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 radio operations, thanks to a low K-index (0), moderate solar flux (118), and a healthy sunspot count (126). Expect good conditions on the lower and mid-HF bands (80m–20m) throughout the day and night, with higher bands (17m–10m) offering limited opportunities due to lower solar flux and recent sunspot trends. Minimal geomagnetic activity means noise levels are low, making for quieter bands and easier DX. Operators should focus on traditional HF bands for reliable contacts, while VHF/UHF openings remain unlikely today.

💡 Operator Tips

• Take advantage of low noise and quiet geomagnetic conditions—use lower power and simple antennas for effective contacts.
• For DX, target 20m during daylight and 40m/80m at night; these bands are performing best.
• Modes like CW and digital (FT8, PSK31) will help you break through marginal conditions, especially on 17m and 15m.
• For contesting or awards, focus on 40m and 20m for all-day activity, and check 80m after sunset for regional and some DX.
• Keep an ear on 10m and 12m for short, sporadic openings, but don't expect reliable long-haul propagation today.
• Portable and QRP operators: enjoy the low noise floor—today is a great day for field ops!

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m & 40m: Best at night and early morning for both local and DX contacts.
• 20m: Good all day, peaking late morning through afternoon for intercontinental DX.
• 17m & 15m: Fair during midday; check for short DX openings.
• 12m & 10m: Poor throughout the day; brief openings possible around local noon, especially on north-south paths.
• VHF/UHF: No significant propagation enhancements expected.

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline propagation is strong on 40m and 80m—work DX at sunrise and sunset along the day/night line.
• 20m remains the DX workhorse during daylight, with good east-west and some north-south paths.
• Watch for occasional short-path openings on 17m and 15m, especially to equatorial and southern hemisphere regions.
• Aurora activity is very low (Aurora: 1), so no auroral DX on VHF/UHF.
• No major solar events or special propagation phenomena expected today.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

The best bands today are 80m, 40m, and 20m, all showing consistent Good conditions day and night—ideal for both local and DX work. 17m and 15m are Fair and may support some DX around midday, but expect limited openings. 12m and 10m are Poor across all time periods; only try these bands for local contacts or if you notice unexpected openings.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 0 — Very quiet geomagnetic field, minimal noise, and stable propagation.
• Solar Flux: 118 — Moderate level, supporting good HF propagation on lower/mid bands, but not enough for reliable high-band (10m/12m) openings.
• Sunspot Number: 126 — Healthy count, indicating ongoing solar activity but slightly lower than peak months.
• Space Weather Overview: No major flares, CMEs, or disturbances reported. X-ray activity is low (B5.0).

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained very low and stable (0) over the past 24 hours, indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions.
• No recent geomagnetic storms or disturbances—propagation is not being disrupted by space weather.
• Expect low noise and steady signals on all HF bands.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B5.0 — Low, so no risk of HF blackouts or sudden fades.
• Solar Wind Speed: 423 km/s — Moderate, not enough to disturb Earth's magnetic field.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux (1760) and proton flux (10) are both normal, so no additional absorption or noise.
• Aurora Activity: 1 — Very low, so no auroral propagation on VHF/UHF.
• Helium Line: 112.4 — Indicates moderate solar activity, consistent with recent trends.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

Recent months show a gradual decline in both solar flux and sunspot numbers since June, moving from a high of 138 (solar flux) and 94 (SSN) in June to current values around 116 (solar flux) and 76 (SSN) in August/September. This trend explains the weaker high-band conditions and continued strength on lower bands.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Expect continued quiet geomagnetic conditions (K-index 0–1), with stable HF propagation.
• Solar flux and sunspot numbers are likely to remain steady, so no major changes in band conditions are expected.
• 80m–20m will continue to offer the best opportunities; 17m/15m may improve slightly with any uptick in solar flux.
• No alerts or warnings for HF or VHF operators—enjoy the stable bands and low noise!