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 shaped by moderate solar activity and quiet geomagnetic conditions. With a solar flux of 122 and sunspot number near 94, the higher bands (20m–10m) are open but not at their peak, offering mostly fair to good conditions during daylight. The K-index is very low (quiet geomagnetic field), so expect stable propagation with minimal disruptions. Operators should focus on the mid-bands for reliable contacts and watch for short-lived DX windows on the higher bands, especially during local daytime. Lower bands (80m/40m) will be more reliable at night for regional and some DX work.

💡 Operator Tips

• Use 20m during the day for the most consistent DX and intercontinental contacts.
• Try 40m and 80m at night for strong regional and some long-haul paths.
• 15m, 12m, and 10m may open to DX during late morning and early afternoon—check these bands for short, sporadic openings.
• Digital modes (FT8, PSK31) will outperform SSB/CW on marginal bands, especially 12m and 10m.
• With the K-index at 1 or lower, expect minimal auroral disruption—great for stable HF operation.
• For contesters: Focus on 20m and 40m for rate, but check higher bands for multipliers.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m/40m: Best at night and early morning (local time)
• 20m: Good all day, especially mid-morning to late afternoon
• 17m/15m: Late morning to early afternoon
• 12m/10m: Late morning and early afternoon for possible short DX openings

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline: Enhanced propagation on 40m and 20m around local sunrise and sunset—target long-path and antipodal DX.
• 20m: Remains the most reliable for intercontinental DX, especially on east-west paths.
• 15m/12m/10m: Watch for brief DX openings, especially to equatorial and southern hemisphere regions during daylight.
• Aurora: Minimal impact today; VHF auroral propagation unlikely.
• Special events: No major space weather events forecast—enjoy stable conditions for scheduled nets and contests.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Analysis:

• 20m is the most reliable band throughout the day and into the evening, supporting both regional and DX contacts.
• 40m/80m are best at night for local and some DX; daytime performance is only fair.
• 15m, 17m, 12m, and 10m offer fair conditions during daylight, with 12m/10m likely to close at night. Check these bands for occasional short DX.
• No bands are completely closed, but high bands are marginal at night.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 1 (very quiet geomagnetic conditions—excellent for stable HF propagation)
• Solar Flux: 122 (moderate; supports daytime openings on 20m and higher, but not peak-cycle levels)
• Sunspot Number: 94 (healthy, but trending lower than earlier in the year)
• Space Weather: No major flares or disturbances; X-ray flux at B9.3 (quiet), minimal aurora (level 1)

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained very low and stable over the past 24 hours, indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions.
• No recent geomagnetic storms or disturbances—propagation is unaffected by space weather.
• Expect continued stability unless a sudden solar event occurs.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B9.3 (quiet)—no risk of HF blackouts or sudden ionospheric disturbances.
• Solar Wind: 528 km/s (moderately elevated, but not storm-level)—no significant impact on HF.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux at 2980 and proton flux at 498—both are moderate, so no major absorption or polar path issues.
• Aurora Activity: Level 1 (very low)—no auroral propagation expected; VHF/UHF paths remain normal.
• Helium Line: 112.1 (moderate)—indicates stable solar activity, no major upswings.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Over the past 6 months, solar flux and sunspot numbers have declined steadily from springtime highs (SFI ~138, SSN ~101) to current moderate values (SFI ~105, SSN ~60).
• This trend means high bands (15m/12m/10m) are less reliable than earlier in the year, but 20m and 40m remain solid performers.
• No recent spikes or dips—conditions are stable but not at solar maximum levels.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Expect continued moderate solar activity with stable geomagnetic conditions (low K-index).
• 20m will remain the "go-to" band for reliable contacts; 40m/80m best at night.
• Watch for brief daytime openings on 15m, 12m, and 10m—especially during local noon.
• No alerts or warnings—enjoy stable propagation and plan for routine operating or contest activity.