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 shaped by moderate solar activity and quiet geomagnetic conditions. The solar flux is at 103, with a sunspot number of 59, both on the lower side compared to recent months, which means higher bands (12m, 10m) are mostly underperforming. K-index is low (2), indicating stable geomagnetic conditions and minimal disturbance to HF. Expect best results on 20m and 40m, especially during daylight and early evening hours, while higher bands will be challenging. Operators should focus on the lower bands for reliable regional and DX contacts, and keep an eye on grayline times for enhanced propagation.

💡 Operator Tips

• Prioritize 20m and 40m for both local and DX—these bands are showing the most consistent performance today.
• Digital modes (FT8, PSK31, RTTY) will outperform SSB/CW on higher bands (15m, 12m, 10m) due to weak propagation.
• Use low-noise antennas and consider directional beams if available, especially for DX on 20m.
• Grayline operation (dawn/dusk) can provide short windows of enhanced long-distance propagation on 40m and 20m.
• Monitor real-time spots and cluster reports for sudden band openings, especially on 15m and 17m.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m/40m: Best at night and early morning for regional and some DX.
• 20m: Good throughout the day and into early evening; best for daytime DX.
• 17m/15m: Fair during midday and early afternoon; check for brief openings.
• 12m/10m: Poor all day—watch for unexpected short-lived openings, especially during solar events.

🌍 DX Opportunities

• 20m is the primary DX band today, with solid paths along the grayline, especially east-west.
• 40m offers good night-time DX, particularly to regions in darkness.
• Grayline enhancement: Watch for improved signals at sunrise/sunset, especially on 40m and 20m.
• High-latitude aurora is low (Aurora: 3), so polar paths are open but not enhanced.
• No major special propagation events expected, but keep an ear out for sporadic E on 10m/6m.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Analysis:

• 20m is the most reliable band for all-day operation, supporting both regional and DX contacts.
• 40m and 80m are best at night and early morning, with 40m providing a good balance for both local and long-haul contacts.
• 17m and 15m are marginal—try digital modes for best results.
• 12m and 10m are mostly closed; only attempt during potential short-lived solar enhancements.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 2 (very quiet)—minimal geomagnetic disturbance, good for HF stability.
• Solar Flux: 103 (down from recent months)—lower ionization, limiting higher band openings.
• Sunspot Number: 59 (moderate)—enough for 20m/17m, but not enough for consistent 10m/12m activity.
• Space Weather: No major flares or disturbances; X-ray flux is at B4.6 (quiet).

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• Recent K-index trend: Stable and low over the past 24 hours, indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions.
• No recent geomagnetic storms—propagation is not being disrupted by space weather.
• Expect continued stability unless a sudden solar event occurs.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B4.6 (quiet)—no risk of HF blackouts from solar flares.
• Solar Wind: 438.8 km/s—moderate speed, not likely to trigger geomagnetic storms.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux (1780) and proton flux (153) are within normal ranges; no significant impact on HF.
• Aurora: 3 (low)—no auroral propagation expected for VHF/UHF; polar HF paths remain open.
• Helium Line: 107.2—stable solar activity, no trend toward major events.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Recent months show a decline in solar flux (from 151 in January to 103 now) and a drop in sunspot numbers.
• This trend explains the weaker high-band conditions (10m/12m) and the reliability of 20m/40m.
• No major solar events in the past week, so propagation is steady but not exceptional.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Propagation will remain stable with low geomagnetic activity expected.
• 20m and 40m will continue to be the most productive bands.
• No major solar storms or flares are forecast, so band conditions should not change drastically.
• Monitor solar data for any sudden increases in solar flux or K-index that could bring short-term band openings or disruptions.
• No alerts or warnings at this time—enjoy steady conditions and focus on the most reliable bands for your operating goals.