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 with a solar flux of 114 and a sunspot number of 106. The K-index is low (2), indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions and generally stable HF bands. Expect good conditions on 20m throughout the day and night, while lower bands (80m/40m) will perform best after sunset. Higher bands (12m/10m) remain challenging, with limited openings. Operators should focus on 20m and 40m for reliable contacts, especially for DX and regional work.

💡 Operator Tips

• Prioritize 20m and 40m for both DX and domestic QSOs—these bands offer the most consistent propagation today.
• Digital modes (FT8, PSK31) can help pull signals through on marginal bands, especially 17m and 15m.
• Check 80m/40m after dark for strong regional and some DX signals.
• Monitor 10m/12m for short-lived sporadic E or unexpected openings, but don’t expect sustained activity.
• For contesting or DX, use sunrise/sunset periods (“grayline”) on 40m/20m for enhanced long-path propagation.
• Keep antennas tuned and radios ready for sudden band changes, as space weather can shift quickly.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m/40m: Best at night and early morning (local time)
• 20m: Good all day and night, peak around local noon and sunset
• 17m/15m: Fair during midday and early afternoon
• 12m/10m: Poor most of the day; check for brief midday or afternoon openings

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline openings on 40m and 20m offer the best chance for DX, especially toward sunrise and sunset.
• 20m band is the most reliable for intercontinental contacts today.
• 15m/17m may support some DX paths during midday, especially north-south.
• Watch for brief 10m/12m openings—sporadic E is possible, but not likely.
• Aurora activity is low, so VHF/UHF auroral propagation is not expected.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

20m is the most reliable band today, providing consistent performance across all time periods. 40m and 80m improve significantly after sunset, making them ideal for nighttime operation. 17m and 15m offer fair conditions, mainly during daylight hours. 12m and 10m remain largely closed, with only a slim chance of brief openings.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 2 (low geomagnetic activity, stable HF conditions)
• Solar Flux: 114 (moderate, supports good 20m/17m propagation)
• Sunspot Number: 106 (healthy, but not at peak for high-band openings)
• Space Weather: No major flares or disturbances; X-ray flux at B4.1 (quiet)

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained low and stable over the past 24 hours, indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions.
• No recent geomagnetic storms or sudden disturbances.
• This stability favors low noise and reliable propagation on most HF bands.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B4.1 (low)—no risk of HF blackouts or major absorption events.
• Solar Wind Speed: 383.8 km/s—a moderate value, not likely to trigger geomagnetic disturbances.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux is moderate (1570), proton flux is low (56); no significant impact on HF propagation.
• Aurora Activity: 2 (very low)—no auroral propagation expected for VHF/UHF.
• Helium Line: 110.2—steady, indicating no sharp upturns in solar activity.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Over the past 6 months, solar flux has hovered between 120–138, with sunspot numbers ranging from 77 to 101.
• Recent trend: Slight decrease in both solar flux and sunspot number since June/July, but still supportive of decent HF propagation.
• No major solar events or flares have disrupted the bands recently.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Expect continued moderate solar activity with stable geomagnetic conditions.
• 20m and 40m will remain the best bands for both DX and local work.
• No significant geomagnetic storms or solar flares are forecast.
• 12m/10m will likely stay poor; check occasionally for brief openings.
• No alerts or warnings for HF or VHF operators at this time.