Amateur Radio Propagation Report

Sun Images for Past 72 Hours

Images copyrighted by the SDO/NASA and Helioviewer project

📋 Propagation Summary: HF propagation today is moderately favorable, with low geomagnetic activity and stable solar conditions supporting reliable contacts on the lower and mid bands. The solar flux is sitting at 116, and the K-index is very low at 1, meaning the ionosphere is calm and noise levels are low. Expect good performance on 20m and lower bands, while higher bands (12m/10m) will be challenging due to lower solar activity and sunspot numbers. For best results, focus on 40m and 20m during daylight and 80m/40m at night. DX is possible, but high bands will be spotty—use digital modes for weak signals.

💡 Operator Tips:

• Prioritize 20m and 40m for daytime DX and reliable regional QSOs.
• Nighttime: 80m and 40m will offer the best coverage, especially for longer paths.
• Digital modes (FT8, PSK31) are recommended on higher bands (15m, 12m, 10m) to maximize weak signal opportunities.
• Keep an ear on 17m and 15m for short DX openings, especially around local noon and late afternoon.
• Use low-noise antennas and check for grayline propagation near sunrise/sunset for best DX.
• Minimal geomagnetic disturbance means low noise floors—great for weak signal work and contests.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 20m is the most reliable for all-day operation and DX.
• 40m and 80m are best at night and early morning for both local and some long-haul contacts.
• 17m and 15m may open briefly during midday, but expect only fair conditions.
• 12m and 10m are largely closed; try digital modes if you want to experiment.

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline propagation is favorable on 40m and 20m—target sunrise/sunset for long-haul DX.
• 20m remains open for intercontinental paths most of the day and into evening.
• 15m and 17m may offer short DX windows around local noon, especially on north-south paths.
• 80m and 40m are excellent for transcontinental and some transoceanic DX at night.
• No significant aurora activity, so polar paths are stable.
• No major solar events or warnings—enjoy stable conditions for contests or awards chasing.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

• 20m is the most consistent performer, open nearly round-the-clock for both local and DX contacts.
• 40m and 80m are strong at night and early morning, ideal for regional and some DX work.
• 17m and 15m offer only fair conditions—watch for brief openings, especially on north-south paths.
• 12m and 10m are mostly closed; only attempt with digital modes or during sporadic-E events.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 1 (very quiet)—means minimal geomagnetic disturbance, low noise, and stable propagation.
• Solar Flux: 116 (moderate)—supports good propagation on 20m and below, but not enough for consistent high-band openings.
• Sunspot Number: 115 (moderate)—enough for decent HF activity, but not at solar maximum levels.
• Space Weather: No major flares or disturbances; X-ray flux at B6.1 (quiet), so no HF blackouts expected.

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained very low (0-1) over the past 24 hours, indicating stable and quiet geomagnetic conditions.
• No recent spikes or disturbances—conditions are improving or stable, supporting low noise and reliable HF propagation.
• No auroral activity affecting HF or VHF bands.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B6.1 (quiet)—no risk of sudden HF blackouts; stable D-layer absorption.
• Solar Wind: 429 km/s (moderate)—not high enough to trigger geomagnetic storms; supports calm ionospheric conditions.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux 2340, Proton flux 12—both are within normal range, so no unusual absorption or noise.
• Aurora: 2 (very low)—no auroral propagation; VHF/UHF bands will not benefit from aurora today.
• Helium Line: 118.4—stable, indicating no major solar activity trends; expect similar conditions in the short term.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Over the past several months, solar flux and sunspot numbers have gradually declined from spring highs (solar flux 138, SSN 101) to current moderate levels (solar flux 108, SSN 45).
• This trend means high bands (15m, 12m, 10m) are less likely to open, while 20m and lower remain reliable.
• No recent major solar events; propagation has been stable with only minor day-to-day variations.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Expect continued quiet geomagnetic conditions (K-index 0-2), with stable solar flux and sunspot numbers.
• 20m and 40m will remain the best bands for reliable operation and DX.
• 15m and 17m may offer brief openings, especially during local midday.
• 10m and 12m will stay mostly closed unless a surprise solar uptick occurs.
• No warnings or alerts; plan for steady conditions—ideal for contests, nets, and DX pursuits.