Sun Images for Past 72 Hours
Images copyrighted by the SDO/NASA and Helioviewer project
📋 Propagation Summary: Today’s HF propagation is shaped by a moderately high solar flux (148) and a quiet geomagnetic field (K-index 0), creating generally favorable conditions for most bands. Expect good openings on the mid and upper HF bands (20m–15m) throughout the day and evening, while lower bands (80m, 40m) will work best at night. The sunspot number (99) and C1.0 X-ray activity indicate some solar activity but no major disturbances, so band stability should be reliable. Operators can look forward to solid DX opportunities on 20m–15m, with 10m and 12m offering occasional openings during daylight. Keep an eye on the solar wind and X-ray flux for any sudden changes.
💡 Operator Tips:
- Use 20m, 17m, and 15m for reliable DX and intercontinental contacts, especially during daylight and early evening.
- For local and regional QSOs, 40m and 80m will be most effective at night and early morning.
- Digital modes (FT8, FT4, PSK31) are recommended on higher bands (12m, 10m) to take advantage of marginal conditions.
- With low geomagnetic activity, north-south paths should be particularly strong.
- If you’re chasing rare DX, check grayline times on 40m and 20m for enhanced propagation.
- Keep antennas tuned and try verticals or directional beams for best results on higher bands.
⏰ Best Operating Times
| Band | Best Times (UTC) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 80m | 21:00–07:00 | Nighttime NVIS and regional contacts |
| 40m | 20:00–08:00 | Night, early morning, some dusk DX |
| 20m | 09:00–21:00 | Daytime DX, strong late afternoon |
| 17m | 10:00–20:00 | Daytime, good for DX |
| 15m | 11:00–19:00 | Daytime, best for intercontinental |
| 12m | 12:00–17:00 | Daytime, sporadic openings |
| 10m | 13:00–16:00 | Short daytime windows, check for Es |
🌍 DX Opportunities
- 20m and 17m are prime for long-haul DX, especially along the grayline (sunrise/sunset paths).
- 15m offers solid daytime DX, especially on north-south paths.
- 10m and 12m may open for short periods—watch for sporadic-E and solar flux spikes.
- Grayline enhancement on 40m and 20m can yield rare DX, especially to antipodal regions.
- Aurora activity is low (2), so VHF auroral propagation is unlikely.
📻 Band-by-Band Analysis
| Band | Morning | Day | Evening | Night |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80m | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good |
| 40m | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good |
| 20m | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good |
| 17m | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good |
| 15m | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good |
| 12m | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🔴 Poor |
| 10m | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🔴 Poor |
The 20m, 17m, and 15m bands are performing best throughout the day and evening, offering consistent DX and strong regional coverage. 80m and 40m are best at night for local and regional contacts, with fair conditions during the day. 12m and 10m are marginal—try digital modes and check for brief openings, especially midday. Nighttime on 12m/10m is mostly closed.
📊 Current Solar Activity
Solar Activity Metrics
K-index
Solar Flux (10.7cm)
Sunspot Number
- K-index: 0 — Very quiet geomagnetic field, excellent for stable HF propagation and low noise.
- Solar Flux: 148 — Moderately high, supports good MUF (maximum usable frequency) and strong HF band openings.
- Sunspot Number: 99 — Healthy solar activity, fueling ionization for HF propagation.
- Space Weather Overview: No major flares or disturbances; X-ray flux at C1.0 suggests minor solar activity but no HF blackouts expected.
📈 Geomagnetic Conditions
- The K-index has remained at or near zero over the past 24 hours, indicating stable and quiet geomagnetic conditions.
- No recent geomagnetic storms or disturbances; conditions are stable and favorable for all HF operations.
- Expect low noise and minimal absorption, especially on polar and high-latitude paths.
🌟 Space Weather Details
Space Weather Dashboard
X-ray Activity
Solar Wind Speed
Aurora Activity
- X-ray Activity: C1.0 — Indicates minor solar flare activity; unlikely to cause HF blackouts, but keep an eye out for sudden enhancements or brief fadeouts.
- Solar Wind: 427 km/s — Slightly above average, but not high enough to trigger geomagnetic disturbances.
- Particle Environment: Electron flux (1640) and proton flux (16) are within normal ranges; no significant impact on HF propagation.
- Aurora Activity: 2 — Very low; auroral propagation on VHF/UHF is not expected.
- Helium Line: 128.8 — Stable, suggesting no major solar trend changes at this time.
📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details
Propagation Quality Timeline (24 Hours)
- Over the past several months, solar flux has fluctuated between 120 and 150, with a recent uptick to 138–148, supporting better high-band propagation.
- Sunspot numbers have shown some variability but remain in a healthy range (77–115), sustaining good HF conditions.
- No major downward trends; propagation should remain steady barring sudden solar events.
Solar Activity Trends (6 Months)
🔮 3-Day Forecast
3-Day K-index Forecast
- Expect continued good propagation on 20m–15m, with stable geomagnetic conditions likely to persist.
- 10m and 12m may see brief daytime openings—monitor for solar flux increases or sporadic-E.
- No alerts or warnings currently; check for updates if solar wind or X-ray activity increases.
- Best bands for the next three days: 20m, 17m, 15m.
- Worst bands: 10m and 12m at night, mostly closed except for possible short-lived daytime openings.