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 favorable for most amateur operators, with a solar flux of 143 and a sunspot number of 102 supporting solid daytime and nighttime activity on the majority of bands. The K-index is low (2), indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions and minimal disruptions. Expect good to fair conditions on 20m–15m throughout the day and night, while higher bands (12m, 10m) are more variable, especially at night. Lower bands (80m, 40m) will be reliable after sunset. Now is a great time for both local and DX contacts—take advantage of the stable space weather!

💡 Operator Tips

• Daytime: Focus on 20m, 17m, and 15m for reliable DX and intercontinental contacts.
• Nighttime: 40m and 80m will provide strong regional and some long-haul propagation.
• Modes: Use FT8, CW, and SSB—digital modes will help on marginal bands like 12m and 10m.
• Antennas: Multi-band dipoles, verticals, and beams will all perform well; consider using low-noise receive antennas for 80m/40m at night.
• Contesting/DX: Now is a good window for DXpeditions and contests—watch for grayline openings and be ready to switch bands as conditions evolve.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m/40m: Best at night and early morning for both local and DX.
• 20m/17m/15m: Excellent throughout the day and into early evening.
• 12m/10m: Open during late morning and afternoon, but may close after sunset.
• Grayline: Sunrise and sunset offer enhanced long-path opportunities on 40m–20m.

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline paths are strong on 40m and 20m—target east-west DX at local sunrise/sunset.
• 20m and 17m are open for intercontinental DX most of the day; check for Pacific, Asia, and Africa.
• 15m is open for trans-equatorial and polar paths, especially midday.
• 10m/12m may support sporadic-E or F2 DX, especially during solar flux peaks—monitor beacons and cluster spots.
• Aurora activity is low, so northern VHF/UHF auroral propagation is unlikely.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

20m, 17m, and 15m are the standout bands—expect consistent performance all day and into the evening. 80m and 40m improve after sunset, ideal for night owls and early risers. 12m and 10m offer occasional daytime openings; check these bands for surprise DX, but expect them to close at night.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 2 (quiet) – Geomagnetic field is stable, minimal absorption or auroral disturbance.
• Solar Flux: 143 – Above average, supporting strong F-layer ionization and higher MUFs.
• Sunspot Number: 102 – Indicates active solar regions, boosting HF propagation.
• Space Weather: No major flares or storms reported; X-ray flux at C1.3 is moderate, so only minor shortwave fadeouts possible.

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• Recent K-index values have remained low and stable (0–2), indicating a quiet geomagnetic environment over the past 24 hours.
• No significant geomagnetic disturbances or sudden increases—propagation has been reliable and should remain so.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: C1.3 – Minor solar flares; low risk of HF blackouts, but brief fadeouts possible on sunlit paths.
• Solar Wind: 369 km/s – Typical speed, no major shocks expected; geomagnetic field remains undisturbed.
• Electron Flux: 1350 – Slightly elevated, may cause minor absorption on polar paths but not enough for major issues.
• Proton Flux: 20 – Low; no proton events affecting propagation.
• Aurora Level: 3 – Quiet; auroral propagation on VHF/UHF is unlikely for northern operators.
• Helium Line: 129.5 – Indicates moderate, steady solar activity; no rapid changes expected.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Solar Flux and Sunspot Trends: Over the past 6 months, solar flux has ranged from 120 to 151, with a recent upward trend (now at 138). Sunspot numbers have fluctuated but remain healthy, supporting good HF conditions.
• Seasonal Patterns: As we move through late July, expect higher bands (15m, 12m, 10m) to open more frequently during daytime, especially with current solar flux levels.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Propagation Outlook: Stable solar and geomagnetic conditions are forecast. Expect continued good openings on 20m–15m, with 12m/10m offering daytime surprises. Nighttime on 80m/40m remains strong.
• No major space weather alerts or warnings—enjoy the bands, watch for grayline DX, and check higher bands for unexpected openings!