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 showing moderate conditions, with solar flux around 136 and sunspot numbers in the high 70s, indicating fair to good opportunities on the lower and mid bands. The K-index is low (quiet geomagnetic field), so expect stable conditions with minimal disturbances. However, higher bands (12m, 10m) remain mostly poor, while 20m and 40m are your best bets for reliable contacts. Operators should focus on the lower bands at night and mid bands during the day for the best results. Watch for possible short-lived DX opportunities on 15m and 17m, especially during peak sunlight.

💡 Operator Tips

• Focus on 20m and 40m for reliable daytime and evening QSOs; these bands are performing well under current solar conditions.
• Nighttime operations on 80m and 40m will yield the best local and regional contacts.
• Use digital modes (FT8, PSK31) to maximize weak signal performance, especially on higher bands where conditions are marginal.
• For DX, try grayline times (sunrise/sunset) on 20m and 17m.
• Keep antennas low-noise and check SWR, as geomagnetic quietness favors weak signal work.
• Monitor cluster spots for any surprise 10m or 12m openings, but don’t expect much activity there today.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m/40m: Best at night and early morning for local/regional; fair during the day.
• 20m: Good all day and into the evening; best for daytime DX.
• 17m/15m: Fair during midday and early afternoon; check for brief DX windows.
• 12m/10m: Poor throughout the day and night; only try if you see cluster activity or hear beacons.

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline paths on 20m and 17m may provide short DX openings, especially east-west.
• 20m remains the most reliable for intercontinental contacts, especially during daylight.
• Aurora activity is low, so no significant VHF/UHF auroral propagation expected.
• Watch for possible short-lived 15m DX during local noon, especially toward equatorial regions.
• No major solar events forecast, so conditions should remain stable for planned contests or DXpeditions.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Currently, 20m is the most consistent performer throughout the day and evening, making it the go-to band for both DX and domestic QSOs. 40m and 80m are best at night for local and regional work. 17m and 15m offer occasional fair conditions, mainly around midday. 12m and 10m are largely closed, with little chance of openings under current solar flux and sunspot levels.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 0-2 (very quiet) — Geomagnetic field is stable, favoring HF propagation and minimizing noise.
• Solar Flux: 136 (recent average), currently 107 (N0NBH) — Moderate solar activity, supporting good conditions on 20m and below.
• Sunspot Number: 78 — Sufficient for decent HF propagation, but not enough for consistent high-band openings.
• Space Weather: No major flares or disturbances; X-ray flux is at B5.0 (quiet).

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained low and stable over the past 24 hours, indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions. This stability supports reliable HF propagation, especially on the lower and mid bands. No recent geomagnetic storms or sudden disturbances have been observed, so expect continued good conditions unless a solar event occurs.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B5.0 — Low-level X-ray flux, meaning no risk of HF blackouts or sudden absorption events.
• Solar Wind Speed: 476 km/s — Moderate speed, not enough to trigger geomagnetic storms, but keep an eye out for any sudden increases.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux is elevated (4640), but proton flux is low (13) — No significant impact on HF propagation.
• Aurora Activity: 2 — Very low, so no auroral propagation expected on VHF/UHF.
• Helium Line: 114.0 — Stable solar activity indicator, suggesting no major changes in solar output.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

Recent solar flux and sunspot numbers have been stable to slightly declining over the past several months, with solar flux hovering in the 120-138 range and sunspot numbers between 77 and 101. This trend supports continued moderate HF propagation, especially on 20m and 40m. No major solar cycle upswings or downswings are evident, so expect similar conditions in the near term.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Expect continued quiet geomagnetic conditions with K-index likely staying low.
• Solar flux and sunspot numbers should remain steady, supporting fair to good propagation on 20m and below.
• 12m and 10m will remain mostly closed; check for rare sporadic-E or short-lived openings.
• No alerts or warnings are currently in effect; stable conditions favor planned contests, nets, and DXpeditions.
• Keep an eye on space weather updates for any sudden changes, especially if solar wind speed increases or X-ray flux spikes.