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 very quiet geomagnetic conditions. With a solar flux of 92 and a sunspot number of 37, expect good performance on the lower bands (80m–20m), while higher bands (17m–10m) are less reliable. The K-index is at 0, indicating stable conditions with minimal geomagnetic disturbance—great news for HF operators! For best results, focus on the lower bands for both local and DX contacts, and watch for brief higher band openings during peak daylight. No major solar flares or space weather alerts are active, so enjoy steady propagation and low noise levels.

💡 Operator Tips:

• Prioritize 80m, 40m, and 20m for reliable contacts, especially during local evening and nighttime.
• Use digital modes (FT8, PSK31) on 17m–15m to take advantage of marginal conditions.
• For DX, operate around sunrise and sunset to exploit grayline propagation.
• Keep antennas tuned for lower bands; higher bands (12m, 10m) may only open briefly, if at all.
• Contest and DXers: Focus on 20m for daytime intercontinental paths and 40m for nighttime DX.
• Monitor real-time cluster spots for any surprise band openings, especially on 15m.

⏰ Best Operating Times

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline propagation is favorable on 40m and 20m—target sunrise/sunset for best DX.
• 20m band offers the most consistent daytime DX, especially east-west paths.
• 17m and 15m may open for short, sporadic DX—watch for cluster alerts.
• No significant aurora activity (Aurora: 2), so polar paths are stable.
• No major solar flares—expect minimal HF blackouts.
• VHF/UHF: No enhanced propagation expected, but monitor for local tropo.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

The lower bands (80m, 40m, 20m) are performing best, especially at night and during local sunrise/sunset. 20m is the daytime workhorse for DX, while 17m and 15m are only marginal—use digital modes for any chance of success. 12m and 10m are mostly closed due to low solar flux and sunspot numbers.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 0 (very quiet) – No geomagnetic disturbances; stable HF conditions.
• Solar Flux (10.7cm): 92 (moderate-low) – Favors lower bands; higher bands struggle.
• Sunspot Number: 37 (declining) – Indicates less ionization, especially for higher bands.
• Space Weather Overview: No significant flares or disturbances; X-ray flux at B1.9 (quiet).

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• K-index has remained at or near zero over the past 24 hours, showing very stable geomagnetic conditions.
• No recent geomagnetic storms or disturbances.
• Expect continued quiet bands with low noise and minimal fading.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B1.9 (quiet) – No risk of HF blackouts; stable conditions.
• Solar Wind Speed: 287 km/s (low) – No enhanced geomagnetic activity expected.
• Particle Environment:
  • Electron Flux: 1880 (moderate) – No significant impact on HF.
  • Proton Flux: 103 (quiet) – No polar cap absorption events.
• Aurora Activity: 2 (very low) – No auroral propagation; polar paths are open.
• Helium Line: 105.1 – Stable solar trend, no major changes expected.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Recent months show a steady decline in solar flux and sunspot numbers, from a peak in early summer (solar flux ~138, SSN ~94) to current values (solar flux 92, SSN 37).
• This downward trend means higher bands (15m–10m) are less likely to open, while lower bands remain reliable.
• No major solar events or sudden changes in the past month.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Stable, quiet geomagnetic conditions expected to continue.
• HF propagation will remain best on 80m–20m, with little improvement on higher bands.
• No alerts or warnings for space weather or geomagnetic storms.
• Operators should continue to focus on lower bands for both local and DX contacts.
• Monitor for any sudden solar upticks, but no major changes are forecast.