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 of 139 and a sunspot number of 73. The K-index is very low (0-1), indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions—great news for HF operators seeking stable bands and minimal noise. Expect good conditions on 20m, 17m, and 15m throughout the day and night, while 12m and 10m may be more challenging, especially after sunset. Lower bands (80m/40m) are fair by day but improve at night. Now is an excellent time for both local and DX contacts, especially on the higher HF bands during daylight hours.
💡 Operator Tips
- Focus on 20m, 17m, and 15m for reliable DX and intercontinental contacts.
- 80m and 40m will be best after sunset for regional and domestic QSOs—consider digital modes (FT8, PSK) for weak signal work.
- 10m and 12m may open briefly during peak solar hours; try SSB and digital modes midday.
- With low geomagnetic activity, expect minimal auroral distortion—great for SSB, CW, and digital modes.
- Use verticals or directional antennas on higher bands to maximize DX reach.
- For contesters: Daytime is prime for high-band runs, while night favors low-band multipliers.
⏰ Best Operating Times
| Band | Best Times (UTC) |
|---|---|
| 80m/40m | 19:00–07:00 (night/evening) |
| 20m | 08:00–22:00 (day/evening) |
| 17m/15m | 09:00–19:00 (day) |
| 12m/10m | 10:00–16:00 (late morning/early afternoon) |
- Grayline (sunrise/sunset) is especially productive for DX on 40m and 20m.
🌍 DX Opportunities
- 20m and 17m: Open for long-haul DX, including transatlantic and transpacific paths, especially during local afternoon and evening.
- 15m: Good for intercontinental DX during daylight, especially toward equatorial and southern paths.
- Grayline: Enhanced propagation on 40m and 20m—watch for rare DX at sunrise/sunset.
- Aurora: Low activity, so VHF auroral propagation is unlikely.
- Special Events: No major solar storms or warnings—enjoy stable conditions for contesting and awards chasing.
📻 Band-by-Band Analysis
| Band | Morning | Day | Evening | Night |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80m | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good |
| 40m | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good |
| 20m | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good |
| 17m | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good |
| 15m | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good |
| 12m | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor |
| 10m | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor |
- Best Bands: 20m, 17m, and 15m are consistently good all day and night—ideal for DX and reliable QSOs.
- Low Bands (80m/40m): Fair during the day, good at night—best for local/regional contacts after sunset.
- High Bands (12m/10m): Fair during daylight, poor at night—try midday for sporadic openings.
📊 Current Solar Activity
Solar Activity Metrics
K-index
Solar Flux (10.7cm)
Sunspot Number
- K-index: 0-1 (very quiet)—minimal geomagnetic disturbance, low noise, and stable propagation.
- Solar Flux: 139 (moderate-high)—supports good F-layer ionization, especially for 15m–20m.
- Sunspot Number: 73—moderate, enough for decent high-band openings.
- Space Weather: No major flares or storms; X-ray at B8.6 (quiet), solar wind at 379 km/s (moderate), and aurora index at 1 (inactive).
📈 Geomagnetic Conditions
- The K-index has remained very low and stable over the past 24 hours, indicating excellent geomagnetic quiet. This means less fading and noise, especially on the polar and transauroral paths. No geomagnetic storms are expected, so conditions should remain steady for the next day or two.
🌟 Space Weather Details
Space Weather Dashboard
X-ray Activity
Solar Wind Speed
Aurora Activity
- X-ray Activity: B8.6 level—very low, so no risk of HF blackouts or sudden fadeouts.
- Solar Wind: 379 km/s—a moderate speed, not enough to trigger geomagnetic storms.
- Particle Environment: Electron flux at 2900 (moderate), proton flux at 26 (quiet)—no significant impact on HF propagation.
- Aurora Activity: Index 1—very low, so VHF/UHF auroral propagation is not expected.
- Helium Line: 110.8—shows steady solar activity, supporting current propagation trends.
📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details
Propagation Quality Timeline (24 Hours)
- Over the past several months, solar flux and sunspot numbers have gradually declined from spring highs (solar flux 138, SSN 94) to current moderate levels (solar flux 116, SSN 76). This means high bands (10m/12m) are less reliable than earlier in the year, but 20m–15m remain strong. Expect continued moderate conditions unless a new solar region emerges.
Solar Activity Trends (6 Months)
🔮 3-Day Forecast
3-Day K-index Forecast
- Propagation is expected to remain stable for the next three days, with low geomagnetic activity and moderate solar flux. 20m, 17m, and 15m will continue to be the best bands for DX and reliable contacts. No alerts or warnings are in effect—enjoy the quiet bands and make the most of the current solar cycle phase!