Sun Images for Past 72 Hours
Images copyrighted by the SDO/NASA and Helioviewer project
📋 Propagation Summary:
HF propagation is significantly degraded today due to a combination of low solar flux (92–105), very low sunspot numbers (24–60), and high geomagnetic activity (K-index 6, A-index 26). All HF bands from 80m through 10m are experiencing 🔴 Poor conditions both day and night, with little to no chance for reliable long-distance contacts. Expect short skip zones, weak signals, and high noise levels. Operators are advised to temper expectations, focus on local contacts, and monitor for any rapid changes in space weather.
💡 Operator Tips:
- Use NVIS (Near Vertical Incidence Skywave) techniques for local/regional contacts on 80m and 40m.
- Try digital modes (FT8, JT65, PSK31) which can decode weaker signals than SSB or CW.
- Lower your noise floor: use narrow filters and noise blankers.
- Monitor beacons and WSPR for any surprise openings.
- If contesting or chasing DX, be patient—conditions may briefly improve during geomagnetic lulls.
⏰ Best Operating Times
| Band | Best Time (UTC) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 80m | Night | Only local/regional NVIS possible |
| 40m | Night | Local/regional, limited DX |
| 20m | Midday | Brief, weak openings possible |
| 17m | Midday | Unlikely to open, check FT8 |
| 15m | Midday | Mostly closed, check for sporadic E |
| 12m | Midday | Closed |
| 10m | Midday | Closed |
Expect all bands to perform below average. Focus on lower bands at night for local contacts.
🌍 DX Opportunities
- DX is extremely limited today. No major grayline enhancements expected due to poor ionospheric support.
- Watch for brief, weak grayline openings on 20m around sunrise/sunset, but don’t expect reliable DX.
- Aurora activity (5) may allow for rare auroral propagation on VHF for far northern stations.
- Sporadic E is unlikely on 10m/6m, but monitor for unexpected short-path openings.
📻 Band-by-Band Analysis
| Band | Morning | Day | Evening | Night |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80m | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor |
| 40m | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor |
| 20m | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor |
| 17m | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor |
| 15m | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor |
| 12m | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor |
| 10m | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor |
All HF bands from 80m through 10m are experiencing poor propagation at all times of day. The lower bands (80m, 40m) may support local and regional contacts via NVIS, but DX is unlikely. Higher bands (20m–10m) are essentially closed for long-haul propagation due to low solar flux and high geomagnetic disturbance.
📊 Current Solar Activity
Solar Activity Metrics
K-index
Solar Flux (10.7cm)
Sunspot Number
- K-index (6): High geomagnetic activity—indicates a geomagnetic storm, causing absorption and signal fading.
- Solar Flux (92–105): Low—not enough ionization for reliable HF propagation, especially on higher bands.
- Sunspot Number (24–60): Very low—the ionosphere is weak, limiting DX potential.
- Space Weather: No significant X-ray activity (A0.0), but high solar wind and electron flux are present.
📈 Geomagnetic Conditions
- The K-index has spiked to 6, indicating a strong geomagnetic storm.
- Recent trend: Conditions have worsened over the past 24 hours, with the K-index rising from quiet to storm levels.
- Expect increased absorption, fading, and auroral effects, especially on polar and trans-auroral paths.
🌟 Space Weather Details
Space Weather Dashboard
X-ray Activity
Solar Wind Speed
Aurora Activity
- X-ray Activity: A0.0 (very quiet)—no risk of sudden HF blackouts from solar flares.
- Solar Wind: 580.8 km/s—elevated, contributing to geomagnetic disturbance and absorption.
- Particle Environment: Electron flux 2130, Proton flux 17—high electron levels can cause increased D-layer absorption, further degrading HF.
- Aurora: Level 5—moderate auroral activity; northern stations may try VHF for auroral propagation.
- Helium Line: 104.6—suggests moderate solar activity, but not enough to offset geomagnetic storm effects.
📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details
Propagation Quality Timeline (24 Hours)
Recent months show a steady decline in both solar flux and sunspot numbers. Solar flux has dropped from 138 (June) to 105 (September/November), and sunspots from 101 to 60. This downward trend is reflected in today’s poor conditions, with the ionosphere offering little support for HF propagation.
Solar Activity Trends (6 Months)
🔮 3-Day Forecast
3-Day K-index Forecast
- Next 3 days: Expect continued poor HF propagation as geomagnetic activity remains elevated and solar flux stays low.
- Best bands: 80m and 40m for local/regional contacts (NVIS), digital modes recommended.
- Worst bands: 20m–10m likely to remain closed for DX.
- Advice: Monitor for geomagnetic improvement; if K-index drops, higher bands may recover slightly. Stay alert for sudden space weather changes and check real-time cluster spots for any surprise openings.