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 solid today for most amateur bands, thanks to a solar flux around 142 and a sunspot number of 105. The K-index is at a moderate 2.67, indicating generally stable geomagnetic conditions with only minor disturbances. Expect good openings on 20m, 17m, and 15m throughout the day and evening, while the higher bands (12m, 10m) may be a bit more variable, especially at night. Lower bands (80m, 40m) will favor nighttime operation. No major solar storms or space weather alerts are active, so operators can enjoy reliable band conditions for both local and DX contacts.

💡 Operator Tips

• Daytime: Focus on 20m, 17m, and 15m for reliable DX and regional contacts.
• Nighttime: 40m and 80m will provide the best performance for both local and longer-haul QSOs.
• Digital modes (FT8, FT4, PSK31) are recommended, especially on higher bands where conditions are only fair.
• SSB and CW will work well on 20m and 17m during daylight hours.
• For DXers, check grayline times on 40m and 20m for enhanced long-path opportunities.
• Contesters: Plan your strategy around 20m/15m during the day and 40m/80m after sunset.
• Keep an eye on solar wind and K-index updates for any sudden changes.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m & 40m: Best at night and early morning (local sunrise/sunset)
• 20m & 17m: Excellent from late morning through early evening
• 15m: Good mid-morning to late afternoon
• 12m & 10m: Try midday and early afternoon; expect variable results, especially at night

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline propagation is favorable on 40m and 20m—watch sunrise/sunset for enhanced DX.
• 20m and 17m are open for intercontinental paths, especially east-west.
• 15m offers potential for north-south DX during daylight.
• 10m may open briefly for sporadic-E or F2-layer DX, especially during peak solar hours.
• No major aurora activity, so VHF DX is limited, but northern operators may try for auroral backscatter if activity increases.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

20m, 17m, and 15m are the most reliable bands for all-day operation, supporting both regional and DX contacts. 80m and 40m are best after sunset and before sunrise, with fair conditions during the day. 12m and 10m may offer some daytime openings, but expect limited activity at night.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 2.67 – Mild geomagnetic activity; stable HF conditions, minimal disruptions.
• Solar Flux (10.7cm): 142 – Moderate to high radio energy from the sun; supports good F-layer propagation, especially on 20m-15m.
• Sunspot Number: 105 – Healthy solar activity; enhances ionization for HF propagation.
• Space Weather: No major flares or storms reported; X-ray flux at C1.8 (minor), indicating only slight risk for short HF blackouts.

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

The K-index has remained mostly between 1 and 3 over the past 24 hours, indicating quiet to unsettled geomagnetic conditions. There was a brief uptick to 3.67 but values quickly returned to stable levels. This trend suggests propagation is steady and reliable, with no significant geomagnetic storms affecting HF bands.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: C1.8 – Minor solar flare activity; unlikely to cause significant HF blackouts, but keep an ear out for brief fades.
• Solar Wind: 446 km/s – Moderate speed; may cause minor geomagnetic fluctuations, but nothing severe for HF.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux at 3600 and proton flux at 14 – Normal to slightly elevated; minimal impact on HF, but VHF/UHF users may notice slight noise increases.
• Aurora Activity: 4 – Low auroral activity; no significant VHF aurora propagation expected.
• Helium Line: 125.1 – Stable solar activity indicator; no major changes expected in the short term.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

Recent months show solar flux holding steady between 140–160, with sunspot numbers in the 110–130 range. This consistency has supported reliable HF propagation, especially on the higher bands (20m–15m). No major downward trends are evident, so expect similar conditions to persist.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• HF conditions are expected to remain stable with continued good propagation on 20m, 17m, and 15m.
• No major geomagnetic storms are forecast; K-index should remain below 3.
• 12m and 10m may see brief openings during peak solar hours, but will remain challenging at night.
• DXers should continue to focus on grayline periods and take advantage of the stable solar environment.
• No alerts or warnings are currently in effect for amateur radio operations.