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 looking favorable for most amateur operators! With a solar flux index of around 136 and a sunspot number near 78, the higher bands (20m–10m) should be open for much of the day, especially for DX. The geomagnetic field is very quiet (K-index at 0), so expect stable conditions and low noise on the bands. There are no major space weather disturbances or flare activity reported, making this a great day for both casual and DX operations. Operators should take advantage of the quiet geomagnetic field before any changes in solar activity.

💡 Operator Tips

• Try 20m, 17m, and 15m during daylight for the best DX opportunities.
• 10m and 12m may open for short to mid-range skip, especially around local noon.
• 80m and 40m will be best at night and during early morning hours for regional contacts.
• Use FT8, CW, and SSB—digital modes will perform especially well on marginal bands.
• With low geomagnetic activity, expect less QRM and QRN, so even modest antennas should perform well.
• If you’re chasing DX, check grayline times for enhanced propagation, especially on 40m and 20m.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m & 40m: Night and early morning for low-noise, long-haul contacts.
• 20m & 17m: All day, peaking late morning to afternoon for worldwide DX.
• 15m, 12m, 10m: Late morning through late afternoon—watch for short-skip and sporadic E.
• Evening: 40m and 80m come alive for both local and regional QSOs.

🌍 DX Opportunities

• 20m and 17m are prime for intercontinental DX, especially along the grayline.
• 15m and 12m may support trans-equatorial and east-west paths during the day.
• 10m could open for short to medium skip, especially if there’s any sporadic E.
• Grayline propagation is favorable—watch sunrise/sunset for enhanced long-path openings.
• No aurora or major solar events expected, so polar paths should be open and stable.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

The 20m and 17m bands are your best bets for consistent DX throughout the day, with 15m also performing well during daylight. 40m and 80m shine at night for both local and regional contacts. 10m and 12m may offer brief openings, especially around midday, but will generally be less reliable. Nighttime high bands (15m–10m) are mostly closed.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 0 (very quiet)—expect minimal geomagnetic disturbance and low band noise.
• Solar Flux: 136 (moderately high)—good for supporting higher HF bands and daytime propagation.
• Sunspot Number: 78 (moderate)—enough to keep the ionosphere energized for HF.
• No significant flare or X-ray activity reported, so no risk of sudden HF blackouts.

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained at 0 over the past 24 hours, indicating extremely quiet geomagnetic conditions.
• No recent geomagnetic storms or disturbances—conditions are stable and improving for HF.
• Expect low background noise and reliable propagation, especially on the higher bands.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: No significant X-ray flux reported—no risk of sudden HF blackouts.
• Solar Wind: No elevated solar wind speeds detected—geomagnetic field remains undisturbed.
• Particle Environment: No notable electron or proton flux—no impact on propagation.
• Aurora Activity: No auroral activity—northern operators will not see aurora-induced VHF/UHF openings.
• Helium Line: No significant changes—solar activity is steady, supporting consistent propagation.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Over the past several months, solar flux has fluctuated between 120 and 138, with a recent uptick in June and July.
• Sunspot numbers have been moderate, with some variability but no sharp declines—overall, the ionosphere remains healthy for HF.
• These trends suggest continued good conditions for the higher bands, especially during daylight.

🔮 3-Day Forecast