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 shaped by moderate solar activity and very quiet geomagnetic conditions. The solar flux is steady at 146, with a sunspot number of 73, supporting decent daytime propagation on the higher bands and solid nighttime performance on the lower bands. The K-index is extremely low (near 0), meaning minimal geomagnetic disturbance and stable conditions for most HF paths. Expect good openings on 20m, 17m, and 15m throughout the day, while 12m and 10m may be more variable, especially at night. Operators should take advantage of the calm geomagnetic field for reliable DX and regional contacts.

💡 Operator Tips

• Daytime: Focus on 20m, 17m, and 15m for consistent DX and intercontinental contacts.
• Nighttime: 40m and 80m will provide strong regional and some DX opportunities—great for nets and ragchews.
• Modes: Use FT8, CW, and SSB for best results; digital modes will help pull through weaker signals, especially on marginal bands.
• Antennas: Multi-band dipoles or verticals will perform well today. If you have directional antennas, point them along the grayline near sunrise/sunset for enhanced DX.
• Contesting/DXing: Now is a great time for low-noise, stable paths—work rare DX or participate in contests with confidence.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m/40m: Excellent after sunset through early morning for local and regional QSOs.
• 20m/17m/15m: Best from mid-morning through late afternoon for long-haul DX.
• 12m/10m: Openings possible late morning to early afternoon—check for sporadic E or F2 openings, especially during solar peaks.
• Grayline: Sunrise and sunset—target these times for enhanced propagation to distant locations.

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline paths are especially favorable now—work stations in the opposite hemisphere at your sunrise/sunset.
• 20m and 17m are prime for transcontinental and trans-equatorial DX.
• 10m and 12m may open briefly for DX, especially toward equatorial and southern latitudes.
• Low K-index means polar paths are open—try for northern DX without auroral absorption.
• Watch for short-lived 10m/12m openings during peak solar hours; monitor beacons and cluster spots.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

• Best bands: 20m, 17m, and 15m are the most reliable for DX and general operation throughout the day and evening.
• 80m and 40m are strong at night for local/regional work and some DX.
• 12m and 10m are hit-or-miss—check for brief daytime openings, but expect them to close after sunset.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 0 — Very quiet geomagnetic field, ideal for stable HF propagation and polar paths.
• Solar Flux: 146 — Moderate, supporting good F-layer propagation on mid/high HF bands.
• Sunspot Number: 73 — Moderate, enough for decent high-band activity but not peak conditions.
• Space Weather: No major disturbances; X-ray flux at C1.6 (minor, but monitor for sudden changes).

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has trended downward over the past 24 hours, dropping from a brief spike (K=5) two days ago to very quiet levels (K~0.33) now.
• This steady, low K-index means minimal absorption and excellent stability for HF signals, especially on polar and trans-equatorial paths.
• No geomagnetic storms or auroral absorption currently affecting HF or VHF.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: C1.6 — Low-level solar flare activity; unlikely to cause HF blackouts, but keep an ear out for sudden shortwave fadeouts.
• Solar Wind: 363 km/s — Average speed, not likely to disturb the geomagnetic field.
• Electron Flux: 2370 — Elevated but not extreme; may cause minor polar absorption, but not a major concern.
• Proton Flux: 14 — Quiet, no radiation storm effects.
• Aurora: 1 — Very low, so auroral propagation on VHF/UHF is not expected.
• Helium Line: 126.4 — Indicates stable solar activity; no major changes forecast.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Over the past 6 months, solar flux has ranged from 160 down to 135, and sunspot numbers have decreased from 129 to 78.
• This trend shows we are in a moderate phase of Solar Cycle 25, with conditions slightly declining but still supporting good HF propagation.
• Recent geomagnetic activity was higher two days ago but has since returned to quiet, improving band reliability.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Expect continued moderate solar flux and quiet geomagnetic conditions for the next few days.
• HF bands (20m-15m) will remain good for DX and intercontinental contacts.
• 80m/40m will be excellent at night for regional and some DX.
• 10m/12m: Watch for brief daytime openings, especially during local noon.
• No major space weather alerts or warnings are forecast—enjoy the stable conditions!