Amateur Radio Propagation Report

Sun Images for Past 72 Hours

Images copyrighted by the SDO/NASA and Helioviewer project

📋 Propagation Summary

Today’s HF propagation is looking favorable for most bands, thanks to a high solar flux (167) and a robust sunspot number (166), both supporting strong ionospheric conditions. The K-index is currently low to moderate (2–2.7), indicating only minor geomagnetic disturbances, so band stability is generally good except for brief periods of increased activity. Expect excellent daytime openings on the higher bands (20m–10m), with the lower bands (80m/40m) performing best at night. Operators should watch for short-lived disruptions from recent C-class X-ray activity, but overall, conditions are ripe for both local and DX contacts. Take advantage of the current solar peak—now is a great time to get on the air!

💡 Operator Tips

• Daytime: Focus on 20m, 17m, 15m, 12m, and 10m for DX—these bands are wide open with excellent propagation.
• Nighttime: Switch to 40m and 80m for regional and intercontinental contacts; these bands will be at their best after sunset.
• Modes: Use FT8, CW, and SSB for maximum reach; digital modes will excel on marginal bands.
• Antennas: Vertical and directional antennas will help maximize DX, especially on higher bands.
• Contesting/DX: Now is prime time for DXpeditions and contests—check grayline times for rare paths.
• Monitor: Keep an eye on sudden K-index spikes or X-ray flare alerts, which can cause brief HF blackouts.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m/40m: Best after sunset and through the night; avoid daytime for long-haul DX.
• 20m/17m/15m: All day is productive, with peak conditions mid-morning to late afternoon.
• 12m/10m: Late morning to early evening is optimal; expect band closure after dark.
• Grayline: 30–60 minutes around local sunrise/sunset for enhanced long-path DX on all bands.

🌍 DX Opportunities

• 20m–10m: Major DX openings across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas during daylight hours.
• Grayline: Look for rare Pacific and Asian stations at your local sunrise/sunset.
• Aurora: Moderate auroral activity (Aurora index 5) may enhance VHF/UHF propagation in northern latitudes.
• Special Events: Watch for enhanced trans-equatorial and polar path openings on 15m and 10m.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

The 20m, 17m, and 15m bands are performing best throughout the day and into the evening, with 12m and 10m also offering strong daytime propagation but closing quickly after sunset. 80m and 40m are poor during daylight but excellent at night—ideal for regional and intercontinental work after dark.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 2.67 (Low to moderate) — Minor geomagnetic activity, stable HF conditions with brief disturbances possible.
• Solar Flux: 167 (High) — Indicates strong ionization, supporting robust propagation on all HF bands, especially higher frequencies.
• Sunspot Number: 166 (Very active) — Sustains high MUF (Maximum Usable Frequency), favoring DX on 20m–10m.
• Space Weather: C2.7 X-ray flare activity detected; watch for brief HF fadeouts, especially on sunlit paths.

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

The K-index has remained mostly low (1–2) over the past 24 hours, with a brief uptick to 3.67, suggesting a short-lived geomagnetic disturbance. Overall, the trend is stable with only minor fluctuations, so HF propagation remains reliable. If another spike occurs, expect temporary absorption or fading on polar and high-latitude paths.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: C2.7 — Moderate solar flare activity; may cause short HF blackouts on sunlit paths.
• Solar Wind: 474 km/s — Slightly elevated, but not enough to trigger major geomagnetic storms.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux 4980, Proton flux 3130 — High values can increase D-layer absorption, especially on lower bands.
• Aurora Activity: Index 5 — Moderate auroral conditions; VHF/UHF operators in northern latitudes may see enhanced auroral propagation.
• Helium Line: 128.2 — Indicates ongoing active solar regions, supporting continued strong HF propagation.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

Recent months show solar flux and sunspot numbers holding at high levels, with only minor dips—this supports the current excellent HF conditions. The last 7 months have seen solar flux consistently above 140, peaking at 167 today, and sunspot numbers remain well above 100, both signs of a solar maximum phase.

🔮 3-Day Forecast