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 moderate solar flux (93-116), a low sunspot count (29-76), and very quiet geomagnetic conditions (K-index 0). Expect good performance on the lower bands (80m, 40m, 20m) throughout the day and night, while higher bands (17m-10m) will be more challenging, especially for long-haul DX. Stable space weather means minimal disruptions, but the lower solar activity limits openings on 12m and 10m. Operators should focus on lower bands for reliable contacts and watch for brief higher band openings around local noon.
💡 Operator Tips
- Prioritize 80m, 40m, and 20m for both local and DX contacts—these bands are consistently good today.
- Use digital modes (FT8, PSK31) on 17m and 15m to maximize weak signal performance.
- Monitor 10m and 12m for short, sporadic openings, especially during peak daylight.
- Low noise floors (K=0) favor weak signal work—try QRP or portable setups.
- Contesters and DXers: Focus efforts on grayline times for best long-path results, especially on 40m and 20m.
⏰ Best Operating Times
- 80m & 40m: All day and night—best for local/regional, solid for DX at night.
- 20m: Morning through evening—best for daytime DX and intercontinental paths.
- 17m & 15m: Late morning to afternoon—fair for regional and some DX, especially with digital modes.
- 12m & 10m: Midday only—poor overall, but check for brief openings.
🌍 DX Opportunities
- Grayline propagation: Sunrise and sunset on 40m and 20m offer enhanced long-path DX.
- 20m band: Remains the most reliable for intercontinental contacts.
- 17m/15m: Watch for occasional short-path DX during local afternoon.
- Aurora activity: Very low (Aurora=1), so no auroral propagation expected for VHF/UHF.
- **No major space weather events_—no alerts or warnings impacting HF or VHF.
📻 Band-by-Band Analysis
| Band | Morning | Day | Evening | Night |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80m | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good |
| 40m | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good |
| 20m | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good |
| 17m | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair |
| 15m | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair |
| 12m | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor |
| 10m | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor |
Analysis:
80m, 40m, and 20m are the most reliable bands today, offering good conditions throughout the day and night. 17m and 15m are fair—try digital modes for best results. 12m and 10m are poor, with little to no propagation expected except for possible brief midday openings. Focus your efforts on the lower bands for both local and DX contacts.
📊 Current Solar Activity
Solar Activity Metrics
K-index
Solar Flux (10.7cm)
Sunspot Number
- K-index: 0 (very quiet)—no geomagnetic disturbances, ideal for HF.
- Solar Flux (10.7cm): 93 (current), recent average 116—moderate, but trending lower than previous months.
- Sunspot Number: 29 (current), recent average 76—low, limiting higher band propagation.
- Space Weather Overview:
- No major flares (X-ray B2.7, low-level)
- Helium line at 105.1, indicating stable solar conditions
📈 Geomagnetic Conditions
- Recent K-index trend: Stable and very quiet (K=0 for 24+ hours)
- Impact:
- Excellent noise floors on HF—ideal for weak signal and QRP work
- No auroral activity—no VHF/UHF enhancement
🌟 Space Weather Details
Space Weather Dashboard
X-ray Activity
Solar Wind Speed
Aurora Activity
- X-ray Activity: B2.7 (low)—no risk of HF blackouts or sudden ionospheric disturbances.
- Solar Wind: 290 km/s—below average, supports stable geomagnetic conditions.
- Particle Environment:
- Electron flux: 1720 (moderate)—no significant impact.
- Proton flux: 80 (quiet)—no polar cap absorption events.
- Aurora Activity: 1 (very low)—no auroral propagation for VHF/UHF.
- Helium Line: 105.1—consistent with quiet solar conditions.
📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details
Propagation Quality Timeline (24 Hours)
- Historical Solar Flux:
- Peaked at 138 in June, now declining to 116—slightly reduced higher band performance.
- Sunspot Number:
- Fell from 101 in May to 76 in August—mirrors the solar flux trend.
- Context:
- Propagation on higher bands (15m-10m) is weaker than earlier this year.
- Lower bands remain stable and reliable.
Solar Activity Trends (6 Months)
🔮 3-Day Forecast
3-Day K-index Forecast
- K-index expected to remain low—quiet geomagnetic conditions continue.
- Solar flux and sunspot numbers likely to stay in the current moderate-to-low range.
- HF conditions:
- 80m, 40m, and 20m will continue to offer the best reliability.
- 17m and 15m may see occasional fair openings, especially with digital modes.
- 12m and 10m will remain poor, with only sporadic short openings possible.
- No alerts or warnings—enjoy stable conditions and minimal noise for the next few days!