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 showing moderate conditions, with solar flux at 117 and a sunspot number of 111, supporting decent activity on the lower and mid bands. The K-index is low (2), indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions—a plus for stable propagation, especially for DX. Expect good performance on 20m throughout the day and night, while higher bands (12m/10m) remain mostly closed due to lower solar flux. Operators should focus on 20m and 40m for reliable contacts, and watch for brief openings on 15m and 17m. No major space weather alerts are active, so plan for steady but not spectacular band conditions.

💡 Operator Tips

• Prioritize 20m and 40m for both local and DX contacts; these bands are the most reliable today.
• Digital modes (FT8, FT4, PSK31) will outperform SSB/CW on marginal bands like 15m and 17m.
• For DX, work the grayline (dawn/dusk) on 40m and 20m for enhanced long-path opportunities.
• Monitor cluster spots for any surprise 10m/12m openings, but don't expect much activity there.
• Keep antennas optimized for lower bands; verticals and dipoles at modest heights will perform well.
• Low noise floor due to quiet geomagnetic activity—take advantage for weak signal work.

⏰ Best Operating Times

🌍 DX Opportunities

• 20m offers the most consistent DX, especially along the grayline at sunrise/sunset.
• 40m is strong for intercontinental paths during local night and early morning.
• 17m/15m may open for short periods to equatorial and southern latitudes midday.
• Grayline enhancement is significant on 40m and 20m—target distant regions during these times.
• No aurora or polar path alerts—northern paths should be stable.
• No major special events or sporadic-E expected on VHF/UHF.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

The 20m band is the most reliable for both day and night operations, with 40m and 80m performing best at night and early morning. 17m and 15m offer fair conditions, mainly during the day, but may not support long-haul DX. 12m and 10m are mostly closed—monitor for rare short-lived openings but focus efforts elsewhere.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 2 (quiet geomagnetic field, minimal disturbance—great for HF stability)
• Solar Flux (10.7cm): 117 (moderate, supports 20m and 40m, but not enough for 10m/12m)
• Sunspot Number: 111 (healthy for mid-band activity, but not at peak levels)
• Space Weather Overview: No major flares or storms; X-ray flux at B7.7 (low).

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained low and stable over the past 24 hours, indicating a quiet geomagnetic environment.
• No recent spikes or disturbances—propagation is stable and predictable.
• Expect continued low noise and minimal fading on the HF bands.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B7.7 (very low)—no risk of HF blackouts or sudden fadeouts.
• Solar Wind Speed: 358 km/s (moderate)—not enough to trigger geomagnetic storms.
• Electron Flux: 1320 (moderate)—no significant impact on HF, but keep an eye on polar path absorption.
• Proton Flux: Low—no radiation storm effects.
• Aurora Level: 2 (quiet)—no auroral propagation expected, VHF/UHF paths stable.
• Helium Line: 113.7 (steady)—no major solar trend changes detected.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

Recent months show solar flux holding in the 120–138 range, with sunspot numbers fluctuating but generally supportive of mid-band HF propagation. No major upward or downward trend—conditions are steady but not exceptional for the season.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Stable geomagnetic conditions expected to continue, with K-index remaining low.
• Solar flux likely to stay in the 115–120 range, so 20m and 40m will remain the best bets.
• No major solar storms or flares forecast—plan for consistent, moderate HF conditions.
• DX: Focus on 20m for all-day activity; 40m/80m for night paths; 15m/17m for midday regional contacts.
• No alerts or warnings—enjoy steady propagation and low noise for the next several days!