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 a moderate solar flux of 138 and a sunspot number near 100, supporting generally good conditions on the higher bands (20m–15m) during daylight hours. The K-index is low (0–3), indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions and stable propagation, with no major disturbances expected. Lower bands (80m, 40m) are poor during the day but improve to fair at night. Expect the best opportunities for DX and reliable contacts on 20m, 17m, and 15m, especially during local daytime and early evening. Watch for brief enhancements or blackouts due to elevated X-ray activity (C4.9), but overall, today is favorable for HF operations.

💡 Operator Tips

• Focus activity on 20m, 17m, and 15m during daylight for the best DX and intercontinental contacts.
• 80m and 40m will be most useful after sunset and before sunrise; daytime performance will be limited.
• Use FT8, CW, and other weak-signal modes to maximize your reach, especially on marginal bands (12m, 10m).
• Keep an eye on the X-ray flux (currently at C4.9)—short HF blackouts are possible, so monitor band conditions and have alternate frequencies ready.
• For contesters and DXers: target grayline times for enhanced long-path openings, especially on 20m and 17m.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m & 40m: Best at night and early morning (local time)
• 20m, 17m, 15m: Excellent from mid-morning through late afternoon; still good into early evening
• 12m & 10m: Fair during midday, especially for north-south paths; expect limited openings
• Grayline (dawn/dusk): Enhanced propagation on all bands, especially for long-haul DX

🌍 DX Opportunities

• 20m, 17m, and 15m are open for transcontinental and intercontinental DX, especially during daylight and around grayline.
• Grayline propagation is favorable for east-west and polar paths—watch sunrise/sunset for surprise openings.
• 12m & 10m: Occasional short-skip and sporadic-E possible, but expect only fair conditions; check for fleeting DX, especially to equatorial and southern latitudes.
• No significant aurora activity reported, so VHF/UHF auroral DX is unlikely.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

• Best bands today: 20m, 17m, and 15m—these offer the most reliable propagation for both local and DX contacts throughout the day and into the evening.
• 80m and 40m: Limited to regional/nighttime use; avoid during daylight.
• 12m and 10m: Marginal, but worth checking during midday for possible short openings, especially on north-south paths.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 0–3 (quiet)—indicates low geomagnetic disturbance, supporting stable HF propagation.
• Solar Flux: 137–138 (moderate)—supports good propagation on higher HF bands (20m–15m).
• Sunspot Number: ~100—sufficient for regular F-layer propagation, especially on 20m and above.
• Space Weather: No major flares or proton events reported, but X-ray flux is elevated (C4.9), so brief HF blackouts are possible.

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained low and stable over the past 24 hours, with no significant spikes or geomagnetic storms.
• This stability means minimal absorption and fading, especially at higher latitudes, and supports good DX conditions.
• No auroral activity or warnings are in effect.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: C4.9—moderately elevated; possible short HF blackouts on sunlit paths, but no major disruptions expected.
• Solar Wind Speed: 427 km/s—slightly above average, but not enough to trigger geomagnetic storms.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux: 1790 (moderate); Proton flux: 25 (quiet)—no significant impact on HF or VHF expected.
• Aurora Activity: No significant aurora—northern operators should not expect auroral propagation on VHF/UHF.
• Helium Line: 126.8—indicates steady solar activity; no major trend changes detected.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Recent months show solar flux fluctuating between 120–151, with a slight upward trend in June and July, supporting improved high-band propagation.
• Sunspot numbers have recovered from a dip in early spring, now stabilizing near 100, which is favorable for F-layer propagation and regular DX on 20m–15m.

• The overall trend is stable to slightly improving for solar activity, suggesting continued good HF conditions as we move through the summer.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Expect continued good propagation on 20m–15m for the next three days, with stable geomagnetic conditions and moderate solar activity.
• 80m and 40m will remain best at night; 12m and 10m may see brief midday openings—monitor for sporadic-E.
• No significant space weather alerts or warnings are in effect; keep an eye on X-ray flux for any sudden changes.
• For best results, operate during daylight and grayline on 20m–15m, and use digital modes to maximize contacts on marginal bands.