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 and quiet geomagnetic conditions. The solar flux is steady at 131 and the sunspot number is 81, supporting solid daytime performance on the higher bands (20m–15m) and some activity on 12m and 10m. K-index is low (3), indicating stable geomagnetic conditions with little disturbance. Expect good opportunities for DX on 20m–15m, especially during daylight, while low bands (80m/40m) will be quieter during the day but improve after sunset. Operators should focus on daytime high-band activity and take advantage of evening openings on the lower bands.

💡 Operator Tips

• Daytime: Prioritize 20m, 17m, and 15m for DX and regional contacts; use SSB, CW, and digital modes for best results.
• Evening/Night: Switch to 40m and 80m as absorption drops; digital modes (FT8, PSK31) will help with weak signals.
• Antenna: Use directional antennas for DX, but verticals and dipoles will perform well under these stable conditions.
• Contesting/DX: Focus on grayline periods for long-haul DX; monitor 10m/12m for sporadic openings.
• Noise: With low geomagnetic activity, expect lower noise on all bands—take advantage for weak-signal work.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m/40m: Best after sunset and through the night (🟡 Good to 🟠 Fair)
• 20m/17m/15m: Excellent from mid-morning through late afternoon (🟢 Excellent to 🟡 Good)
• 12m/10m: Try late morning to early afternoon; openings are possible but less reliable (🟡 Good to 🟠 Fair)

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline: Enhanced long-path openings at sunrise/sunset on 20m and 17m—target east-west paths.
• Daytime: 15m and 17m offer solid DX to Europe, Africa, and South America.
• Night: 40m and 80m open for intercontinental contacts, especially toward sunrise.
• Special Events: No major alerts, but watch for brief 10m/12m openings as solar flux remains moderate.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

The 20m, 17m, and 15m bands are the most reliable throughout the day and into the evening, offering consistent regional and DX opportunities. 12m and 10m may open during the late morning and early afternoon but are less reliable, especially after sunset. 80m and 40m are quiet during the day but improve after dark, making them best for nighttime operation.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 3 (low geomagnetic activity)—expect stable HF conditions and low noise.
• Solar Flux: 131 (moderate)—supports good propagation on 20m–15m, with potential for 12m/10m openings.
• Sunspot Number: 81 (moderate)—indicates ongoing solar activity, sustaining higher band propagation.
• Space Weather: No major flares or disturbances; X-ray flux is at B7.2 (quiet).

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained low and stable over the past 24 hours, indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions.
• No recent geomagnetic storms or sudden increases—propagation is stable and predictable.
• Low geomagnetic activity means minimal absorption on high bands and low noise on low bands.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B7.2 (quiet)—no risk of HF blackouts; conditions are stable.
• Solar Wind: 464 km/s—moderate, but not high enough to trigger geomagnetic storms.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux is elevated (1790), but proton flux is low (13)—no significant impact on HF.
• Aurora Activity: 1 (very low)—no auroral propagation expected; VHF/UHF bands remain unaffected.
• Helium Line: 110.5—indicates steady solar activity, no sudden increases or flare risk.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Solar flux and sunspot numbers have declined gradually over the past 6 months, but remain in a moderate range.
• This trend supports consistent daytime high-band openings while making low bands more important at night.
• No recent spikes or drops—propagation should remain stable for the next several days.

🔮 3-Day Forecast