Amateur Radio Propagation Report

Sun Images for Past 72 Hours

Images copyrighted by the SDO/NASA and Helioviewer project

📋 Propagation Summary: HF propagation is looking solid today for most amateur operators. With a solar flux of 147 and a sunspot number of 89, the upper bands (20m–15m) are offering good daytime and nighttime conditions, while 80m and 40m are fair by day and good at night. The K-index is very low at 1, indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions—great news for stable propagation and reduced noise. Expect fair to good openings on the higher bands during the day, with some limitations on 12m and 10m, especially at night. Now is a great time to try for DX, especially on 20m–15m, and to take advantage of the low geomagnetic activity.

💡 Operator Tips

• Target 20m, 17m, and 15m for reliable DX and intercontinental contacts throughout the day and evening.
• 80m and 40m will be your best bet for local and regional QSOs after sunset.
• Use FT8, CW, and other weak-signal digital modes on 12m and 10m to take advantage of marginal openings.
• With the low K-index, expect minimal auroral flutter and stable conditions—great for SSB and CW.
• If chasing DX, check grayline times for enhanced long-path openings, especially on 40m and 20m.
• Keep an ear on 10m for sporadic-E or surprise openings, but expect it to be mostly closed at night.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m/40m: Best at night and early morning for local/regional; fair daytime NVIS.
• 20m/17m/15m: Best from late morning through early evening for DX; still good after dark.
• 12m/10m: Try late morning to mid-afternoon for any openings; limited at night.

🌍 DX Opportunities

• 20m and 17m are prime for DX, especially along the grayline (sunrise/sunset paths).
• 15m is open for intercontinental contacts during the day—watch for Pacific and Asia openings.
• 40m offers strong grayline DX at dawn and dusk.
• 10m/12m may open for short periods—monitor beacons and cluster spots for surprise DX.
• Low aurora activity means polar paths are open—try for north-south DX routes.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

The 20m, 17m, and 15m bands are performing best, offering good propagation nearly all day and night—ideal for DX and long-haul contacts. 80m and 40m are fair during the day but improve to good at night, making them excellent for local and regional nets after dark. 12m and 10m are only fair during daylight and generally poor at night; focus on digital modes if you want to try these bands.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 1 (very quiet) – Geomagnetic field is stable; expect low noise and minimal disruptions.
• Solar Flux: 147 – Above average, supporting good ionization for HF propagation, especially on higher bands.
• Sunspot Number: 89 – Healthy sunspot count, fueling decent band openings and overall good HF conditions.
• Space Weather Overview: No major flares or storms; X-ray activity is moderate (C3.2), so only minor HF absorption possible.

📈 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 stable and reliable.
• These calm conditions are ideal for both DX and local work, with minimal fading or auroral effects.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: C3.2 (moderate). This level can cause minor D-layer absorption, but no significant HF blackouts expected.
• Solar Wind: 382 km/s (moderate). No strong solar wind impacts; geomagnetic field remains undisturbed.
• Electron Flux: 1480 (elevated). Slightly increased electron levels can enhance F-layer ionization, which is good for upper HF bands.
• Proton Flux: 17 (quiet). No risk of radio blackouts or polar cap absorption.
• Aurora: 3 (low). Minimal aurora activity; VHF/UHF auroral propagation is unlikely.
• Helium Line: 130.8 (steady). Indicates stable solar activity with no major changes expected.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

Recent months show a slight upward trend in solar flux and sunspot numbers, with solar flux rising from ~120 in April to ~147 today. This trend supports improving HF conditions, especially on the higher bands. Sunspot numbers have also rebounded from a dip in early spring, now stabilizing near 90–100.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Propagation is expected to remain stable for the next three days, with continued low geomagnetic activity and moderate solar flux.
• 20m–15m will stay strong for DX and intercontinental work.
• 80m/40m will be best at night for local and regional nets.
• 12m/10m may see brief daytime openings—monitor for sporadic-E or solar-driven enhancements.
• No alerts or warnings are in effect; enjoy the quiet space weather and make the most of the bands!