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 shaped by moderate solar activity and very quiet geomagnetic conditions. The solar flux is at 118, with a sunspot number of 100, supporting generally good conditions on the lower and mid bands, while higher bands remain challenging. The K-index is at 1, indicating very stable geomagnetic conditions and minimal disruptions. Expect the best results on 20m and 40m, especially during daylight and early evening hours. Operators should focus on the lower bands for reliable contacts and watch for brief DX openings on 17m and 15m.

💡 Operator Tips

• Use 20m and 40m for daytime and early evening DX—these bands are currently the most reliable.
• Digital modes (FT8, FT4) are recommended, especially on higher bands (15m, 12m, 10m) where conditions are only fair to poor.
• For local and regional contacts, try 80m and 40m at night.
• QRP (low power) is viable on 20m and 40m, but higher power may be needed for 15m and above.
• Vertical antennas and directional beams will help maximize DX on marginal bands.
• Monitor grayline times for enhanced propagation, especially on 40m and 20m.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m & 40m: Best at night and early morning for local/regional QSOs.
• 20m: Good all day, peaking late morning through early evening for DX.
• 17m & 15m: Best during midday and early afternoon; watch for short-lived DX.
• 12m & 10m: Limited openings; try during peak solar hours (late morning to early afternoon).

🌍 DX Opportunities

• 20m offers the most consistent DX paths, especially along the grayline at sunrise and sunset.
• 40m is open for long-haul DX during local evening and early morning.
• 17m/15m may provide brief DX windows around local noon, especially on north-south paths.
• Grayline enhancement is strong on 40m and 20m—plan DX attempts accordingly.
• No significant aurora or polar path enhancement expected today.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Analysis:
20m is the standout performer, offering good propagation throughout the day and night. 40m and 80m are fair during daylight but improve to good at night, making them ideal for evening and overnight operation. 17m and 15m are fair at all times—expect some regional and occasional DX, but signals may be weak. 12m and 10m are mostly poor and unlikely to support reliable contacts except for sporadic E or rare openings.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 1 (very quiet geomagnetic field, minimal disturbances)
• Solar Flux: 118 (moderate; supports decent HF propagation, especially on 20m/17m)
• Sunspot Number: 100 (healthy; helps sustain ionization for HF bands)
• Space Weather Overview: No significant solar flares or disturbances. X-ray activity is at A0.0 (very low).

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained very low and stable (0-1) over the past 24 hours.
• No geomagnetic storms or disturbances are present or expected.
• These conditions favor stable, low-noise HF propagation, especially for DX on 20m and 40m.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: A0.0 (very quiet)—no risk of HF blackouts or sudden fadeouts.
• Solar Wind: 412.7 km/s—a moderate speed, not enough to trigger geomagnetic activity.
• Particle Environment:
  • Electron Flux: 1550 (moderate)—no significant impact on HF, but watch for minor absorption at high latitudes.
  • Proton Flux: 335 (quiet)—no polar cap absorption events.
• Aurora Activity: 1 (very low)—no auroral propagation expected on VHF/UHF.
• Helium Line: 116.3—indicates stable solar conditions, no major changes expected.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Over the past several months, solar flux has fluctuated between 120 and 138, with a slight downward trend in sunspot numbers since late spring.
• Sunspot numbers have decreased from a peak above 100 in May/June to around 78-100 now, which slightly reduces MUF (maximum usable frequency) but still supports good HF operation.
• No major solar events have disrupted propagation recently.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• HF propagation is expected to remain stable with continued quiet geomagnetic conditions (low K-index).
• 20m and 40m will continue to be the best bands for both DX and regional work.
• 15m and 17m may see brief improvements if solar flux rises, but generally expect only fair conditions.
• 12m/10m will likely remain poor except for possible short-lived sporadic E openings.
• No geomagnetic storms or solar flare warnings are forecast—enjoy the calm space weather for reliable HF operation!