Amateur Radio Propagation Report

Sun Images for Past 72 Hours

Images copyrighted by the SDO/NASA and Helioviewer project

📋 Propagation Summary:
HF propagation is looking favorable today, with solar flux at 145 and a sunspot number of 86, supporting solid daytime and nighttime activity on most bands. The K-index is low (2), indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions and minimal disturbances. Expect good openings on 20m, 17m, and 15m throughout the day and evening, with 40m and 80m improving after sunset. The higher bands (12m, 10m) may be spotty but still offer some daytime opportunities. Take advantage of the stable conditions for DX and regional contacts, especially on the mid-to-high bands.

💡 Operator Tips

• Use 20m, 17m, and 15m for reliable DX and intercontinental contacts during the day and evening.
• 40m and 80m will perform best at night for regional and some long-haul paths.
• Digital modes (FT8, FT4, RTTY) are recommended on 12m and 10m to maximize weak signal contacts during fair conditions.
• With low geomagnetic activity, north-south and east-west paths are open—try for grayline DX at sunrise and sunset.
• For contesters: Focus on 20m–15m for sustained runs; check 10m midday for short openings.
• Portable and QRP ops: Take advantage of quiet bands and low noise for SSB/CW on 17m and 20m.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m & 40m: Best after local sunset through early morning
• 20m, 17m, 15m: Excellent from mid-morning through late evening
• 12m & 10m: Try late morning to afternoon for sporadic E and F-layer openings
• Grayline (dawn/dusk): Enhanced DX on 40m–20m, especially on long-haul paths

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline paths are strong—look for enhanced propagation at sunrise/sunset on 40m and 20m.
• 20m, 17m, and 15m are open for transcontinental and intercontinental DX, including Asia, Europe, and South America.
• 10m/12m: Watch for short-lived F-layer and sporadic E openings, especially toward equatorial and southern latitudes.
• Aurora activity is minimal, so polar paths are stable—try for northern DX on 20m and 17m.
• No major solar events reported, so expect stable propagation for the next 24 hours.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Analysis:
20m, 17m, and 15m are the most reliable bands today, offering consistent good conditions from morning through night. 40m and 80m are fair during the day but good at night, ideal for regional and some DX work after sunset. 12m and 10m are fair during daylight hours—check for sporadic E or short F-layer openings, but expect them to close after dark.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 2 (Low geomagnetic activity—bands are quiet and stable)
• Solar Flux: 145 (Above average, supports strong F-layer propagation and higher MUF)
• Sunspot Number: 86 (Healthy sunspot count, boosting HF propagation)
• Space Weather: No significant flares or disturbances; X-ray flux at B9.0 (quiet)

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained low and stable (0–2) over the past 24 hours, indicating calm geomagnetic conditions.
• No recent spikes or disturbances—expect minimal fading and good band stability.
• These quiet conditions favor long-haul DX and reduce auroral absorption, especially on polar paths.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B9.0 (Low; no HF blackouts expected)
• Solar Wind: 505 km/s (Moderate; not high enough to trigger geomagnetic storms)
• Electron Flux: 1410 (Elevated but not extreme; may cause minor absorption on lower bands, but no major impacts)
• Proton Flux: 15 (Quiet; no polar blackout risk)
• Aurora: 1 (Very low; VHF/UHF auroral propagation is not expected)
• Helium Line: 127.0 (Stable; no sign of major solar events)
• Practical Impact: Conditions are quiet—expect stable HF propagation, especially on mid and high bands.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Over the past 6 months, solar flux has ranged from 120 to 151, with a recent upward trend (now 138).
• Sunspot numbers have fluctuated but remain healthy, supporting robust HF propagation.
• No major solar storms or geomagnetic events have disrupted the bands recently.

• The trend shows a slight recovery in solar activity after a dip in early spring, with both solar flux and sunspot numbers rising into summer.
• This supports the current good conditions on 20m–15m and occasional 10m/12m openings.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Next 3 days: Expect continued quiet geomagnetic conditions (K-index 1–2), with solar flux remaining in the 135–145 range.
• HF bands: 20m, 17m, and 15m will remain reliable for DX and regional contacts; 40m and 80m will be best at night.
• 12m/10m: Watch for short daytime openings, especially during local noon and early afternoon.
• No warnings or alerts—enjoy stable conditions and plan for extended operating sessions, contests, or DXpeditions!