Sun Images for Past 72 Hours
Images copyrighted by the SDO/NASA and Helioviewer project
📋 Propagation Summary:
Today’s HF propagation is looking very promising for amateur radio operators! With solar flux at 178 and a sunspot number of 171, upper HF bands (20m–10m) are wide open during the day and remain active into the evening. The K-index is low and stable, indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions and minimal disruptions. Expect excellent opportunities for DX on the higher bands, while 80m and 40m will shine at night. Take advantage of these favorable conditions for both local and long-distance contacts!
💡 Operator Tips
- For DX: Focus on 20m, 17m, 15m, and 12m during daylight—these bands are performing exceptionally well.
- 10m is open for daytime action—try SSB, CW, and FT8 for worldwide contacts.
- 80m/40m: Operate after sunset for strong regional and intercontinental signals.
- Use digital modes (FT8, FT4, RTTY) to maximize your reach, especially during marginal band openings.
- Keep antennas optimized for higher bands during the day; switch to low bands at night.
- For contesters: Expect high rates on 15m and 20m, with 10m offering surprise openings.
⏰ Best Operating Times
- 80m & 40m: Evening and night (after local sunset)
- 20m, 17m, 15m: All day, with best DX from late morning through afternoon
- 12m & 10m: Late morning to late afternoon for best worldwide propagation
- 30m: Consistent day and night for digital/CW
🌍 DX Opportunities
- Grayline: Enhanced long-path openings on 40m and 80m at sunrise/sunset—watch for rare DX!
- Daytime DX: 15m, 12m, and 10m are open for trans-equatorial and polar paths.
- Evening: 20m and 17m remain strong for intercontinental contacts after sunset.
- Special events: No major geomagnetic storms—expect stable conditions for DXpeditions and contests.
📻 Band-by-Band Analysis
| Band | Morning | Day | Evening | Night |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80m | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good |
| 40m | 🟠 Fair | 🔴 Poor | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good |
| 30m | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good |
| 20m | 🟡 Good | 🟢 Excellent | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good |
| 17m | 🟡 Good | 🟢 Excellent | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good |
| 15m | 🟡 Good | 🟢 Excellent | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good |
| 12m | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟠 Fair | 🔴 Poor |
| 10m | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟠 Fair | 🔴 Poor |
The best daytime bands are 20m, 17m, and 15m, all showing 🟢 Excellent to 🟡 Good conditions—ideal for DX and high-rate contesting. 10m and 12m are also open during the day, though they close quickly after sunset. 80m and 40m are poor during daylight but become good choices at night for regional and DX contacts. 30m remains steady and reliable for digital/CW around the clock.
📊 Current Solar Activity
Solar Activity Metrics
K-index
Solar Flux (10.7cm)
Sunspot Number
- K-index: 2 (quiet geomagnetic field)—no significant disturbances, stable HF propagation.
- Solar Flux: 178 (very high)—supports strong MUF and excellent high-band openings.
- Sunspot Number: 171 (robust solar activity)—more sunspots mean more ionization and better propagation.
- Space Weather: No major warnings; overall, the sun is active but not disruptive.
📈 Geomagnetic Conditions
- The K-index has remained low and stable (mostly 1–2) over the past 24 hours, with only minor fluctuations.
- No recent geomagnetic storms—conditions have been quiet and favorable for HF propagation.
- This trend supports consistent long-distance communication, especially on the higher bands.
🌟 Space Weather Details
Space Weather Dashboard
X-ray Activity
Solar Wind Speed
Aurora Activity
- X-ray Activity: M1.8 (moderate flare)—may cause brief, minor HF fadeouts on sunlit paths, but no major blackouts expected.
- Solar Wind: 303.6 km/s (moderate)—not strong enough to trigger geomagnetic storms; stable propagation.
- Particle Environment:
- Electron Flux: 2700 (elevated)—can enhance polar absorption slightly, but no major issues.
- Proton Flux: 14 (quiet)—no radiation storm risk.
- Aurora Activity: 1 (very low)—no auroral propagation on VHF/UHF; northern operators should expect normal conditions.
- Helium Line: 132.4—indicates ongoing solar activity, supporting high F-layer ionization and strong HF performance.
📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details
Propagation Quality Timeline (24 Hours)
- Solar flux has remained high (140–178) over the past several months, with only minor dips—this supports continued high MUF and excellent HF conditions.
- Sunspot numbers have been steady (112–171), indicating we are in a strong phase of the solar cycle.
- These trends suggest sustained good propagation on the upper HF bands for the coming weeks.
Solar Activity Trends (6 Months)
🔮 3-Day Forecast
3-Day K-index Forecast
- Expect continued high solar flux and low K-index for the next three days.
- 20m–10m will remain excellent for DX during daylight; watch for surprise 10m openings.
- 80m/40m will continue to be the best bands for night-time operation.
- No major space weather events are forecast—enjoy stable, high-quality propagation for contests, DXpeditions, and casual operating!