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 around 110-116 and sunspot numbers in the mid-70s, expect solid performance on the lower and mid bands, while higher bands remain challenging. The K-index is at 0-1, signaling very stable conditions—great news for noise-sensitive modes and weak-signal work. Operators should focus on 20m and 40m for reliable contacts, with 80m coming alive at night. 10m and 12m are mostly closed, so DX on those bands will be rare. Take advantage of the calm geomagnetic field for low-noise operation, especially on the lower bands.

💡 Operator Tips

• For daytime DX, prioritize 20m and 17m—these offer the best balance of reliability and reach.
• 40m and 80m will be your go-to bands for regional and nighttime DX, especially with low band noise.
• Use digital modes (FT8, FT4, RTTY) to maximize weak-signal opportunities, especially on 17m and 15m.
• Verticals and dipoles will work well; consider low-noise receive antennas for 80m/40m.
• With low geomagnetic activity, grayline openings will be enhanced—watch sunrise/sunset for DX.
• For contesters: focus efforts on 20m and 40m for rate, and check 15m for occasional openings.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m/40m: Best at night and early morning (low noise, strong signals)
• 20m: All day and into early evening (long-haul DX, reliable)
• 17m/15m: Late morning to afternoon (occasional DX, especially on digital)
• 12m/10m: Rare openings possible midday; mostly poor conditions

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline propagation is favorable—target sunrise/sunset for long-haul paths on 40m and 20m.
• 20m remains the best band for intercontinental DX, especially to Europe, Africa, and South America.
• Northern latitude operators: aurora is minimal, so polar paths are open.
• No significant special propagation events expected, but watch for brief 15m/17m DX windows during local noon.
• VHF/UHF: No auroral or sporadic-E activity expected; focus on tropo for local work.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Analysis:
20m is the most reliable band throughout the day and evening, making it the top choice for both DX and regional contacts. 40m and 80m improve significantly after sunset, offering strong local and regional signals with potential for DX during grayline. 17m and 15m are marginal—try digital modes for best results. 12m and 10m are largely closed; only attempt these bands if you notice unexpected openings or strong solar events.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 0-1 (very quiet) — Minimal geomagnetic disturbance, low noise, stable propagation.
• Solar Flux: 110-116 — Moderate solar energy; supports 20m and 17m, but not enough for consistent high-band openings.
• Sunspot Number: 76-88 — Moderate; enough for decent mid-band activity, but not high enough for robust 10/12m propagation.
• Space Weather Overview: No major flares or disturbances; X-ray activity at B6.0 (quiet).

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained very low and stable (0-1) over the past 24 hours.
• No recent geomagnetic storms or disturbances.
• Propagation is stable and noise is low, especially beneficial for low-band and weak-signal work.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B6.0 — Indicates quiet solar conditions, no risk of HF blackouts.
• Solar Wind: 421.8 km/s — Moderate speed, not enough to trigger geomagnetic storms.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux at 2290, proton flux at 28 — Both are at normal levels, no impact on HF propagation.
• Aurora Activity: 1 — Very low, so no auroral propagation expected; polar paths are open.
• Helium Line: 113.6 — Stable, suggesting no major solar trend changes.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Over the past several months, solar flux has gradually decreased from 138 in June to 116 in August/September.
• Sunspot numbers have also trended downward, from 101 in May to the mid-70s now.
• This downward trend explains the reduced high-band activity and the current focus on 20m/40m for reliable operation.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Solar and geomagnetic activity are expected to remain quiet for the next three days.
• No major flares or geomagnetic storms are forecast.
• 20m and 40m will continue to be the best bands for most operators.
• 15m/17m may offer brief digital-mode DX windows, especially around local noon.
• 10m/12m will remain mostly closed unless a surprise solar uptick occurs.
• No alerts or warnings for HF or VHF operators—enjoy the stable conditions!