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 favorable today thanks to a solar flux of 136 and a sunspot number of 78, both supporting solid ionospheric conditions. The K-index is at 0, indicating very quiet geomagnetic activity—great news for low noise and stable propagation, especially on higher bands. Operators can expect good daytime openings on 20m, 17m, and 15m, with the potential for some activity on 12m and 10m during peak sunlight hours. Lower bands like 40m and 80m will shine at night with low noise. Take advantage of these stable conditions for both DX and regional contacts.

💡 Operator Tips

• Take advantage of the low K-index: Expect minimal geomagnetic noise—ideal for weak-signal work and DX chasing.
• Daytime: Focus on 20m, 17m, and 15m for long-haul DX, especially mid-morning to late afternoon.
• Evening/Night: 40m and 80m will be quieter than usual—great for regional and intercontinental QSOs.
• Modes: Try CW and digital modes (FT8, FT4) for marginal band openings, especially on 12m and 10m.
• Antennas: Use directional antennas to maximize DX, but even simple wire antennas will perform well today.
• Contesters: Good conditions for multi-band operation—watch for short 10m/12m openings.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m & 40m: Best after sunset through sunrise for low-noise regional and DX.
• 20m & 17m: Open most of the day, peaking late morning to early evening.
• 15m & 12m: Best from late morning to mid-afternoon.
• 10m: Watch for brief openings around local noon, especially on north-south paths.

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline: Enhanced propagation along the sunrise/sunset terminator—target distant locations during your local dawn and dusk.
• Daytime DX: 20m and 17m will offer reliable long-haul paths, especially east-west.
• High Bands: 15m and possibly 12m/10m may open for DX, particularly to equatorial and southern hemisphere regions.
• Special Events: No major solar disturbances—enjoy stable conditions for planned DXpeditions and contests.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

• Best bands today are 20m and 17m during daylight, with 15m also showing strong potential midday. 40m and 80m will be excellent at night due to low geomagnetic noise. 10m and 12m may offer brief openings, so check frequently, especially around local noon.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 0 (very quiet) – minimal geomagnetic disturbance, ideal for all HF work.
• Solar Flux (10.7cm): 136 – supports good ionization for high-band openings.
• Sunspot Number: 78 – moderate, enough to sustain F-layer propagation on 20m-15m.
• Space Weather: No major flares or disturbances reported.

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• Recent K-index trend: Stable and very low over the past 24 hours, indicating a quiet geomagnetic field.
• Impact: Expect low noise and stable propagation, especially on the lower bands at night and higher bands during the day.
• No geomagnetic storms or aurora alerts—enjoy the calm!

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: No significant X-ray flux reported—no risk of sudden HF blackouts.
• Solar Wind: No elevated solar wind speeds—geomagnetic field remains undisturbed.
• Particle Environment: No abnormal electron or proton flux—no additional absorption or noise expected.
• Aurora Activity: No auroral activity—VHF/UHF aurora propagation not expected.
• Helium Line: No significant trend—solar activity is steady.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Recent months: Solar flux has remained in the 120–138 range, with sunspot numbers fluctuating between 77 and 101. This steady trend supports consistent HF propagation, especially on 20m–15m.
• No major dips or spikes—conditions have been stable, with no significant solar storms.

🔮 3-Day Forecast