Sun Images for Past 72 Hours
Images copyrighted by the SDO/NASA and Helioviewer project
📋 Propagation Summary: HF propagation is looking favorable today for most amateur operators, thanks to a steady solar flux around 136 and a moderate sunspot number near 78. The geomagnetic field is extremely quiet (K-index at 0), which means low noise and stable conditions for both local and DX contacts. Expect reliable openings on the higher bands during daylight, with lower bands performing well at night. No major space weather disturbances are present, so now is a great time to get on the air and take advantage of these stable conditions!
💡 Operator Tips:
- Take advantage of quiet geomagnetic conditions—now is the time for long-haul DX, especially on 20m, 17m, and 15m.
- Use FT8, CW, and SSB for best results; digital modes will excel under these stable conditions.
- For contesters and DXers, focus on daytime high bands (20m, 17m, 15m, 12m, 10m) for intercontinental paths.
- Nighttime is prime for 40m and 80m—expect low noise and strong signals.
- Portable and QRP operators will benefit from the low K-index—try simple wire antennas for surprising results!
⏰ Best Operating Times
| Band | Best Times (UTC) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 80m | 20:00–08:00 | Excellent at night, low static |
| 40m | 18:00–10:00 | Strong evening/night, some morning DX |
| 20m | 10:00–20:00 | Best during daylight, great for DX |
| 17m | 12:00–18:00 | Midday/afternoon openings |
| 15m | 14:00–18:00 | Daytime DX, check for short skip |
| 12m | 15:00–18:00 | Sporadic openings, especially midday |
| 10m | 16:00–18:00 | Watch for brief openings, especially to equator |
🌍 DX Opportunities
- 20m and 17m: Excellent for transcontinental and intercontinental DX during daylight.
- 15m and 12m: Good chance for openings to Africa, South America, and Asia in the afternoon.
- 10m: Watch for short, sporadic DX especially near the grayline (dawn/dusk).
- Grayline paths: Enhanced propagation around local sunrise/sunset—try 40m and 80m for long-haul low-band DX.
- No aurora or polar path disruptions expected—high latitude operators should see stable conditions.
📻 Band-by-Band Analysis
| Band | Morning | Day | Evening | Night |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80m | 🟠 Fair | 🔴 Poor | 🟢 Excellent | 🟢 Excellent |
| 40m | 🟡 Good | 🟠 Fair | 🟢 Excellent | 🟢 Excellent |
| 20m | 🟢 Excellent | 🟢 Excellent | 🟡 Good | 🟠 Fair |
| 17m | 🟡 Good | 🟢 Excellent | 🟡 Good | 🔴 Poor |
| 15m | 🟠 Fair | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🔴 Poor |
| 12m | 🔴 Poor | 🟡 Good | 🟠 Fair | 🔴 Poor |
| 10m | 🔴 Poor | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | ⚫ Closed |
Analysis:
- 20m is the top performer throughout the day, ideal for DX and reliable regional contacts.
- 17m and 15m will be open during daylight, especially midday to late afternoon, offering good DX potential.
- 40m and 80m shine at night with low noise, perfect for both local and long-distance contacts.
- 10m and 12m may open briefly in the afternoon—check for sporadic E or F-layer propagation, especially near the equator.
- Evening and night favor the lower bands, while midday to afternoon is best for higher bands.
📊 Current Solar Activity
Solar Activity Metrics
K-index
Solar Flux (10.7cm)
Sunspot Number
- K-index: 0 — Indicates very quiet geomagnetic conditions, minimal noise, and excellent HF stability.
- Solar Flux (10.7cm): 136 — Healthy level, supporting good F-layer ionization and reliable high-band propagation.
- Sunspot Number: 78 — Moderate, sustaining decent propagation on all HF bands.
- Space Weather: No significant flares, X-ray events, or proton enhancements reported.
📈 Geomagnetic Conditions
- The K-index has remained at 0 for the past 24 hours, showing a period of exceptional geomagnetic quiet.
- No recent spikes or disturbances—conditions are stable and improving compared to any prior unsettled periods.
- Operators can expect low noise and minimal fading, especially on the low bands.
🌟 Space Weather Details
Space Weather Dashboard
X-ray Activity
Solar Wind Speed
Aurora Activity
- X-ray Activity: No significant X-ray flux detected—no risk of sudden HF blackouts.
- Solar Wind: Solar wind speed is low, so no geomagnetic storms or aurora expected.
- Particle Environment: Proton and electron fluxes are at background levels—no radio blackout or polar cap absorption events.
- Aurora Activity: No auroral activity—VHF/UHF operators in northern latitudes will not see aurora-related propagation.
- Helium Line: No unusual trends—solar activity remains stable, supporting consistent propagation.
📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details
Propagation Quality Timeline (24 Hours)
- Over the past several months, solar flux has fluctuated between 120 and 138, with sunspot numbers ranging from 77 to 101.
- The current solar flux (136) and sunspot number (78) are in line with recent averages, indicating steady propagation conditions.
- No major solar events or geomagnetic storms have disrupted the bands recently.
Solar Activity Trends (6 Months)
🔮 3-Day Forecast
3-Day K-index Forecast
- Expect continued quiet geomagnetic conditions (low K-index) and stable solar flux.
- HF bands (20m–10m) will remain open during daylight, with 40m and 80m strong at night.
- No significant space weather threats or alerts—enjoy the bands and watch for surprise DX openings, especially on 10m and 12m.
- Keep an eye on solar data for any sudden changes, but the outlook is excellent for all modes and operators.