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 with a solar flux of 119 and a sunspot number of 118. The K-index is 0, indicating very quiet geomagnetic conditions—great news for stable HF operation. Expect good conditions on the lower bands (80m-20m) throughout the day and night, while higher bands (15m-10m) are mostly fair to poor due to the recent downward trend in solar activity. Operators should focus on the lower bands for reliable contacts and watch for brief higher band openings during peak daylight.

💡 Operator Tips

• Prioritize 80m, 40m, and 20m for both local and DX work—these bands are performing well today.
• Digital modes (FT8, PSK31) can help squeeze out QSOs on higher bands (15m, 12m, 10m) even when SSB/CW is tough.
• Vertical antennas or directional beams will help maximize DX, especially as higher bands are less reliable.
• Monitor grayline times for enhanced long-path openings, especially on 40m and 20m.
• Low noise floor due to quiet geomagnetic conditions—take advantage for weak signal work and contests.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m & 40m: Best at night and early morning for both local and DX; good during the day for regional contacts.
• 20m: Good all day, peaking late morning to afternoon for DX.
• 17m & 15m: Fair during midday; try late morning to early afternoon for possible short openings.
• 12m & 10m: Poor most of the day; check for brief midday openings, especially during solar flux upticks.

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline enhancement on 40m and 20m—target sunrise/sunset for transcontinental paths.
• Northern and southern paths are favored due to low geomagnetic disturbance.
• No significant auroral activity—VHF/UHF aurora propagation is unlikely.
• Watch for sporadic-E on 10m/6m, but chances are low under current conditions.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

The 80m, 40m, and 20m bands are your best bets for reliable contacts throughout the day and night. 17m and 15m may yield some QSOs, especially around midday, but expect only fair results. 12m and 10m are largely closed; only attempt if you notice a sudden solar flux increase or hear activity.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 0 (very quiet)—minimal geomagnetic disturbance, excellent for HF stability.
• Solar Flux: 119 (moderate)—supports good propagation on lower bands, but higher bands remain weak.
• Sunspot Number: 118—decent, but recent months show a downward trend, impacting higher band openings.
• Space Weather Overview: No major flares or disturbances; X-ray flux is at B6.6 (low), so no HF blackouts expected.

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained at or near 0 over the past 24 hours, indicating very stable geomagnetic conditions.
• No recent spikes or disturbances—conditions are stable and favorable for HF, especially for polar and trans-equatorial paths.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B6.6—low X-ray flux means no risk of sudden HF blackouts.
• Solar Wind: 400 km/s—a moderate speed, not enough to trigger geomagnetic storms.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux at 2270 (moderate), proton flux at 12 (quiet)—no significant impact on propagation.
• Aurora Activity: Level 1 (very low)—no auroral propagation expected on HF or VHF.
• Helium Line: 120.6—stable, indicating no major solar upswings or flares.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

Recent months show a decline in solar flux and sunspot numbers (from 138 in June to 108 now, and sunspots from 93 to 45), which explains the weaker higher band conditions. This trend favors lower bands for consistent operation, with only occasional higher band openings.

🔮 3-Day Forecast