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 at 111 with a sunspot number of 72, supporting decent openings on the mid bands, but higher bands (12m/10m) remain challenging. The K-index is at 1, indicating very stable geomagnetic conditions—great news for HF reliability and low-latitude noise. Expect good performance on 20m throughout the day and night, with 40m and 80m favoring nighttime operation. For best results, focus on the lower and mid bands, and keep an eye on grayline times for enhanced DX.

💡 Operator Tips

• Prioritize 20m for reliable daytime and evening DX—conditions are good around the clock.
• 40m and 80m will shine at night; use these bands for regional and some longer-haul contacts after dark.
• Higher bands (12m/10m) are mostly poor—try only during peak solar hours or if you notice sudden improvement.
• Use FT8 and other digital modes to dig out weak signals, especially on marginal bands.
• For DX, target grayline periods (sunrise/sunset) on 20m and 40m.
• Keep antennas tuned and check for local noise, as low K-index means band noise is mainly local.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m/40m: Best at night and early morning (local time)
• 20m: Good all day and night—prime for DX and general contacts
• 17m/15m: Fair during daylight, limited at night
• 12m/10m: Poor all day—try only during midday or with strong solar bursts

🌍 DX Opportunities

• 20m offers the most consistent DX paths, especially during grayline (dawn/dusk) for both east-west and north-south routes.
• 40m opens up for long-haul DX after sunset, particularly on polar and trans-equatorial paths.
• Grayline enhancement is strong—watch for short, high-quality openings at your local sunrise and sunset.
• No significant aurora activity—northern VHF DX is unlikely.
• No major solar events—expect stable, predictable propagation with minimal blackouts.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Analysis:

• 20m is the best all-around performer, with good conditions day and night—ideal for DX and general operation.
• 40m and 80m are fair during the day but improve to good at night, making them your go-to for evening and overnight contacts.
• 17m and 15m are fair—worth checking during daylight, especially for regional or short-haul DX.
• 12m and 10m are poor across the board; only attempt if you notice sudden solar improvements or strong sporadic-E.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 1 (very quiet)—no geomagnetic disturbances, excellent for stable HF propagation.
• Solar Flux: 111 (moderate)—supports reliable mid-band openings but limits higher bands.
• Sunspot Number: 72—enough for decent HF activity, but not enough for strong 10m/12m openings.
• Space Weather: No major flares or disturbances; X-ray at B4.6 (low), so blackout risk is minimal.

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has steadily decreased over the past 24 hours, dropping from values near 4 to a very quiet 1 and even below. This trend means geomagnetic conditions are now very stable—great for all HF work, especially polar and high-latitude paths.
• No geomagnetic storms or substorms are expected in the immediate future.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B4.6 (low)—no threat of HF blackouts or sudden fadeouts.
• Solar Wind: 453 km/s—moderate, but not enough to disturb geomagnetic conditions.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux at 2430 (moderate); proton flux at 10 (quiet)—no significant impact on propagation.
• Aurora Activity: 1 (very low)—no auroral propagation expected, so VHF/UHF aurora DX is off the table.
• Helium Line: 110.2—indicative of moderate solar activity, but not trending upward; expect stable conditions.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Over the past months, solar flux has declined from highs near 160 to the current 111, and sunspot numbers have also dropped. This trend means high bands (12m/10m) are less likely to open, but mid and low bands remain reliable.
• Quiet geomagnetic conditions have recently set in, so expect improved signal stability and lower noise, especially on 40m and 80m.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Expect continued quiet geomagnetic conditions (K-index 1-2), supporting stable HF propagation.
• Solar flux is likely to remain in the low-to-mid 100s, so 20m will continue to be the best all-around band.
• No major flares or storms are forecast—plan for consistent, predictable propagation.
• DX: Focus on 20m for all-day opportunities, and 40m/80m at night. Watch for any surprise openings on 15m/17m during daylight.
• VHF/UHF: No aurora or enhanced propagation expected.
• No alerts or warnings—enjoy the calm conditions and make the most of the reliable bands!