Amateur Radio Propagation Report

Sun Images for Past 72 Hours

Images copyrighted by the SDO/NASA and Helioviewer project

📋 Propagation Summary: HF propagation is currently moderate to good thanks to a solar flux of 137 and a sunspot number of 82, supporting solid daytime activity on the higher bands and reliable nighttime operation on the lower bands. The K-index is very low (1), indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions and minimal disturbance, which is excellent for HF stability. Expect good openings on 20m, 17m, and 15m during the day, with 80m and 40m performing best at night. 10m and 12m may offer brief daytime opportunities, but are less reliable. Now is a great time for DX and contesting, especially on the mid and upper HF bands.

💡 Operator Tips

• Daytime: Focus on 20m, 17m, and 15m for both local and DX contacts. Use FT8, CW, or SSB for best results.
• Nighttime: Switch to 80m and 40m for regional and some long-haul contacts.
• 10m/12m: Check for short-lived daytime openings, especially around local noon and during any sporadic-E events.
• Antennas: Use resonant antennas for target bands; verticals and beams will help maximize DX.
• Modes: Digital modes (FT8, FT4) will help you take advantage of marginal conditions, especially on higher bands.
• Contesting: Take advantage of stable geomagnetic conditions for contesting and DXpeditions.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m/40m: Best at night and early morning (local time)
• 20m/17m/15m: Best from late morning through afternoon
• 12m/10m: Try late morning to early afternoon for possible short openings
• Grayline: Operate around sunrise and sunset for enhanced long-path DX, especially on 40m and 20m

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline DX: Enhanced propagation on 40m and 20m at sunrise/sunset—target antipodal paths.
• 20m/17m/15m: Good potential for intercontinental DX, especially east-west paths.
• 10m/12m: Watch for brief F2 or sporadic-E openings—monitor beacons and cluster spots.
• Aurora: Low aurora levels mean VHF/UHF auroral propagation is unlikely today.
• Special Events: Stable geomagnetic field favors rare DXpeditions and contest activity.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Analysis:

• 20m, 17m, and 15m are the most reliable bands throughout the day and evening, supporting both local and DX contacts.
• 80m and 40m shine during nighttime and early morning, ideal for regional and some long-haul DX.
• 12m and 10m are marginal, with only fair conditions during daylight and poor at night—check for short-lived openings, especially during solar peaks or sporadic-E.
• No significant VHF/UHF propagation expected due to low aurora and quiet geomagnetic field.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 1 (very quiet)
  • Indicates stable geomagnetic field—excellent for HF propagation, minimal absorption or fading.
• Solar Flux (10.7cm): 137
  • Above average, supports good ionization for higher HF bands (15m, 17m, 20m).
• Sunspot Number: 82
  • Moderate, helping maintain decent propagation on mid and upper HF bands.
• Space Weather:
  • No major flares or disturbances reported; X-ray flux at B7.9 (quiet).

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• Recent K-index trend: Stable and very low (0-1) over the past 24 hours.
• No geomagnetic storms or disturbances—conditions have been consistently quiet, supporting stable HF propagation and minimizing signal absorption or fading.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B7.9 (very low)
  • No risk of HF blackouts; expect steady propagation.
• Solar Wind Speed: 416.8 km/s
  • Moderate, not high enough to disturb geomagnetic conditions.
• Particle Environment:
  • Electron Flux: 1930 (moderate)—no significant impact on HF, but keep an eye on sudden spikes.
  • Proton Flux: 12 (low)—no risk of radio blackouts or polar cap absorption.
• Aurora: 1 (very low)
  • No auroral propagation expected on VHF/UHF.
• Helium Line: 109.6
  • Stable; no sign of major solar activity increases.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Recent Solar Trends:
  • Solar flux and sunspot numbers have gradually decreased since June, but remain at moderate levels.
  • This trend means HF conditions are good but not at solar maximum—expect reliable but not spectacular upper band openings.
  • No recent major solar events or flares affecting propagation.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Propagation Outlook: Expect continued quiet geomagnetic conditions and moderate solar activity.
• Best Bands: 20m, 17m, 15m—daytime and early evening.
• Nighttime: 40m and 80m will remain strong for regional and some DX.
• 10m/12m: Watch for brief daytime openings, especially if solar flux rises.
• No warnings or alerts for HF or VHF operators at this time.
• Plan for stable conditions—great for contests, DXing, and casual operation!