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 116 and a sunspot number of 76, both slightly down from recent months. With the K-index at 0, geomagnetic conditions are extremely quiet, making for stable and low-noise band conditions. Expect good reliability on the lower bands (80m, 40m, 20m), with higher bands (17m–10m) showing more limited but still usable openings, especially during daylight hours. No major solar flares or space weather disturbances are present, so operators can enjoy consistent propagation—ideal for both local and DX contacts. Take advantage of the calm geomagnetic field for clear signals and minimal fading.

💡 Operator Tips

• Leverage low noise: With a K-index of 0, weak-signal modes (FT8, CW) will perform exceptionally well, especially on the lower bands.
• Daytime focus: Target 20m and 17m during local daylight for the best DX opportunities; 15m and above may open briefly, especially for east-west paths.
• Nighttime strategy: 80m and 40m will be your go-to bands after sunset for both local and regional contacts.
• Antenna advice: Vertical or dipole antennas will work well under these stable conditions; consider directional antennas for chasing DX.
• Contest/DX: Now is a great time for DXers and contesters to exploit the stable bands—listen for grayline openings around sunrise and sunset.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m/40m: Best from sunset through sunrise (night and early morning)
• 20m/17m: Best during late morning through late afternoon
• 15m/12m/10m: Try mid-day, especially around solar noon; expect only short or sporadic openings
• Grayline: Sunrise and sunset for enhanced long-path DX, especially on 40m and 20m

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline paths are especially promising on 40m and 20m—watch for enhanced propagation to antipodal regions at sunrise/sunset.
• 20m and 17m are the best bets for intercontinental DX during daylight hours.
• 15m/12m/10m: Brief openings possible, especially for north-south paths; listen for sporadic-E or F2-layer enhancements.
• No auroral activity means polar paths are open and stable.
• No alerts or warnings—plan for reliable DXing, especially during grayline.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

• 80m and 40m: Best at night and early morning for local/regional and some DX, with low noise and strong signals.
• 20m: The “workhorse” band—excellent all day, still usable into the evening.
• 17m and 15m: Open mainly during daylight, with fair to good conditions; limited at night.
• 12m and 10m: Sporadic and mostly closed except for brief daytime openings—monitor for surprises, especially during solar peaks.
• Best bands today: 20m (all day), 40m/80m (night/morning).
• Challenging bands: 12m and 10m, except for possible short daylight openings.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 0 (very quiet geomagnetic field, minimal noise/fading, excellent for weak-signal work)
• Solar Flux (10.7cm): 116 (moderate; supports reliable propagation on 20m and below, with some higher band activity)
• Sunspot Number: 76 (moderate; enough for decent F-layer propagation, but not high enough for strong 10m/12m openings)
• Space Weather: No significant flares, storms, or disturbances—ideal for stable HF conditions

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• Recent K-index trend: Stable and very low over the past 24 hours, indicating a persistently quiet geomagnetic field.
• Impact: Expect minimal auroral absorption, low band noise, and reliable propagation, especially on polar and high-latitude paths.
• No geomagnetic storms or warnings—enjoy the calm!

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: No significant X-ray flux detected—no risk of HF blackouts or sudden shortwave fadeouts.
• Solar Wind: Solar wind speed is low/normal, so no geomagnetic disturbances expected.
• Particle Environment: Electron and proton fluxes are at background levels—no additional absorption or noise.
• Aurora Activity: Very low; VHF/UHF auroral propagation is not expected, but HF polar paths are clear and stable.
• Helium Line: No notable changes—solar activity remains moderate and steady.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Recent months: Solar flux and sunspot numbers have trended slightly downward since June, but remain in a moderate range.
• Impacts: This trend means reliable 20m/17m propagation, but less frequent high-band (10m/12m) openings.
• No major solar events have disrupted propagation recently.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Propagation outlook: Expect continued moderate solar activity and quiet geomagnetic conditions for the next three days.
• Best bands: 20m and 40m will remain reliable; watch for brief 15m/12m/10m openings during local noon.
• No alerts or warnings—enjoy stable and predictable HF conditions for both DX and local contacts.