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 generally quiet geomagnetic conditions. The solar flux is at 116, with a sunspot number of 81, supporting decent propagation on the mid bands, while the higher bands (12m, 10m) remain challenging. K-index is low, indicating stable geomagnetic conditions and minimal disruptions. Expect the 20m band to provide the most reliable daytime DX, with 40m and 80m performing best at night. Operators should focus on the lower bands for consistent contacts and watch for brief DX windows on 17m and 15m during daylight.

💡 Operator Tips

• Prioritize 20m during the day for both local and DX contacts; 40m/80m at night for strong regional and some international paths.
• Use FT8, CW, or other weak-signal modes on higher bands (15m, 12m, 10m) to maximize chances for sporadic openings.
• Check grayline times for enhanced propagation, especially on 40m and 20m.
• Keep antennas optimized for lower bands; verticals or dipoles at modest heights will perform well under current conditions.
• For VHF/UHF, expect typical summer tropo but no major auroral or E-skip enhancements today.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m/40m: Best at night and early morning (regional and some DX)
• 20m: Excellent late morning through late afternoon (DX and intercontinental)
• 17m/15m: Fair midday, especially for north-south paths
• 12m/10m: Poor throughout the day; check for brief openings around local noon
• Grayline (dawn/dusk): Enhanced long-path opportunities on 40m and 20m

🌍 DX Opportunities

• 20m offers the most consistent DX, especially along the grayline.
• 17m/15m may open briefly to southern latitudes or equatorial regions during midday.
• Grayline enhancement on 40m and 20m can bring in distant stations—watch sunrise and sunset for best results.
• No significant auroral or polar path openings expected.
• Monitor cluster spots for any surprise short-path or long-path DX on higher bands.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Analysis:

• 20m is the most reliable band for all-day operation and DX.
• 40m/80m shine at night and early morning, supporting both local and some long-haul contacts.
• 17m/15m are marginal—try during midday, especially for north-south paths.
• 12m/10m are largely closed today; only attempt if you spot a sudden opening or during contests.
• For maximum results, focus on 20m during daylight and 40m/80m after sunset.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 2 — Indicates quiet geomagnetic conditions; expect stable HF propagation with minimal disturbances.
• Solar Flux (10.7cm): 116 — Moderate level; supports good mid-band propagation but limits higher bands.
• Sunspot Number: 81 — Moderate; enough for decent 20m and 17m activity, but not enough for robust 10m/12m openings.
• Space Weather: No major flares or storms reported; X-ray activity at B6.6 is low.

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained low and stable over the past 24 hours, with no significant spikes.
• This trend means quiet geomagnetic conditions—ideal for HF, especially for polar and trans-equatorial paths.
• No geomagnetic storms or warnings in effect; expect steady propagation.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B6.6 (low) — No risk of HF blackouts; normal D-layer absorption.
• Solar Wind Speed: 424.6 km/s — Slightly elevated but not enough to trigger geomagnetic disturbances.
• Electron Flux: 1570 — Moderate; may cause minor absorption on lower bands, but not a major concern.
• Proton Flux: 48 — Quiet; no solar radiation storm risk.
• Aurora Level: 3 — Low; auroral propagation is not expected on HF or VHF.
• Helium Line: 111.0 — Indicates stable solar activity; no rapid upswings or flare threats.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Over the past 6 months, solar flux has fluctuated between 120 and 151, with a recent modest increase in June.
• Sunspot numbers have trended downward since the winter peak, now stabilizing in the 80-100 range.
• These trends suggest we are in a moderate phase of the solar cycle, supporting good but not exceptional HF conditions.
• No major solar events or geomagnetic storms have disrupted propagation recently.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Expect continued moderate solar activity and quiet geomagnetic conditions for the next 3 days.
• 20m will remain the best all-around band; 40m/80m will be reliable at night.
• 15m/17m may offer brief midday openings—watch for cluster spots and use digital modes for best results.
• No major space weather alerts or warnings are in effect.
• Keep an eye on solar data for any sudden increases in flux or sunspot numbers that could improve higher band conditions.