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 conditions are shaped by a moderate solar flux (144–151), a sunspot number just above 100, and a very quiet geomagnetic field (K-index at 1). Expect good performance on the mid and high HF bands (20m–15m) throughout the day, with lower bands (80m/40m) favoring nighttime operation. 12m and 10m bands are only fair during daylight and likely poor or closed at night. With low geomagnetic activity and stable solar trends, operators can look forward to reliable regional and DX opportunities, especially on 20m and 17m. Take advantage of the calm space weather for contesting, DXing, and casual QSOs!

💡 Operator Tips

• Target 20m and 17m for all-day DX and reliable regional contacts.
• 80m/40m: Focus on these bands after sunset for best NVIS and short-haul propagation.
• 15m is open for daytime DX—great for SSB, CW, and digital modes.
• 10m/12m: Try these bands late morning through afternoon for sporadic openings, especially if you’re chasing rare DX.
• Digital modes (FT8, FT4): Use these on marginal bands (12m/10m) to maximize your chances.
• Low noise antennas and good filtering will help, especially on the lower bands at night.
• Monitor grayline times for enhanced long-path DX, especially on 40m and 20m.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m/40m: Best after sunset and through the night; fair during the day for local contacts.
• 20m/17m/15m: Excellent from late morning through early evening; still usable at night.
• 12m/10m: Late morning to mid-afternoon for possible short/medium DX; expect poor conditions after dark.

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline DX: Watch for enhanced propagation on 40m and 20m during sunrise and sunset—prime time for long-haul contacts.
• 20m & 17m: Consistent worldwide openings, especially on north-south paths.
• 15m: Good for trans-equatorial and east-west DX during the day.
• 10m/12m: Sporadic E and F2 layer openings possible around local noon—check beacons and cluster spots.
• Aurora: Minimal impact today (Aurora index 3), but VHF aurora paths are unlikely.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

The 20m, 17m, and 15m bands are the top performers today—expect reliable contacts nearly all day and into the evening. 80m and 40m are best at night for local and regional work. 12m and 10m may offer short-lived daytime DX, but are mostly closed at night.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 1 (very quiet) – Minimal geomagnetic disturbance, excellent for HF.
• Solar Flux: 144–151 (moderate) – Supports good propagation on 20m–15m, with some 12m/10m potential.
• Sunspot Number: 107–112 – Indicates continued solar activity, sustaining higher band openings.
• Space Weather Overview:
  • No major flares or storms reported.
  • X-ray flux at C1.0 (see below) – moderate, with no blackout risk.

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

The K-index has steadily dropped from moderate (4) to very quiet (1) over the past 24 hours. This trend means geomagnetic conditions are stable and favorable for HF propagation, especially for polar and trans-auroral paths. No geomagnetic storms are expected, and the quiet field supports low noise and improved signal strengths.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: C1.0 – Moderate X-ray flux; no risk of HF blackouts, but keep an eye out for any sudden increases.
• Solar Wind: 441 km/s – Slightly elevated but not disruptive; helps maintain ionization for daytime bands.
• Particle Environment:
  • Electron Flux: 4970 – Typical, no major impacts expected.
  • Proton Flux: 22 – Low, no risk of polar absorption events.
• Aurora Activity: 3 – Low; auroral propagation on VHF is unlikely.
• Helium Line: 125.3 – Indicates stable solar activity; no major upswings or threats.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

Recent months show solar flux holding steady in the 140–160 range and sunspot numbers above 100. This sustained activity has kept the higher HF bands open more reliably than in previous years. The quiet geomagnetic field over the last 24 hours further boosts HF reliability, especially for DXers and contesters.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• HF bands (20m–15m) will remain strong, especially during daylight hours.
• Geomagnetic conditions are forecast to stay quiet (K-index 1–2), supporting stable propagation.
• 10m/12m: Watch for brief openings around local noon, especially if solar flux ticks up.
• No major space weather alerts expected—enjoy the bands and watch for surprise DX!
• VHF/UHF: No aurora or enhanced propagation predicted. Focus on HF for best results.