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 stable and favorable for most amateur operators. With a solar flux around 136 and a sunspot number near 78, conditions support solid activity on the lower and mid bands, while higher bands are less reliable. The K-index is at 0, indicating very quiet geomagnetic conditions—great news for minimizing noise and maximizing signal clarity. Expect good performance on 80m, 40m, and 20m throughout the day and night, with 17m and 15m offering fair opportunities, especially for regional and some DX. 12m and 10m are mostly poor, so focus your efforts on the lower bands for best results.

💡 Operator Tips

• Prioritize 80m, 40m, and 20m for both local and DX contacts—these bands are performing best today.
• Digital modes (FT8, FT4, PSK31) will help you make the most of marginal conditions, especially on 17m and 15m.
• SSB and CW are both viable on the lower bands; try CW for weak-signal work on higher bands.
• Monitor grayline times for enhanced DX, especially on 40m and 20m.
• Low noise floor today—take advantage for weak signal work and contests.
• Check beacons and WSPR for real-time band openings, especially on 15m and above.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m & 40m: Excellent all night, good during the day—best for regional and intercontinental paths after sunset.
• 20m: Good all day and into the evening—prime for DX and long-haul contacts.
• 17m & 15m: Fair during daylight hours—watch for short-lived openings, especially mid-morning to late afternoon.
• 12m & 10m: Poor throughout—brief sporadic-E or solar-driven openings possible but unlikely.

🌍 DX Opportunities

• 40m and 20m offer the best DX potential, especially along the grayline (dawn/dusk).
• 17m and 15m may yield some DX during peak solar hours, but expect shorter skip distances.
• Grayline enhancement is strong—target sunrise/sunset for rare DX, especially toward polar and antipodal regions.
• Auroral activity is low—no special VHF/UHF DX expected for northern operators.
• No alerts or warnings—enjoy stable conditions for scheduled nets, contests, and DXpeditions.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Analysis:
80m, 40m, and 20m are your best bets for reliable contacts at any time of day or night. 17m and 15m will provide some opportunities, especially for regional and near-DX, but expect weaker signals and shorter openings. 12m and 10m are largely closed—only attempt these bands if you see real-time reports of openings or strong solar events.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 0 (very quiet) — minimal geomagnetic disturbance, ideal for HF.
• Solar Flux: 136 (moderate) — supports good propagation on lower/mid bands, limited higher band activity.
• Sunspot Number: 78 — moderate, enough for decent HF propagation but not enough to open 10m/12m reliably.
• Space Weather: No significant flares or disturbances; X-ray flux is at B2.9 (quiet).

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained at or near zero 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 high-latitude paths.
• Expect continued low noise and minimal fading or absorption.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B2.9 — quiet, no risk of HF blackouts or sudden ionospheric disturbances.
• Solar Wind: 285.5 km/s — low speed, contributing to geomagnetic stability.
• Particle Environment:
  • Electron Flux: 1230 — moderate, no significant impact on HF.
  • Proton Flux: 188 — normal, no polar cap absorption events.
• Aurora Activity: 1 — very low, no auroral propagation expected on VHF/UHF.
• Helium Line: 111.2 — moderate, indicating steady solar activity with no major upswings.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Recent months show a slight downward trend in both solar flux and sunspot numbers from earlier peaks, but values remain in the moderate range.
• Solar flux has hovered between 120–138 over the past 6 months, supporting consistent HF activity on 80m–20m.
• Sunspot numbers have fluctuated but remain sufficient for reliable mid-band propagation.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• HF conditions are expected to remain stable with continued low geomagnetic activity.
• Best bands: 80m, 40m, and 20m will continue to offer the most reliable contacts.
• Watch for brief improvements on 17m and 15m during daylight hours if solar flux ticks upward.
• No alerts or warnings—enjoy the quiet space weather and make the most of the low noise for weak signal work, contests, and DX.