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 across most bands, with solar flux at 125 and a sunspot number of 85 supporting reliable daytime and evening contacts, especially on the mid and lower bands. Geomagnetic conditions are quiet (K-index 2), meaning minimal disruptions and stable propagation. Expect good opportunities on 20m, 17m, and 15m throughout the day, while higher bands (12m, 10m) may be more challenging, especially at night. Low aurora activity means VHF/UHF is mostly unaffected. Operators should take advantage of the stable conditions for both local and DX work, especially during daylight and evening hours.

💡 Operator Tips:

• Focus on 20m, 17m, and 15m for reliable DX and intercontinental contacts during the day.
• 80m and 40m will perform best at night for regional and domestic QSOs.
• For digital modes (FT8, PSK31), try 12m and 10m during peak daylight for possible sporadic-E or weak-signal DX.
• Use vertical or directional antennas to maximize low-angle takeoff for DX, especially on higher bands.
• Monitor grayline times for enhanced long-path openings, particularly on 40m and 20m.
• Contest and DXers: Plan operations around local sunrise/sunset for best results on low bands.

⏰ Best Operating Times

🌍 DX Opportunities

• 20m and 17m: Good worldwide DX paths, especially east-west during daylight.
• 15m: Open for intercontinental contacts, especially toward equatorial and southern latitudes.
• Grayline: Enhanced propagation on 40m and 20m at local sunrise/sunset—target antipodal regions.
• 12m/10m: Watch for brief E-skip or F2 openings, especially during peak solar flux hours.
• Low aurora: No significant auroral propagation; VHF/UHF operators in northern latitudes will see typical summer conditions.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Analysis:

• 20m, 17m, 15m are the most reliable for both local and DX contacts throughout the day and evening.
• 80m and 40m are best at night and early morning for regional and some DX, but only fair during the day due to D-layer absorption.
• 12m and 10m offer fair conditions during daylight, but are generally poor or closed at night—watch for brief E-skip or solar-driven openings midday.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 2 (quiet geomagnetic field)—minimal disturbance, stable HF propagation.
• Solar Flux: 125 (moderate)—supports good F2-layer propagation up to 15m, with occasional 12m/10m openings.
• Sunspot Number: 85 (moderate)—sustains reliable propagation on most HF bands.
• Space Weather Overview:
  • X-ray: C2.3 (moderate flare activity, low risk of sudden HF blackouts)
  • Aurora: 2 (very low, no auroral propagation expected)
  • Solar Wind: 415 km/s (typical, not likely to cause geomagnetic storms)

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• Recent K-index trend: Stable and low over the past 24 hours, indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions.
• Impacts: No significant geomagnetic disturbances; expect consistent HF propagation, especially for north-south and polar paths.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: C2.3—moderate solar flare activity, but not enough to cause widespread HF blackouts. Remain alert for sudden shortwave fadeouts on the sunlit side.
• Solar Wind: 415 km/s—average speed, unlikely to trigger geomagnetic storms or aurora.
• Particle Environment:
  • Electron Flux: 1860—elevated but not extreme, may cause minor polar absorption but no major issues.
  • Proton Flux: 169—quiet, no significant impact on HF propagation.
• Aurora: Level 2—very low, so VHF/UHF auroral propagation is not expected.
• Helium Line: 113.0—moderate solar activity, trend is stable, no rapid changes anticipated.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Historical Trends:
  • Solar flux has rebounded from a springtime dip, now stabilizing in the 125–140 range, supporting improved high-band openings compared to earlier months.
  • Sunspot numbers have also stabilized after a dip in early spring, now trending slightly upward, which is favorable for HF propagation.

🔮 3-Day Forecast