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 favorable for amateur radio operators today. The solar flux is high at 174, and the sunspot number remains strong at 131, supporting robust ionospheric conditions. The K-index is low (around 1), indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions with minimal disturbance, so expect stable propagation and low noise. Daytime bands (20m-10m) are performing well, with higher bands (12m/10m) open for DX during daylight hours, while nighttime favors 80m and 40m for regional and some DX work. Take advantage of these stable conditions for both local and long-distance contacts!

💡 Operator Tips

• Maximize daytime DX on 20m, 17m, 15m, and 12m—these bands are open and strong.
• 10m is open during daylight, especially for east-west paths; try SSB and FT8 for best results.
• 80m and 40m are excellent at night for both local and some long-haul contacts.
• Use digital modes (FT8, FT4, PSK31) to exploit marginal openings, especially on higher bands.
• Low noise levels mean even modest antennas and QRP setups will perform well.
• For contesters: Run higher bands during the day, switch to 40m/80m after sunset.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m & 40m: 🟢 Excellent after sunset through early morning; avoid daytime for DX.
• 20m, 17m, 15m: 🟢 Excellent from sunrise to late afternoon; still usable into evening.
• 12m & 10m: 🟢 Excellent mid-morning to late afternoon; may close quickly after sunset.
• Grayline (sunrise/sunset): All bands, especially 40m and 20m, show enhanced DX potential.

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Daytime DX: 15m and 12m are wide open for intercontinental paths, especially east-west.
• Grayline: 40m and 20m are prime for long-haul DX at sunrise and sunset—watch for rare openings.
• 10m: Look for short-skip and sporadic E, especially late morning and early afternoon.
• Aurora: Low activity (Aurora index 3) means no significant auroral propagation on VHF/UHF.
• Special Events: No major solar storms or warnings—enjoy stable conditions for rare DX and contests.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

• Best daytime bands: 20m, 17m, 15m, 12m, and 10m are all excellent for DX and regional work.
• Evening/night: 80m and 40m shine after sunset, providing strong signals for local and long-haul contacts.
• 10m/12m: Peak during daylight—watch for rapid closing after sunset.
• 20m/17m/15m: Remain open into the evening, especially for north-south and equatorial paths.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 1 (Very quiet)—minimal geomagnetic disturbance, ideal for HF.
• Solar Flux: 174 (High)—supports strong F-layer ionization, great for higher bands (15m/12m/10m).
• Sunspot Number: 131 (High)—plenty of sunspots mean good propagation and more frequent band openings.
• Space Weather: No major flares or storms detected; X-ray activity at C5.1 (moderate background).

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• Recent trend: The K-index has remained very low and stable (mostly 0.3–2.7) over the past 24 hours.
• Impacts: Stable geomagnetic field means low noise and reliable propagation, especially for polar and high-latitude paths.
• **No geomagnetic storms_—conditions are improving and should remain favorable.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: C5.1 (moderate)—no major blackouts, but minor shortwave fadeouts possible during peak solar periods.
• Solar Wind: 302.5 km/s (moderate)—no significant impact on geomagnetic conditions.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux 2870, proton flux 18—normal levels, no radio blackout risk.
• Aurora Activity: Index 3—low auroral activity, so no VHF/UHF aurora propagation expected.
• Helium Line: 134.9—steady solar activity, indicating no major flare or CME threat.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Recent months: Solar flux has stayed consistently high (140–174), and sunspot numbers remain well above 100—excellent for HF.
• Trend: No major dips in solar activity; bands remain open longer and higher frequencies are more reliable.

• Sunspot and solar flux trends: Slight fluctuations but overall stable and elevated, supporting continued strong propagation.
• **No major solar minimum signs_—enjoy the current peak!

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Solar and geomagnetic conditions are expected to remain quiet and favorable for the next 3 days.
• HF bands (20m–10m) will continue to be excellent during the day, with 80m/40m best at night.
• **No major space weather events or warnings_—operate with confidence and plan for DX!
• VHF/UHF: No aurora or sporadic E expected, but keep an ear out for any surprise openings.