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 in a moderate phase, with solar flux at 97 and a sunspot number of 67, both slightly below recent monthly averages. The K-index is 0, indicating very quiet geomagnetic conditions—great news for stable HF operation and minimal noise. Expect good performance on lower bands (80m–20m), while higher bands (15m–10m) are less reliable due to lower solar activity. Operators should focus on the lower bands for reliable contacts and watch for brief higher-band openings, especially during daylight. No major space weather disturbances are present, so expect steady conditions through the day.

💡 Operator Tips

• Prioritize 80m, 40m, and 20m for both local and DX contacts—these bands are performing well day and night.
• Use digital modes (FT8, PSK31) on 17m and 15m to take advantage of marginal conditions.
• CW and SSB will be most effective on 80m–20m; higher bands may require more power or better antennas.
• For DX, work the grayline on 40m and 20m for best long-haul results.
• Monitor 10m and 12m for short, sporadic-E or solar-driven openings, but expect generally poor conditions.
• Low noise levels due to quiet geomagnetic field—take advantage for weak-signal work and contesting.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m & 40m: Excellent at night and early morning; good during the day for regional contacts.
• 20m: Good all day, especially late morning through early evening.
• 17m & 15m: Fair during midday; best chance for DX around local noon.
• 12m & 10m: Poor most of the day; check for brief openings around solar noon.
• Grayline (sunrise/sunset): Enhanced propagation on 40m and 20m for DX.

🌍 DX Opportunities

• 40m and 20m: Best for long-distance DX, especially along the grayline.
• 17m & 15m: Occasional short openings—watch for sudden enhancement, especially to equatorial and southern latitudes.
• 10m & 12m: Sporadic-E possible, but generally closed; monitor for surprise openings.
• Grayline: Use grayline maps to target regions just entering/exiting daylight for enhanced propagation.
• No aurora-related DX expected due to low aurora activity.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

80m, 40m, and 20m are the most reliable bands throughout the day and night, offering consistent regional and DX opportunities. 17m and 15m are marginal—digital modes may help. 12m and 10m are mostly closed, with only rare, brief openings possible.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index (geomagnetic activity): 0 — Very quiet, ideal for low-noise HF operation.
• Solar Flux (10.7cm): 97 — Below average, limiting higher band (15m–10m) openings.
• Sunspot Number: 67 — Moderate, supports good propagation on lower bands but not enough for strong high-band activity.
• Space Weather: No significant solar flares or disturbances; X-ray flux at B4.5 (low).

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

The K-index has remained very low and stable over the past 24 hours, indicating a quiet geomagnetic field. This stability means minimal auroral absorption and low band noise, especially beneficial for weak-signal and low-band operation. No geomagnetic storms or disturbances are expected in the immediate future.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B4.5 — Low-level X-ray flux, meaning no HF blackouts or sudden fades expected.
• Solar Wind: 373 km/s — Moderate speed, not enough to disturb geomagnetic conditions.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux at 2000, proton flux at 11 — Both at quiet levels, so no unusual propagation effects.
• Aurora Activity: 1 — Very low, so no auroral propagation for VHF/UHF.
• Helium Line: 106.4 — Indicates low to moderate solar activity, matching the current solar flux and sunspot numbers.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

Recent months show a gradual decline in both solar flux and sunspot numbers, with solar flux dropping from 138 in June to 116 in August, and sunspots from 94 to 76. This trend suggests a slow decrease in high-band (15m–10m) activity, while lower bands remain strong. Expect similar conditions to persist unless a solar uptick occurs.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• HF: Expect continued good conditions on 80m–20m, with 17m and 15m remaining marginal. 12m and 10m will likely stay poor.
• VHF/UHF: No aurora or enhanced propagation expected.
• Geomagnetic: Quiet conditions should persist, supporting low noise and stable propagation.
• Recommendations: Focus on low bands for DX and contests; monitor higher bands for brief openings, especially during local noon and grayline. No alerts or warnings at this time.