Amateur Radio Propagation Report

Sun Images for Past 72 Hours

Images copyrighted by the SDO/NASA and Helioviewer project

📋 Propagation Summary: HF propagation is currently challenging due to a low solar flux (95) and a declining sunspot number (30), both of which limit higher band performance. Geomagnetic activity is moderately elevated (A-index 23, K-index 3), which may cause some signal fading and increased noise, especially at higher latitudes. Expect good conditions on 20m during the day and evening, while lower and higher bands (80m, 40m, 12m, 10m) are mostly poor. For best results, focus your efforts on the 20m and 17m bands and watch for short-lived DX openings around sunrise and sunset.

💡 Operator Tips

• Prioritize 20m and 17m for reliable daytime and evening contacts; these bands offer the best propagation today.
• Use digital modes (FT8, PSK31) on higher bands (15m, 12m, 10m) to take advantage of weak signal capabilities.
• Monitor noise levels and be prepared for QSB (fading) due to moderate geomagnetic activity.
• Vertical antennas and low-noise receive setups will help on 40m and 80m, especially at night.
• Chase grayline openings at sunrise and sunset for potential DX, especially on 20m and 17m.
• Contesters and DXers: Focus on 20m for the most consistent results; check 15m for any brief openings.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m & 40m: Best at night and early morning; expect poor conditions during the day.
• 20m: Good all day and into the evening; peak performance around local noon and sunset.
• 17m & 15m: Fair throughout the day; check for short DX windows late morning and afternoon.
• 12m & 10m: Mostly poor; try during local noon or if a sudden solar uptick occurs.
• Grayline: Sunrise and sunset for all bands, especially 20m and 17m.

🌍 DX Opportunities

• 20m band is your best bet for DX, especially along the grayline at sunrise/sunset.
• 17m and 15m may offer brief DX paths, particularly east-west, but expect limited openings.
• Grayline propagation is enhanced for mid-latitude stations—watch for short, strong DX windows.
• Aurora activity is low (Aurora: 2), so VHF auroral DX is unlikely.
• No major solar events are currently boosting propagation, so focus on routine band openings.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

• 20m is the most reliable band today, with good conditions throughout the day and evening.
• 17m and 15m are fair but may support regional and some DX contacts, especially midday.
• 80m and 40m are fair at night and early morning but poor during the day due to D-layer absorption.
• 12m and 10m are mostly poor and unlikely to support much activity except for very short skip or sporadic-E.
• DXers: Focus on 20m and 17m, especially during grayline. Lower bands may be noisy but could support local/regional QSOs at night.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 3 (moderate geomagnetic activity)—expect some signal fading and increased noise, especially at higher latitudes.
• Solar Flux: 95 (low)—limits MUF, so higher bands (12m, 10m) are mostly closed.
• Sunspot Number: 30 (low)—reflects the current weak solar activity, reducing overall HF propagation quality.
• Space Weather Overview: No major flares or storms reported. X-ray flux is at B2.5 level (quiet).

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has been moderately elevated (recent value: 3), indicating unsettled geomagnetic conditions.
• Over the past 24 hours, the trend has been stable but slightly elevated, which can cause some QSB and higher noise on HF, especially at higher latitudes.
• No major geomagnetic storms are in progress, but conditions are not fully quiet.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B2.5 (quiet)—no risk of HF blackouts from solar flares.
• Solar Wind: 477 km/s—moderately fast, which can sustain unsettled geomagnetic conditions and minor disturbances.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux is elevated (3090), which may cause minor absorption and increased noise, especially on polar paths.
• Aurora Activity: Low (2)—no significant VHF/UHF auroral propagation expected.
• Helium Line: 105.1—indicates a slight downward trend in solar activity, so don't expect sudden improvements.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Recent months show a steady decline in solar flux and sunspot numbers, with solar flux dropping from 138 in June to 108 in October, and sunspots falling from 93 to 45.
• This downward trend means overall HF conditions are weaker than earlier in the year, especially on higher bands.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Next 3 days: Expect similar conditions—low solar flux and sunspot numbers will keep higher bands closed, with 20m and 17m offering the best chances for reliable contacts.
• No major geomagnetic storms or solar events are forecast, so propagation is likely to remain stable but subdued.
• Operators should continue to focus on 20m and 17m, monitor for any brief solar upticks, and take advantage of grayline openings for DX.
• No alerts or warnings are currently in effect for amateur radio operations.