Amateur Radio Propagation Report

Sun Images for Past 72 Hours

Images copyrighted by the SDO/NASA and Helioviewer project

📋 Propagation Summary

HF propagation today is looking moderately favorable for most amateur radio operations. The solar flux is at 129, with a sunspot number of 82—both supportive of decent daytime propagation, especially on the higher bands. The K-index is low at 1.33, indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions and minimal disturbance to HF signals. Expect good performance on 20m, 17m, and 15m throughout the day and evening, while 80m and 40m will shine at night. 10m and 12m are less reliable, with only fair openings during the day. No major space weather alerts are active, so operators can enjoy stable conditions with some opportunities for DX, especially on mid to high HF bands.

💡 Operator Tips

• Daytime: Focus on 20m, 17m, and 15m for reliable DX and regional contacts. Use SSB, CW, or digital modes like FT8 for best results.
• Nighttime: Switch to 80m and 40m for strong local and regional contacts; these bands will be quieter and more stable after sunset.
• 10m/12m: Try these bands during midday for possible short-skip or sporadic-E, but expect variable results.
• Antennas: Vertical or directional antennas will help maximize DX on higher bands; dipoles are excellent for 40m/80m at night.
• Contesting & DX: Take advantage of low geomagnetic activity for longer, more stable paths—especially north-south and trans-equatorial routes.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m/40m: Best at night and early morning (local time)
• 20m/17m/15m: Best from late morning through early evening
• 12m/10m: Try late morning to early afternoon for possible openings
• Grayline: Sunrise and sunset for enhanced long-path DX, especially on 40m and 20m

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline: Enhanced propagation around local sunrise/sunset on 40m and 20m—watch for long-haul DX.
• 20m/17m/15m: Good potential for intercontinental contacts, especially north-south and across the Atlantic/Pacific.
• 10m/12m: Watch for brief midday openings, especially during solar flux peaks or sporadic-E events.
• Aurora: Aurora activity is low (index 4), so VHF auroral propagation is unlikely today.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Analysis:
The best bands for reliable operation today are 20m, 17m, and 15m—these will provide consistent contacts throughout daylight and into the evening. 80m and 40m are your go-to bands for nighttime and early morning, with quieter conditions and strong signals. 12m and 10m may open during midday but expect only fair conditions and limited DX. For VHF/UHF, no significant propagation enhancements are expected.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 1.33 (very quiet) – Minimal geomagnetic disturbance, excellent for HF stability.
• Solar Flux: 129 (moderate) – Supports good propagation on 20m–15m, with occasional 12m/10m openings.
• Sunspot Number: 82 – Indicates continued solar activity, though slightly down from recent months.
• Space Weather Overview: No major flares or disturbances; X-ray flux at B6.0 (quiet), solar wind at 390 km/s (average), and aurora index at 4 (low).

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has trended downward over the past 24 hours, dropping from values near 4 (active) to a quiet 1–2 today.
• This improvement means less absorption and better HF propagation, especially on higher bands.
• No geomagnetic storms or warnings are in effect, so expect stable conditions for the next 24 hours.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B6.0 (low) – No risk of HF blackouts; conditions are stable.
• Solar Wind: 390 km/s – Typical speeds, not likely to cause geomagnetic upsets.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux at 3500 (moderate); proton flux at 17 (quiet) – No significant impacts on HF.
• Aurora Activity: Index 4 (low) – Minimal auroral activity; VHF/UHF aurora propagation is not expected.
• Helium Line: 124.0 – Stable solar activity, no dramatic changes anticipated.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Over the past several months, solar flux has remained in the 130–160 range, supporting good HF conditions.
• Sunspot numbers have dipped slightly but remain healthy for the current solar cycle phase.
• This trend supports continued good propagation on the higher HF bands, with no major drops or spikes in solar activity.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Expect continued quiet geomagnetic conditions (K-index 1–2) and stable solar flux.
• 20m, 17m, and 15m will remain the best bands for DX and general operation.
• 80m/40m will continue to perform well at night.
• No alerts or warnings are forecast; enjoy the stable propagation and take advantage of any midday 10m/12m openings!