Amateur Radio Propagation Report

Sun Images for Past 72 Hours

Images copyrighted by the SDO/NASA and Helioviewer project

📋 Propagation Summary:
Today’s HF propagation is shaped by moderate solar activity with a solar flux around 128–136 and a sunspot number near 73–78. The K-index is very low (0–1), indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions—great news for stable HF. Expect good openings on the mid and high bands (20m–15m) during daylight, while lower bands (80m/40m) will perform best at night. The upper bands (12m/10m) are showing only fair to poor conditions, especially after sunset. Operators should focus on 20m–15m for reliable DX and take advantage of the calm geomagnetic field for long-haul contacts.

💡 Operator Tips

• Daytime: Target 20m, 17m, and 15m for the best DX and intercontinental paths.
• Nighttime: Switch to 40m and 80m for strong regional and some DX contacts.
• Modes: Use FT8, CW, and other weak-signal modes on higher bands (12m/10m) to maximize chances during fair/poor conditions.
• Antennas: Vertical or directional antennas will help on upper bands; dipoles or loops excel on lower bands at night.
• Contesters & DXers: Focus on grayline times and monitor for short-lived band openings, especially on 15m and 20m.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m & 40m: Evening and night (best for local/regional and some DX)
• 20m, 17m, 15m: Late morning through late afternoon (prime for DX)
• 12m & 10m: Midday (watch for brief openings, especially during solar flux peaks)
• Grayline: Dawn and dusk—enhanced long-path DX, especially on 40m and 20m

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline paths are favorable on 40m and 20m—watch for enhanced signals to antipodal regions at sunrise/sunset.
• 15m and 17m are open for intercontinental DX, especially to equatorial and mid-latitude regions.
• 12m and 10m may offer short, sporadic openings—monitor for fleeting DX, especially during local noon.
• Aurora activity is low (2), so VHF auroral propagation is unlikely; focus on HF for DX.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Analysis:
20m, 17m, and 15m are the most reliable bands throughout the day and into the evening, offering good conditions for both local and DX contacts. 80m and 40m are fair during daylight but improve to good at night, ideal for regional and some long-distance work. 12m and 10m are only fair during the day and generally poor or closed at night—use digital modes and check for short-lived openings.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 0–1 (very quiet)
  • Minimal geomagnetic disturbance—stable HF conditions
• Solar Flux: 128–136
  • Moderate solar energy—supports good propagation on 20m–15m, marginal on 12m/10m
• Sunspot Number: 73–78
  • Sufficient for decent ionization, but not at solar maximum
• No major solar flares or elevated X-ray activity detected

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained very low and stable over the past 24 hours, indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions.
• No recent geomagnetic storms or disturbances—propagation is stable and reliable, especially for polar and trans-equatorial paths.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B9.3
  • Low-level X-ray flux—no risk of HF blackouts or sudden fadeouts
• Solar Wind: 401.6 km/s
  • Moderate speed—no significant impact on geomagnetic stability
• Particle Environment:
  • Electron Flux: 17,400 (elevated but not extreme—watch for minor noise on upper HF)
  • Proton Flux: 234 (quiet—no radio blackout risk)
• Aurora Activity: 2
  • Very low—no VHF/UHF auroral propagation expected
• Helium Line: 123.2
  • Stable—no rapid changes in solar activity trend

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Over the past several months, solar flux has fluctuated between 120 and 138, with a slight downward trend since June.
• Sunspot numbers have also decreased from early-year highs, but remain sufficient for good HF propagation on most bands.
• No major solar events or geomagnetic storms have disrupted conditions recently.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Expect continued quiet geomagnetic conditions (K-index 0–1).
• Solar flux and sunspot numbers should remain steady, supporting good propagation on 20m–15m.
• 12m/10m may see occasional brief openings—monitor during local noon and with digital modes.
• No alerts or warnings at this time—enjoy stable HF conditions and plan for extended operating sessions on the most reliable bands!