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 shaped by moderate solar activity and quiet geomagnetic conditions. The solar flux is at 107 (recently trending higher), and the K-index is low at 2, indicating stable geomagnetic conditions and minimal disturbances. Expect good performance on 20m, with 40m and 80m providing reliable nighttime contacts. Higher bands (15m, 12m, 10m) are mostly poor due to lower sunspot numbers and flux, so focus on the lower bands for DX. For best results, operate during local morning and evening grayline periods, and keep an eye on sudden changes in solar wind or X-ray activity.

💡 Operator Tips:

• Use 20m during daylight for reliable regional and DX contacts.
• 40m and 80m are your best bets for nighttime operation and intercontinental paths.
• Digital modes (FT8, PSK31) will outperform SSB/CW on marginal bands like 15m and above.
• For DX, target sunrise/sunset (grayline) on 40m and 20m.
• Keep antennas low-noise and well-matched, especially on higher bands where conditions are weak.
• Monitor cluster spots and be ready for short-lived band openings, especially on 17m and 15m.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m & 40m: Best at night and early morning (local time)
• 20m: Good from mid-morning through late afternoon
• 17m & 15m: Try late morning and early afternoon for possible short openings
• 12m & 10m: Limited activity, but check during midday for sporadic-E or brief enhancements

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline propagation on 40m and 20m is favorable—target sunrise/sunset for long-haul DX.
• 20m remains the most reliable for intercontinental contacts, especially east-west paths.
• 17m/15m may open briefly to equatorial and southern latitudes during peak daylight.
• Aurora activity is low (Aurora index 3), so VHF auroral DX is unlikely.
• Watch for any sudden X-ray or solar wind spikes that could trigger short-term openings or blackouts.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Analysis:

• 20m is the most consistent performer throughout the day and evening, offering the best chance for both regional and DX contacts.
• 40m and 80m are strong at night and early morning, ideal for domestic and some DX work.
• 17m and 15m may offer brief fair conditions, especially around midday, but expect limited activity.
• 12m and 10m are mostly closed—check for sporadic-E, but don't expect reliable propagation.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 2 — Low geomagnetic activity, stable conditions, minimal absorption or blackout risk.
• Solar Flux: 107 — Moderate level, supporting decent propagation on 20m and below, but not enough for strong high-band openings.
• Sunspot Number: 62 — Below recent averages, limiting higher band performance but still supporting 20m/40m.
• Space Weather: No major flares or disturbances; X-ray activity is at B5.3 (quiet).

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained low and stable over the past 24 hours, indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions.
• No recent geomagnetic storms or spikes, so HF absorption is minimal and band noise is low.
• This stability favors reliable propagation, especially on the lower bands.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B5.3 — Low-level X-ray flux, so no HF blackouts expected.
• Solar Wind: 600.9 km/s — Elevated but not extreme; watch for sudden increases that could raise the K-index.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux is moderate (2710), proton flux is low (363); minimal impact on HF.
• Aurora Activity: Index at 3 — Low, so auroral propagation is unlikely on VHF/UHF.
• Helium Line: 108.8 — Stable, indicating no major solar trend shifts.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Recent solar flux has been slowly recovering after a dip in early spring, now back to moderate levels (~138).
• Sunspot numbers have fluctuated but remain below the winter peak, contributing to weaker high-band conditions.
• Expect similar propagation trends for the next few days unless a sudden solar event occurs.

🔮 3-Day Forecast