Sun Images for Past 72 Hours
Images copyrighted by the SDO/NASA and Helioviewer project
📋 Propagation Summary
Today's HF propagation is looking favorable for most operators, with a solar flux of 167 and sunspot numbers holding steady at 118. The K-index is currently at 2, indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions and generally stable bands. Expect good daytime openings on the higher bands (20m–10m), while the lower bands (80m/40m) will perform best after sunset. No major space weather disturbances are present, so both DX and regional contacts should be productive. Operators should take advantage of the improved conditions on the high bands, especially during daylight hours.
💡 Operator Tips
- Target 20m, 17m, and 15m during the day for the best DX and intercontinental contacts.
- 80m and 40m will be most reliable after dark for regional and some DX work.
- Use FT8, CW, or other weak-signal modes on marginal bands or during periods of lower MUF.
- Monitor 10m and 12m for surprise openings, especially around local noon and early afternoon.
- For contesters and DXers: focus on grayline periods and sunrise/sunset for enhanced propagation.
- Keep an eye on aurora alerts if operating from northern latitudes, as minor auroral activity is present.
⏰ Best Operating Times
| Band | Best Times (UTC) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 80m | 20:00–08:00 | Excellent at night, poor daytime |
| 40m | 20:00–08:00 | Good at night, poor daytime |
| 20m | 08:00–20:00 | Good all day and night |
| 17m | 08:00–20:00 | Good all day and night |
| 15m | 08:00–18:00 | Good all day, best midday |
| 12m | 10:00–16:00 | Good midday, poor at night |
| 10m | 10:00–16:00 | Good midday, poor at night |
🌍 DX Opportunities
- High solar flux means excellent potential for long-haul DX on 20m–10m, especially during daylight.
- Grayline propagation will enhance east-west paths around sunrise and sunset—watch for rare DX!
- Northern paths may see some auroral flutter, but nothing severe enough to close bands.
- 10m and 12m may open to South America, Africa, and the Pacific during local afternoon.
- No major solar storms expected, so plan for stable conditions for contests and expeditions.
📻 Band-by-Band Analysis
| Band | Morning | Day | Evening | Night |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80m | 🟠 Fair | 🔴 Poor | 🟡 Good | 🟢 Excellent |
| 40m | 🟠 Fair | 🔴 Poor | 🟡 Good | 🟢 Excellent |
| 20m | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good |
| 17m | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good |
| 15m | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good |
| 12m | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟠 Fair | 🔴 Poor |
| 10m | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟠 Fair | 🔴 Poor |
The high bands (20m, 17m, 15m) are performing consistently well throughout the day and even into the evening, thanks to elevated solar flux and sunspot numbers. 12m and 10m are open during daylight, especially late morning to afternoon, but close quickly after sunset. 80m and 40m are poor during the day but excellent at night, making them ideal for late evening and early morning operation.
📊 Current Solar Activity
Solar Activity Metrics
K-index
Solar Flux (10.7cm)
Sunspot Number
- K-index: 2 (quiet) – Geomagnetic field is stable, supporting good HF propagation.
- Solar Flux (10.7cm): 167 – High value, boosting MUF and high-band openings.
- Sunspot Number: 118 – Healthy count, supporting strong ionization and band openings.
- Space Weather Overview: No major flares or storms; X-ray flux at C2.6 (minor), solar wind at 396 km/s (moderate), and aurora index at 4 (minor activity).
📈 Geomagnetic Conditions
The K-index has trended downward over the past 24 hours, moving from moderate (K=3–4) to quiet (K=1–2) levels. This improvement means less absorption and more stable propagation, especially on the high bands. No significant geomagnetic disturbances are forecast, so expect continued good conditions unless a sudden solar event occurs.
🌟 Space Weather Details
Space Weather Dashboard
X-ray Activity
Solar Wind Speed
Aurora Activity
- X-ray Activity: C2.6 – Minor flare activity; unlikely to cause HF blackouts, but keep an ear out for sudden shortwave fadeouts.
- Solar Wind: 396 km/s – Moderate speed; not high enough to trigger geomagnetic storms, so HF should remain stable.
- Particle Environment: Electron flux at 6880 (elevated), proton flux at 24 (quiet); no significant impact on HF, but may enhance auroral propagation at high latitudes.
- Aurora Activity: Index at 4 – Minor auroral activity; VHF/UHF operators in northern regions may see some auroral propagation, but not widespread.
- Helium Line: 125.2 – Indicates ongoing solar activity, but no major upswings; trend is stable.
📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details
Propagation Quality Timeline (24 Hours)
Recent months have shown solar flux values consistently above 150, with sunspot numbers holding above 110. This sustained activity has kept the MUF high and supported frequent high-band openings. The last week saw a brief geomagnetic disturbance, but conditions have since stabilized, setting the stage for continued good propagation.
Solar Activity Trends (6 Months)
🔮 3-Day Forecast
3-Day K-index Forecast
- Solar activity expected to remain moderate, with solar flux and sunspot numbers holding steady.
- K-index likely to stay at or below 2, supporting stable HF conditions.
- Best bands: 20m, 17m, 15m for DX; 80m/40m for nighttime regional and DX.
- Watch for: Potential short-lived disturbances if new solar flares occur, but no major warnings at this time.
- Recommendation: Plan for extended operating sessions on the high bands during daylight, and use low bands at night for best results.