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 conditions are looking promising for most amateur operators, with solar flux at 152 and a sunspot number of 130—both supportive of good daytime propagation, especially on the higher bands. The K-index is very low at 1, indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions and minimal disruptions. Expect good openings on 20m–10m during the day, while 80m and 40m will shine at night. Take advantage of stable conditions for DX and contesting, but keep an eye on possible short-term X-ray flare impacts.

💡 Operator Tips:

• Use 20m, 17m, and 15m for reliable daytime DX and intercontinental contacts.
• 12m and 10m are open during the day—try SSB, CW, and especially FT8 for weak-signal work.
• For night operations, 80m and 40m will provide the best regional and some DX paths.
• With low geomagnetic activity, expect quiet bands and low noise—ideal for QRP and portable operations.
• Digital modes (FT8, FT4) are recommended for marginal band openings, especially on 10m and 12m.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m & 40m: Best at night and early morning for regional and some DX.
• 20m, 17m, 15m: Excellent during daylight hours, especially mid-morning through late afternoon.
• 12m & 10m: Open for DX from late morning to late afternoon; may close quickly after sunset.
• Grayline: Peak opportunities for long-haul DX on 40m and 20m during sunrise and sunset.

🌍 DX Opportunities

• 20m–10m bands are open for DX, especially along east-west paths during daylight.
• Grayline propagation is favorable for trans-equatorial and polar paths on 40m and 20m.
• Low aurora and K-index mean high-latitude paths are stable—try for polar DX!
• Watch for short-lived enhancements from C-class X-ray activity, but no major blackouts expected.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

• Best bands today: 20m, 17m, and 15m are consistently good all day and night, making them the top choices for both local and DX contacts.
• 12m and 10m: Good during daylight and early evening, but expect them to close after dark.
• 80m and 40m: Poor during the day, but good at night for regional and some DX paths.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 1 (very quiet)—minimal geomagnetic disturbance, excellent for HF.
• Solar Flux: 152—high, supports strong F-layer ionization and good high-band openings.
• Sunspot Number: 130—robust, indicating sustained solar activity and enhanced propagation.
• Space Weather: No major flares or storms, but moderate X-ray activity (C1.6) could cause brief, localized HF absorption.

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained very low and stable over the past 24 hours, indicating a calm geomagnetic environment.
• No recent geomagnetic storms or disturbances—propagation is stable and noise levels are low.
• These quiet conditions favor long-haul DX and low-power (QRP) operations.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: C1.6 level—moderate, may cause occasional short-term HF absorption at lower latitudes, but no major blackouts.
• Solar Wind: 338.7 km/s—moderate speed, not likely to trigger geomagnetic storms.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux at 15,000—elevated but not extreme; can enhance daytime D-layer absorption slightly on lower bands.
• Aurora Activity: Level 1—very low, so auroral propagation is unlikely; VHF/UHF aurora paths are not expected.
• Helium Line: 128.9—steady, indicating stable solar output and no major changes in solar activity trend.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Over the past several months, solar flux has rebounded from a springtime dip, now reaching 152, and sunspot numbers have climbed back above 90.
• This upward trend supports improving high-band conditions (20m–10m) and more frequent DX openings.
• No major solar storms or geomagnetic events have been recorded recently, so propagation remains steady.

🔮 3-Day Forecast