Amateur Radio Propagation Report

Sun Images for Past 72 Hours

Images copyrighted by the SDO/NASA and Helioviewer project

📋 Propagation Summary: HF propagation today is showing moderate conditions, with solar flux at 104 and a sunspot number of 51, both on the lower side compared to recent months. Expect good performance on 20m during the day and evening, while higher bands (15m, 12m, 10m) are mostly poor due to reduced solar activity. Low geomagnetic activity (K-index 2) means stable conditions, but the lower flux and sunspot numbers limit upper band openings. For best results, focus on the lower and mid bands (80m–20m), especially during local night and evening hours. DX is possible, but high bands will be challenging—use digital modes and watch for grayline enhancements.

💡 Operator Tips

• Prioritize 20m and 40m for daytime and evening operations—these bands are currently the most reliable for both local and DX contacts.
• Digital modes (FT8, FT4, PSK31) are highly recommended, especially on higher bands where SSB/CW may struggle.
• Nighttime operation on 80m and 40m will yield the best regional and some DX results.
• Monitor grayline times for enhanced long-path DX, especially on 20m and 17m.
• Keep antennas low-noise and check SWR, as weak signals may be more common today.
• Contesters: Focus on 20m for daytime multipliers, and 40m/80m after sunset.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m/40m: Best at night and early morning for both local and regional contacts.
• 20m: Good throughout the day and into the evening—prime for DX.
• 17m/15m: Fair during midday and early afternoon, but less reliable.
• 12m/10m: Poor all day—skip these unless you spot a brief opening or use digital modes.
• Grayline: 20m and 17m may open for DX at sunrise/sunset.

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline propagation on 20m and 17m could provide short DX windows around sunrise and sunset—check for long-path openings.
• Equatorial and trans-hemispheric paths may be possible on 20m during daylight.
• Aurora activity is low (2), so polar paths are stable but not enhanced.
• No major solar events—no special short-term DX boosts expected.
• Watch cluster spots for surprise openings on 15m and above, especially to South America and Africa.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

The 20m band is currently the most consistent performer, offering good conditions throughout the day and evening. 40m and 80m are fair during the day but improve to good at night, making them ideal for late-night and early-morning operation. 17m and 15m remain fair all day, with only occasional openings—digital modes may help here. 12m and 10m are largely closed or poor due to low solar flux and sunspot numbers; only attempt these bands if you see cluster activity or use weak-signal modes.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 2 (Low geomagnetic activity—quiet and stable HF conditions)
• Solar Flux: 104 (Lower than recent months; limits high band openings)
• Sunspot Number: 51 (Below average, further restricting upper HF propagation)
• Space Weather: No major flares or disturbances; X-ray flux is low (B2.7)

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained low and stable (around 2) over the past 24 hours, indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions.
• No recent geomagnetic storms or spikes—propagation is not being disrupted by space weather.
• Expect continued stability unless a sudden solar event occurs.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B2.7 (Low; no risk of HF blackouts or sudden fadeouts)
• Solar Wind: 373.7 km/s (Moderate; not high enough to trigger geomagnetic storms)
• Electron Flux: 15,800 (Elevated, but not extreme; may cause minor absorption on lower bands at times)
• Proton Flux: 129 (Quiet; no radiation storm effects)
• Aurora: 2 (Very low; no auroral propagation expected for VHF/UHF)
• Helium Line: 112.4 (Stable; no sign of major solar trend shifts)

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Over the past several months, solar flux has trended downward from highs near 138 in June to the current value of 104–116.
• Sunspot numbers have also decreased, from over 100 in May/June to around 76 now.
• This downward trend means upper HF bands (15m–10m) are less likely to open, while lower bands remain more reliable.
• No major solar events or flare spikes are evident in the recent data.

🔮 3-Day Forecast