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 solar flux of 143 and a sunspot number of 84, both supporting generally favorable conditions, especially on the higher bands. The K-index is at 1 (very quiet), meaning geomagnetic activity is low and stable—great news for HF reliability. Most bands from 20m through 15m are offering good openings during the day and night, while 12m and 10m are more variable, with fair to poor conditions, especially after dark. Expect consistent regional and some DX propagation, with the best results during daylight hours and around sunrise/sunset. Operators should take advantage of the quiet geomagnetic field and moderate solar activity for both DX and local contacts.

💡 Operator Tips

• Daytime: Focus on 20m, 17m, and 15m for reliable DX and intercontinental contacts.
• Nighttime: 40m and 80m will be your best bet for regional and some longer-haul contacts.
• Modes: Use FT8, CW, and SSB for best results; digital modes will help pull out weak signals, especially on marginal bands.
• Antennas: Vertical or directional antennas will maximize DX on higher bands; dipoles and loops will perform well on lower bands.
• Contesting/DX: Watch for grayline propagation at sunrise/sunset for enhanced long-path openings, especially on 20m and 17m.
• Equipment: Keep an eye on band edges and be ready to switch bands as conditions shift through the day.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m & 40m: Best at night and early morning for local and regional QSOs.
• 20m: Good all day, peaking late morning through afternoon.
• 17m & 15m: Open most of the day, especially late morning to early evening.
• 12m & 10m: Try late morning to mid-afternoon; expect spotty openings, especially during solar peaks or sporadic-E events.

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline: Enhanced paths around local sunrise and sunset, especially on 20m and 17m.
• Northern/Southern Paths: Low aurora and K-index mean polar and trans-equatorial paths are open—look for rare DX on 20m and 15m.
• Special Events: No major alerts, but watch for short-lived 10m/12m openings if solar flux spikes.
• VHF/UHF: Aurora activity is low, so no significant auroral propagation expected.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

For today, 20m, 17m, and 15m are the most reliable bands for both DX and regional contacts throughout the day and into the evening. 40m and 80m are best at night and early morning, supporting strong regional and some DX. 12m and 10m are marginal—try these bands during peak solar hours, but expect limited openings, especially after sunset.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 1 (very quiet) – Minimal geomagnetic disturbance, excellent for HF stability.
• Solar Flux (10.7cm): 143 – Indicates above-average solar activity, supporting higher band openings.
• Sunspot Number: 84 – Moderate, enough to sustain good HF propagation, especially on 20m and up.
• Space Weather: No major flares or disturbances currently reported.

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained low (0-1) over the past 24 hours, indicating very stable geomagnetic conditions.
• No recent spikes or storms—conditions are improving and highly favorable for HF, especially for polar and trans-equatorial paths.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: C1.5 – Minor solar flare activity; no significant HF blackouts expected.
• Solar Wind Speed: 363 km/s – Typical background levels, not likely to trigger geomagnetic disturbances.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux at 9110 and proton flux at 231 – Both are within normal ranges, so no unusual absorption or noise.
• Aurora Activity: 2 – Very low; auroral propagation on VHF/UHF is unlikely.
• Helium Line: 120.6 – Indicates steady solar output; no trend toward major flare activity.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

Recent months show a steady solar flux (120–143) and moderate sunspot numbers (78–101), supporting generally good HF conditions. No dramatic drops or spikes, so band reliability is consistent.

Solar activity has been stable since early summer, with only minor fluctuations. This trend supports continued good propagation on the higher HF bands, with occasional enhancements during solar upticks.

🔮 3-Day Forecast