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 very promising today, thanks to a high solar flux of 176 and a healthy sunspot number of 139. Most HF bands from 20m to 10m are open and performing well during daylight, with some minor disturbances possible due to recent geomagnetic activity. The K-index has settled back to a quiet level (K=2) after a brief period of stormy conditions, so expect improved stability on the bands. Operators should take advantage of the excellent daytime conditions on the higher bands and the reliable night-time performance on the lower bands. Keep an eye out for shortwave fadeouts from ongoing C-class X-ray activity, but overall, today is a great day to get on the air!

💡 Operator Tips

• Daytime: Focus on 20m, 17m, 15m, 12m, and 10m for DX and intercontinental contacts; these bands are wide open.
• Nighttime: 40m and 80m come alive after sunset—perfect for regional and some DX work.
• Modes: Use FT8, CW, and SSB on higher bands for best results; digital modes will punch through minor disturbances.
• Antennas: Directional antennas (beams) will help you take full advantage of strong band openings, especially on 15m and 10m.
• Contesters & DXers: Now is the time to chase rare DX on 10m and 12m—conditions are rarely this good!
• Noise: Watch for increased background noise if minor geomagnetic unsettled periods return.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m & 40m: Best after sunset and through the night (local time)
• 20m: Good all day and into the evening
• 17m & 15m: Excellent from mid-morning through late afternoon
• 12m & 10m: Peak performance from late morning to mid-afternoon (local noon ±3 hours)
• Grayline: Sunrise and sunset periods on all bands—especially 40m and 20m—offer enhanced long-path DX

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Daytime: 10m and 12m are wide open for worldwide DX, including trans-equatorial and polar paths.
• Grayline: Enhanced propagation on 40m and 20m at sunrise/sunset—target distant continents along the terminator.
• Special Events: Elevated solar flux and sunspot numbers mean rare DX is workable on higher bands, even with modest stations.
• Aurora: Aurora activity is low, so polar paths are stable; VHF aurora is not expected.
• Tips: Watch cluster spots for surprise band openings, especially on 15m and 10m.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

The best daytime bands are 20m, 17m, 15m, 12m, and 10m, all showing good to excellent conditions, especially around midday. At night, 40m and 80m become the top choices for reliable contacts, while the higher bands (12m, 10m) close down. 20m remains a solid all-day performer, with good propagation even into the evening.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 2 (quiet) — Geomagnetic field is stable, supporting good HF propagation.
• Solar Flux (10.7cm): 176 — Very high, indicating strong ionization and excellent band openings, especially on 10m–15m.
• Sunspot Number: 139 — High, supporting robust propagation and frequent band openings.
• Space Weather: Recent C-class X-ray activity (C1.7) could cause brief shortwave fadeouts, but no major blackouts expected.

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

Recent K-index trends show a brief spike to K=5.33 (minor geomagnetic storm) about 18 hours ago, but values have since dropped back to K=2. This means conditions have improved significantly, with the geomagnetic field now quiet and stable. The worst of the disturbance has passed, so expect continued improvement and less noise or fading on HF bands.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: C1.7 — Moderate X-ray flux; occasional shortwave fadeouts possible, but no major blackouts.
• Solar Wind: 587 km/s — Elevated speed, but not extreme; may cause minor unsettled periods, but not enough for major disruptions.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux: 7230 (elevated), Proton flux: 56 (quiet) — High electron levels can enhance propagation on higher bands but may increase noise.
• Aurora Activity: 1 (very low) — Minimal aurora, so polar and trans-auroral paths are stable; no VHF aurora expected.
• Helium Line: 127.2 — Indicates ongoing solar activity, supporting continued good propagation trends.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

Solar flux and sunspot numbers have remained consistently high over the past several months, with only minor dips. This long-term trend supports the current excellent band conditions, especially on the higher HF bands.

These historical charts show that we're in a sustained period of strong solar activity, which means operators can expect more frequent and reliable band openings, especially on 15m, 12m, and 10m.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• HF bands will remain very good for the next three days, especially 20m–10m during daylight.
• Geomagnetic activity is expected to stay low to moderate, with no major storms forecast.
• Best bands: 15m, 17m, 20m for DX; 10m and 12m for daytime surprises; 40m and 80m for night-time regional and some DX.
• No alerts or warnings at this time—enjoy the bands and work that DX while the sun is hot!