Amateur Radio Propagation Report

Sun Images for Past 72 Hours

Images copyrighted by the SDO/NASA and Helioviewer project

📋 Propagation Summary: HF propagation is currently moderate to good thanks to a solar flux of 142 and a healthy sunspot number of 130. Most bands from 20m to 15m are open with good conditions during both day and night, while 10m and 12m are less reliable, especially after sunset. Geomagnetic activity is very quiet (K-index 1), so expect stable conditions and minimal disruptions. Operators should take advantage of the low noise floor and enhanced DX potential, especially on the higher bands during daylight hours.

💡 Operator Tips:

• Focus on 20m, 17m, and 15m for reliable DX and intercontinental contacts throughout the day and evening.
• 10m and 12m may open for short periods during peak daylight—monitor these bands for sporadic E or F-layer openings.
• 80m and 40m will perform best at night for regional and some DX contacts; use digital modes (FT8, PSK31) for weak signals.
• With low geomagnetic activity, expect quiet bands and reduced auroral interference—great for contesting and DXing.
• Use directional antennas and monitor grayline times for enhanced long-path opportunities.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 20m, 17m, 15m: Best all day and into the evening—ideal for DX and long-haul contacts.
• 10m, 12m: Fair during daylight, poor at night—watch for brief openings.
• 80m, 40m: Fair during the day, good at night—excellent for regional and some DX after sunset.

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline paths are strong around sunrise and sunset on 20m and 17m, offering enhanced DX to antipodal regions.
• 15m and 20m are open for intercontinental contacts, especially east-west paths.
• 10m may open for short periods to South America, Africa, or the Pacific during local noon.
• Aurora activity is low, so polar paths are stable—good for northern latitude DXing.
• No major space weather events expected, so plan for normal propagation without sudden blackouts.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Analysis:

• 20m, 17m, 15m are the most reliable bands today, open nearly 24 hours with good conditions for DX and regional contacts.
• 10m and 12m offer fair daytime propagation but close quickly after sunset—monitor for brief E-skip or F2 openings.
• 80m and 40m are fair during the day, improving to good at night—great for local and regional work, and some DX on 40m.
• VHF/UHF: No significant enhancements expected; aurora and sporadic E are minimal.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 1 (very quiet)—minimal geomagnetic disturbance, stable HF propagation.
• Solar Flux: 142—above average, supports strong F-layer ionization and good high-band propagation.
• Sunspot Number: 130—healthy, indicating active sun regions and sustained HF openings.
• Space Weather: No major flares or storms; X-ray flux is at C4.5 (moderate), but not enough to cause blackouts.

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained very low and stable (0-1) over the past 24 hours, indicating calm geomagnetic conditions.
• No recent geomagnetic storms or sudden disturbances—expect continued stable propagation, especially on polar and trans-equatorial paths.
• Low auroral activity means minimal absorption or fading on northern routes.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: C4.5—moderate solar flare activity, but not at blackout levels. No significant HF blackouts expected.
• Solar Wind Speed: 418 km/s—slightly elevated, but not enough to trigger geomagnetic storms.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux (22,800) and proton flux (28,900) are moderate; no significant impacts on HF or VHF expected.
• Aurora Activity: Level 3—low, so auroral propagation is unlikely; VHF/UHF operators in high latitudes should not expect aurora openings.
• Helium Line: 123.2—indicates a stable solar environment with no major flare risk.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Over the past several months, solar flux has ranged from 130 to 160, with a recent slight downward trend but still in the good range for HF.
• Sunspot numbers have fluctuated between 78 and 133, currently at a moderate high—supporting ongoing band openings.
• No major solar events or prolonged disturbances have occurred, so operators can expect predictable propagation.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Expect continued quiet geomagnetic conditions (K-index 0-2) and stable HF propagation.
• Solar flux and sunspot numbers are forecast to remain steady, so high bands (20m-15m) will continue to perform well.
• 10m and 12m may see brief midday openings—monitor for sporadic E, especially as we approach summer.
• No alerts or warnings; plan for normal operations with excellent opportunities for DX and contesting on the higher HF bands.