15m, 12m, and 10m will be challenging; check for sporadic-E or short-lived openings, especially around local noon.
- Keep antennas low-noise and well-matched; consider verticals for DX and dipoles for local coverage.
- With stable geomagnetic conditions, try longer paths (grayline) for enhanced DX, especially at sunrise and sunset.
⏰ Best Operating Times
| Band | Best Times (UTC) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 80m | 20:00–08:00 (Night) | Excellent for local/regional contacts |
| 40m | 18:00–10:00 (Evening/Night) | Good for both DX and local |
| 20m | 10:00–18:00 (Day) | Best for daytime DX |
| 17m | 12:00–16:00 (Midday) | Some fair DX possible |
| 15m | 12:00–16:00 (Midday) | Fair, check for short openings |
| 12m | 13:00–15:00 (Early PM) | Poor, but monitor for surprises |
| 10m | 13:00–15:00 (Early PM) | Poor, best chance for local/short skip |
🌍 DX Opportunities
- Grayline paths: Watch for enhanced propagation on 40m and 20m around local sunrise and sunset—this is prime time for long-haul DX.
- 20m: Most reliable for intercontinental contacts, especially east-west paths.
- 17m/15m: Occasional short openings possible, especially toward equatorial and southern latitudes.
- Aurora: Low activity (Aurora=3) means little to no auroral enhancement for VHF/UHF.
- No major space weather events: No alerts or warnings, so expect stable conditions.
📻 Band-by-Band Analysis
| Band | Morning | Day | Evening | Night |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80m | 🟡 Good | 🟠 Fair | 🟡 Good | 🟢 Excellent |
| 40m | 🟡 Good | 🟠 Fair | 🟡 Good | 🟢 Excellent |
| 20m | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good |
| 17m | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair |
| 15m | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair |
| 12m | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor |
| 10m | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor |
The 20m band is the most consistent performer throughout the day and night, making it the go-to for reliable DX and regional contacts. 40m and 80m shine during the evening and night hours, offering excellent local and some DX opportunities. 17m and 15m are marginal—try these bands midday for possible short openings. 12m and 10m are mostly closed; only check them for sporadic-E or if you hear activity.
📊 Current Solar Activity
Solar Activity Metrics
K-index
Solar Flux (10.7cm)
Sunspot Number
- K-index: 1 (very quiet) — minimal geomagnetic disturbance, stable HF conditions
- Solar Flux: 108 — moderate; supports good lower band propagation, but higher bands (15m, 12m, 10m) remain weak
- Sunspot Number: 101 — healthy for 20m and below; not enough for consistent high-band openings
- Space Weather: No major flares or disturbances; X-ray activity is low (B3.6 level)
📈 Geomagnetic Conditions
- The K-index has remained very low (0–1) over the past 24 hours, indicating stable and quiet geomagnetic conditions.
- No recent geomagnetic storms or disturbances—great news for HF operators.
- Expect minimal fading and noise, especially on the lower bands.
🌟 Space Weather Details
Space Weather Dashboard
X-ray Activity
Solar Wind Speed
Aurora Activity
- X-ray Activity: B3.6 — very low, so risk of HF blackouts is minimal.
- Solar Wind Speed: 384.8 km/s — moderate, not enough to trigger geomagnetic storms.
- Electron Flux: 1700 — slightly elevated, but unlikely to cause major HF absorption or noise.
- Proton Flux: 36 — low, no polar path absorption expected.
- Aurora: 3 — low auroral activity; VHF/UHF aurora propagation is not expected.
- Helium Line: 108.7 — stable, indicating no sudden solar changes.
📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details
Propagation Quality Timeline (24 Hours)
- Recent months show solar flux holding steady between 120–138 and sunspot numbers fluctuating between 77–101.
- This trend supports continued good conditions on 20m and below, but not enough for regular high-band (12m/10m) openings.
- No major solar events or sudden drops in solar flux, so expect similar conditions to persist.
Solar Activity Trends (6 Months)
🔮 3-Day Forecast
3-Day K-index Forecast
- Next 3 days: Expect continued quiet geomagnetic conditions and moderate solar activity.
- 20m, 40m, and 80m will remain the best bands for most operators.
- 15m and higher: Only brief or sporadic openings likely; monitor for any sudden solar upticks.
- No alerts or warnings: No major disturbances expected—enjoy stable HF conditions!
- DXers: Focus on grayline and night paths on 40m/20m for best results.