Amateur Radio Propagation Report

Sun Images for Past 72 Hours

Images copyrighted by the SDO/NASA and Helioviewer project

📋 Propagation Summary: HF propagation today is shaped by moderate solar flux (132) and a healthy sunspot count (142), offering generally good conditions on most bands. The K-index is low (2), indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions and stable ionosphere, which is favorable for both local and DX contacts. Expect good performance on 20m, 17m, and 15m throughout the day and evening, with lower bands (80m/40m) improving after sunset. Higher bands (12m/10m) are only fair during daylight and likely to close at night. For best results, focus your efforts on the mid and lower HF bands, and watch for possible short-lived DX openings on 10m during peak solar hours.

💡 Operator Tips

• Daytime: Target 20m, 17m, and 15m for reliable DX and regional QSOs; use SSB, CW, and digital modes for best reach.
• Evening/Night: Switch to 80m and 40m for strong regional and intercontinental contacts, especially on CW and digital.
• 10m/12m: Try FT8 or other weak-signal modes during midday for possible sporadic-E or F-layer DX.
• Antennas: Multi-band dipoles or verticals will maximize your options; consider directional antennas for DX.
• Contesters: Focus on 20m and 15m during the day, 40m and 80m after dark for rate.
• Noise: With quiet geomagnetic conditions, local noise may be your main challenge—use noise reduction features and filters.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m/40m: Best after sunset through early morning (nighttime: 🟡 Good)
• 20m/17m/15m: Best from late morning through sunset (day/evening: 🟡 Good)
• 12m/10m: Try late morning to early afternoon (day: 🟠 Fair); expect bands to close at night (night: 🔴 Poor)
• DX: Peak chances around local noon and during grayline (sunrise/sunset)

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline: Enhanced long-path openings on 40m and 20m at local sunrise/sunset—check for rare DX!
• 20m/17m: Good global coverage, especially east-west paths during daylight.
• 15m: Potential for trans-equatorial and north-south DX during the day.
• 10m/12m: Watch for brief openings, especially to southern latitudes or during solar peak hours.
• Aurora: Low auroral activity (Aurora: 2), so VHF/UHF auroral propagation is unlikely.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

The best bands today are 20m, 17m, and 15m, providing good propagation nearly all day and into the evening. 80m and 40m are fair during daylight but improve to good after sunset, making them ideal for night operations. 12m and 10m are only fair during the day and likely to be poor or closed at night—try digital modes for any possible openings.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index (2): Low geomagnetic activity—the ionosphere is stable, which is great for HF propagation.
• Solar Flux (132): Moderate to high—supports good F-layer ionization, especially on 20m-15m.
• Sunspot Number (142): Healthy sunspot count—enhances overall band openings and supports higher frequencies.
• Space Weather: No major flares or disturbances reported; X-ray flux is at B7.8, indicating only minor solar activity.

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained low and stable over the past 24 hours, indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions.
• No significant geomagnetic storms or disturbances—propagation is steady and predictable.
• Expect continued stability unless a sudden solar event occurs.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B7.8 (low)—no risk of HF blackouts or sudden ionospheric disturbances.
• Solar Wind: 506.6 km/s—moderately elevated, but not enough to trigger geomagnetic storms.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux (2210) and proton flux (13) are both within normal ranges; no significant impact on HF.
• Aurora: Level 2—minimal auroral activity, so VHF/UHF auroral propagation is not expected.
• Helium Line: 120.5—indicates steady solar activity with no major upswings or drops.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Over the past several months, solar flux and sunspot numbers have gradually decreased from their spring/early summer highs, but remain at moderate levels.
• This slow decline means band conditions are still good on the mid-HF bands, but high bands (12m/10m) are less reliable than earlier in the year.
• No recent major solar events or geomagnetic storms have disrupted propagation, supporting stable conditions.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Solar and geomagnetic conditions are expected to remain stable for the next three days, with no major storms or flare activity forecasted.
• HF bands (20m, 17m, 15m) will continue to offer the best performance for both DX and regional contacts.
• 80m and 40m will be strong at night; 10m/12m may see brief daytime openings, especially for digital modes.
• No alerts or warnings are in effect—enjoy the bands and watch for any sudden solar events that could change conditions.