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 solar flux of 129-136 and a sunspot number around 78-83, with very quiet geomagnetic conditions (K-index at 0). Expect generally good propagation on the mid and upper HF bands during daylight, with fair to good conditions on lower bands at night. The higher bands (12m/10m) may be less reliable, especially after sunset, but 20m through 15m are solid choices for both local and DX work. With minimal geomagnetic disturbance and low auroral activity, operators can anticipate stable, low-noise band conditions—ideal for both casual and DX operation.
💡 Operator Tips
- Focus on 20m, 17m, and 15m during the day for the best DX and intercontinental contacts.
- Nighttime is prime for 40m and 80m, especially for regional and domestic QSOs.
- Try digital modes (FT8, FT4, PSK31) on 12m and 10m to take advantage of marginal openings.
- Use low-noise antennas and consider portable operation to maximize SNR, as band noise is low.
- With low K-index, expect stable propagation—great for contesting, nets, and skeds.
- Monitor grayline times for enhanced long-path and trans-equatorial DX.
⏰ Best Operating Times
- 80m/40m: Best at night and early morning for regional and domestic contacts.
- 20m/17m/15m: Excellent from late morning through late afternoon for DX.
- 12m/10m: Try late morning to mid-afternoon for sporadic E or F-layer openings.
- Grayline: Sunrise and sunset for enhanced long-haul propagation, especially on 40m and 20m.
🌍 DX Opportunities
- Grayline paths are favorable—watch for enhanced propagation to antipodal regions at local sunrise/sunset.
- 20m and 17m are open for transatlantic and transpacific DX most of the day.
- 15m shows good potential for intercontinental contacts, especially to equatorial and southern hemisphere regions.
- 12m/10m may open briefly for north-south paths; monitor for short-lived DX windows.
- No significant auroral activity—VHF/UHF aurora paths are unlikely.
📻 Band-by-Band Analysis
| Band | Morning | Day | Evening | Night |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80m | 🟡 Good | 🟠 Fair | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good |
| 40m | 🟡 Good | 🟠 Fair | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good |
| 20m | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good |
| 17m | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good |
| 15m | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good |
| 12m | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🔴 Poor |
| 10m | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🔴 Poor |
Analysis:
- Best bands: 20m, 17m, and 15m are consistently good throughout the day and night—ideal for both DX and regional contacts.
- Lower bands (80m/40m) are best at night and early morning, with fair conditions during the day.
- Higher bands (12m/10m) offer fair daytime openings; try digital modes for weak signals. Expect poor performance after sunset.
📊 Current Solar Activity
Solar Activity Metrics
K-index
Solar Flux (10.7cm)
Sunspot Number
- K-index: 0 — Very quiet geomagnetic field, minimal disturbance, and low noise levels.
- Solar Flux: 129-136 — Moderately high, supporting good F-layer propagation on 20m-15m.
- Sunspot Number: 78-83 — Sustained moderate activity, enabling reliable HF conditions.
- Space Weather: No major flares or solar storms reported; X-ray flux at B8.4 (quiet).
📈 Geomagnetic Conditions
- K-index trend: Stable at 0 over the past 24 hours, indicating very quiet geomagnetic conditions.
- No recent geomagnetic storms or disturbances—propagation is stable and predictable.
- Expect low band noise and minimal fading, especially on lower HF bands.
🌟 Space Weather Details
Space Weather Dashboard
X-ray Activity
Solar Wind Speed
Aurora Activity
- X-ray Activity: B8.4 — Low-level, no risk of sudden HF blackouts.
- Solar Wind: 305.6 km/s — Below average, contributing to geomagnetic quiet.
- Particle Environment: Electron flux at 1470 (moderate), proton flux at 34 (low); no significant impact on HF.
- Aurora Activity: 1 — Very low, so auroral propagation on VHF/UHF is not expected.
- Helium Line: 115.0 — Indicates steady solar activity; no major upswings or downswings.
📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details
Propagation Quality Timeline (24 Hours)
- Recent solar flux has hovered between 120-138 over the past 6 months, supporting consistent HF propagation.
- Sunspot numbers have fluctuated but remain in the moderate range, sustaining good band openings.
- No significant downward or upward trend—expect similar conditions to persist.
Solar Activity Trends (6 Months)
🔮 3-Day Forecast
3-Day K-index Forecast
- Propagation is expected to remain stable with quiet geomagnetic conditions and moderate solar activity.
- 20m-15m will continue to be the best bands for DX and reliable contacts.
- 12m/10m may offer occasional openings—monitor for short-duration DX, especially during local noon.
- No alerts or warnings for HF or VHF operators; continue to enjoy low-noise, steady band conditions.
- Watch for minor solar upticks—if solar flux rises, expect even better high-band openings.