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, with solar flux at 148 and a sunspot number of 157—both supportive of good daytime activity, especially on the higher bands. The K-index is at 0, indicating very quiet geomagnetic conditions, so expect stable signals and minimal fading or absorption. Daytime propagation on 20m–15m is good, with 12m and 10m open but not at their best; 80m and 40m will shine after sunset. No major space weather threats are present, so operators can expect reliable band openings for both local and DX contacts. Take advantage of the quiet geomagnetic field for long-haul DX, especially along grayline paths.

💡 Operator Tips

• Daytime: Focus on 20m, 17m, and 15m for reliable DX and intercontinental contacts.
• Evening/Night: 40m and 80m will provide strong regional and some DX openings—try digital modes for weak-signal work.
• 10m and 12m: Watch for short-lived openings, especially around local noon and during sporadic-E events.
• Modes: FT8 and other digital modes will help dig out weak signals, especially on marginal bands.
• Contesters: Take advantage of the stable K-index for low-noise, high-rate runs on all open bands.
• Antennas: Use directional antennas on higher bands for best DX; verticals or dipoles work well on 40m/80m at night.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m & 40m: Best after sunset through early morning (nighttime)
• 20m, 17m, 15m: Best from mid-morning through late afternoon (daytime)
• 12m & 10m: Openings possible late morning to early afternoon; check often for brief enhancements
• Grayline: Sunrise and sunset periods boost long-path DX on 40m–20m

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline DX: Excellent potential on 40m and 20m at local sunrise/sunset—target antipodal regions.
• Daytime DX: 17m and 15m are open for transcontinental and intercontinental paths, especially east-west.
• Sporadic-E: Watch 10m and 12m for short, strong openings—especially within your continent.
• Aurora: Aurora activity is low (level 1), so VHF/UHF auroral propagation is not expected.
• Special Events: No major space weather events or alerts—enjoy stable conditions for rare DX and contests.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Analysis:

• Best bands: 20m, 17m, and 15m are consistently good throughout the day and into the evening, offering reliable DX and regional contacts.
• Nighttime: 40m and 80m improve significantly after sunset, ideal for domestic and some international QSOs.
• Marginal bands: 12m and 10m are fair during daylight hours but close quickly after sunset; check for sporadic-E.
• DXers: Focus on 15m and 17m for long-haul contacts, and 20m for all-around performance.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 0 (very quiet geomagnetic field)—expect minimal signal fading and stable propagation.
• Solar Flux (10.7cm): 148 (high for this phase of the cycle)—supports good ionization and higher band openings.
• Sunspot Number: 157 (well above average)—indicates strong solar activity, boosting MUF and band reliability.
• Space Weather: No major flares or disturbances reported; X-ray flux at C1.1 is moderate and not causing HF blackouts.

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• Recent K-index trend: The K-index has remained very low (0) over the past 24 hours, showing stable and quiet geomagnetic conditions.
• Impact: This stability means less absorption, better signal strength, and more reliable long-path and polar openings. No geomagnetic storms are affecting propagation.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: C1.1—a moderate level, not enough to cause HF blackouts but worth monitoring for sudden increases.
• Solar Wind: 427.6 km/s—a moderate speed, not likely to trigger geomagnetic disturbances.
• Particle Environment:
  • Electron Flux: 2600—elevated but not extreme; may cause minor absorption at high latitudes.
  • Proton Flux: 1060—quiet, no radiation storm risk.
• Aurora Activity: Level 1—very low, so aurora-related propagation is not expected on HF or VHF.
• Helium Line: 124.0—steady, indicating no rapid changes in solar activity.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Solar Flux & Sunspot Trends: Over the past 6 months, solar flux has decreased from a high of 160 to the current 125–148 range, while sunspot numbers have fluctuated but remain robust (recently rebounding to 101–157). This supports ongoing good HF propagation, especially on the higher bands.
• Cycle Context: We are in a strong phase of Solar Cycle 25, with conditions supporting frequent band openings and reliable DX.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Propagation Outlook: Expect continued good HF conditions with stable geomagnetic activity (low K-index) and moderate-to-high solar flux. No major solar storms or flares are forecast.
• Best Bands: 20m, 17m, and 15m will remain the most reliable for DX. Watch 10m and 12m for brief daytime openings, especially during sporadic-E.
• Operating Advice: Plan for extended operating windows on all major HF bands. Nighttime conditions on 40m and 80m will be especially quiet and productive.
• Alerts/Warnings: None at this time—enjoy the stable bands and make the most of the current solar cycle!