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 quiet geomagnetic conditions. With a solar flux around 105–116 and a sunspot number near 110, expect good performance on 20m throughout the day and night, while higher bands (15m, 12m, 10m) remain challenging. Low K-index means stable conditions, but the recent downward trend in solar flux and sunspots may limit long-haul DX, especially on the upper bands. Operators should focus on the 20m and 40m bands for reliable contacts, with 80m coming alive after sunset. Keep an eye on space weather updates, but no major disturbances are expected today.

💡 Operator Tips

• Target 20m and 40m for the most consistent results, especially for DX and regional QSOs.
• Use digital modes (FT8, PSK31, RTTY) on higher bands (15m, 12m, 10m) to take advantage of marginal openings.
• Nighttime is prime time for 80m and 40m—expect lower noise and better coverage.
• For DXing, try grayline windows on 20m and 40m.
• Check antennas for resonance on your best bands; consider verticals or dipoles for low-angle DX.
• Monitor real-time spots and be ready to QSY if you notice sudden changes in band activity.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 20m: Best all day and night—primary band for reliable contacts.
• 40m/80m: Improve after sunset—great for regional and some DX at night.
• 15m/17m: Marginal, but worth checking during daylight, especially for short/medium skip.
• 12m/10m: Mostly closed; only brief, weak openings possible.

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline propagation is favorable on 20m and 40m—try sunrise/sunset for long-haul DX.
• 20m offers the most consistent intercontinental paths, especially east-west.
• 15m/17m may open briefly to equatorial and southern latitudes during peak solar hours.
• Aurora activity is low (Aurora index 3), so no significant auroral DX on VHF/UHF.
• No major solar events forecasted, so expect stable but not exceptional DX conditions.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Analysis:

• 20m is the standout performer—good propagation around the clock.
• 40m and 80m are best at night and during early morning/evening; expect fair daytime conditions.
• 15m and 17m are marginal—try during midday, but don't expect reliable DX.
• 12m and 10m are mostly closed due to low solar flux and sunspot numbers.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 2 (quiet geomagnetic field)—minimal disruptions, stable HF.
• Solar Flux: 105 (real-time), trending down from 116—lowered MUF, less support for high bands.
• Sunspot Number: 110 (real-time), with recent months averaging 76–110—moderate solar activity.
• Space Weather: No major flares (X-ray B4.3), moderate solar wind (477 km/s), and low aurora (3).

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• Recent K-index trend: Stable and low (mostly 0–2), indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions.
• Impact: No significant absorption or blackout risk; supports stable propagation, especially on lower bands.
• **No geomagnetic storms_ or warnings in effect.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B4.3—low-level X-ray flux, no risk of HF blackouts.
• Solar Wind: 476.8 km/s—moderate speed, but not enough to trigger geomagnetic storms.
• Electron Flux: 1720—elevated but not extreme; may cause minor absorption on polar paths.
• Proton Flux: 9—quiet, no polar cap absorption events.
• Aurora: 3—low, so auroral propagation on VHF/UHF is unlikely.
• Helium Line: 110.9—stable solar activity, no major upswings or drops.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Historical solar flux has declined from ~138 in June/July to 116 in August and 105 currently—reflects a softening in overall HF conditions, especially on higher bands.
• Sunspot numbers have also dipped from 101 in May to 76 in August—explains weaker high-band performance.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Expect continued quiet geomagnetic conditions (low K-index), so lower bands (80m, 40m, 20m) will remain reliable.
• No major solar events forecasted—upper bands (15m, 12m, 10m) will likely stay poor.
• Best bands: 20m (all day), 40m/80m (night), with 17m/15m as wildcards for midday.
• No alerts or warnings—operate as usual, but check for updates if solar activity increases.