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 stable and favorable for most amateur bands, thanks to a solar flux of 148 and a low K-index of 1. This means minimal geomagnetic disturbance and generally quiet space weather. The sunspot number is moderate at 82, supporting good daytime and evening propagation, especially on the higher bands. Expect good conditions on 20m, 17m, and 15m throughout the day, with 80m and 40m performing best at night. Operators should take advantage of the quiet geomagnetic field and moderate solar activity for reliable regional and DX contacts.

💡 Operator Tips

• Use 20m, 17m, and 15m for daytime DX and intercontinental contacts; these bands are performing well.
• 80m and 40m are your best bets for local and regional QSOs after sunset.
• Digital modes (FT8, FT4, RTTY) will help you make contacts even on marginal bands like 12m and 10m.
• With low geomagnetic activity, north-south and polar paths are open—try for rare DX in those directions.
• For contesters: focus on 15m and 20m during the day, then move to 40m and 80m at night for maximum QSO rates.
• Keep an eye on the grayline for enhanced propagation at sunrise and sunset, especially on 40m and 80m.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m & 40m: Best at night and early morning for local/regional contacts.
• 20m, 17m, 15m: Excellent during daylight hours and into early evening for DX.
• 12m & 10m: Fair during midday; limited openings possible—watch for short-lived DX.
• Grayline: Sunrise and sunset boost for 40m and 80m; check 20m for long-haul DX.

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Daytime: 20m, 17m, and 15m are open for transcontinental and intercontinental DX, especially along east-west paths.
• Evening/Night: 40m and 80m open up for transatlantic and transpacific paths, with enhanced grayline propagation.
• Grayline: Watch for rare openings on 40m and 80m to distant locations at your local sunrise/sunset.
• Special: Quiet geomagnetic field means polar and high-latitude DX is possible—try for northern and southern hemisphere contacts.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Analysis:

• 20m, 17m, and 15m are the most reliable bands throughout the day and evening, offering consistent regional and DX opportunities.
• 80m and 40m are best at night and early morning, with fair conditions during the day.
• 12m and 10m are marginal—watch for brief openings during midday, but expect poor night performance.
• For VHF/UHF, no significant aurora or sporadic-E activity is expected.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 1 (very quiet geomagnetic field, minimal disturbances—great for HF!)
• Solar Flux: 148 (supports good HF propagation, especially on 20m-15m)
• Sunspot Number: 82 (moderate, enough to sustain higher band openings)
• Space Weather: No major flares or disturbances; X-ray level is B8.3 (quiet).

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained low (1-2) over the past 24 hours, indicating stable and quiet geomagnetic conditions.
• No significant spikes or disturbances—conditions have been improving and stable, favoring all HF bands.
• Expect continued low geomagnetic activity, which helps maintain good propagation, especially on polar and high-latitude paths.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B8.3 (quiet, low risk of sudden HF blackouts or D-layer absorption)
• Solar Wind: 341 km/s (moderate, not likely to trigger geomagnetic storms)
• Particle Environment: Electron flux at 3010 (normal, no significant impact on propagation); proton flux at 15 (quiet)
• Aurora Activity: 1 (very low, no auroral propagation expected on VHF/UHF)
• Helium Line: 129.8 (stable, indicating no sudden increases in solar activity)
• Practical Impact: No space weather alerts; HF and VHF propagation remains undisturbed.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Historical Solar Flux: Solar flux has decreased slightly over the past two months (from 151 in January to 136 in February), but remains high enough for good HF propagation.
• Sunspot Trend: Sunspot numbers have also dipped (from 112 in January to 78 in February), but are still supporting reliable band openings.
• Context: While solar activity is trending downward, current levels are still favorable for most HF operations.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Expect continued quiet geomagnetic conditions (K-index 1-2) with no major solar storms forecast.
• HF bands (20m, 17m, 15m) will remain strong during the day; 40m and 80m will continue to be best at night.
• 12m and 10m may see brief midday openings—monitor for short-lived DX, especially during high solar flux periods.
• No alerts or warnings—enjoy stable propagation and plan for DX and contest activity with confidence!