Sun Images for Past 72 Hours
Images copyrighted by the SDO/NASA and Helioviewer project
📋 Propagation Summary: Today’s HF propagation is shaped by moderate solar activity and very quiet geomagnetic conditions. With a solar flux of 105 and a sunspot number of 26, expect good performance on 20m during most of the day and night, while higher bands (15m, 12m, 10m) remain challenging. The low K-index (1) means minimal geomagnetic disturbance, so noise levels should be low and signals stable. Lower bands (80m/40m) will offer fair to good conditions, especially at night. For best results, focus on 20m and 40m, and keep an eye on grayline openings for DX.
💡 Operator Tips:
- Use 20m for reliable daytime and evening DX; try digital modes (FT8/FT4) for marginal bands like 17m/15m.
- 80m/40m are your best bets for local/regional contacts, especially after sunset.
- Monitor 12m/10m for brief openings, but expect mostly poor conditions.
- Low geomagnetic activity means low noise—take advantage for weak-signal work (CW, digital).
- For DXers: grayline periods (dawn/dusk) may provide enhanced paths, especially on 20m and 40m.
- Contest operators: Focus on 20m and 40m for rate, with some potential on 17m/15m for multipliers.
⏰ Best Operating Times
| Band | Best Times (UTC) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 80m | 20:00–08:00 | Nighttime best; local/regional NVIS |
| 40m | 18:00–10:00 | Good all night; some daytime skip |
| 20m | 10:00–22:00 (and grayline) | Best for DX, good day/evening/night |
| 17m | 12:00–20:00 | Fair; check for short DX openings |
| 15m | 13:00–19:00 | Marginal, digital modes recommended |
| 12m | 14:00–18:00 | Poor, but check for sporadic E |
| 10m | 15:00–17:00 | Mostly closed, brief E-skip possible |
🌍 DX Opportunities
- 20m: Most reliable for intercontinental DX, especially along the grayline.
- 40m: Good for DX at local sunrise/sunset; enhanced low-noise paths.
- 17m/15m: Watch for short-lived openings, especially toward equatorial and southern paths.
- Grayline: Enhanced propagation at sunrise/sunset—target long-haul paths.
- No significant aurora or polar path disruption expected due to quiet geomagnetic field.
📻 Band-by-Band Analysis
| Band | Morning | Day | Evening | Night |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80m | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good |
| 40m | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good |
| 20m | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good |
| 17m | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair |
| 15m | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair |
| 12m | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor |
| 10m | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor |
Analysis:
- 20m is the standout performer—good all day and night for both local and DX contacts.
- 40m/80m are good at night for regional and some DX; fair during the day.
- 17m/15m are fair—use digital modes for best results.
- 12m/10m are poor—expect little activity except for possible brief E-skip.
- For maximum results, operate 20m during the day and 40m/80m at night.
📊 Current Solar Activity
Solar Activity Metrics
K-index
Solar Flux (10.7cm)
Sunspot Number
- K-index: 1 (very quiet) – minimal geomagnetic disturbance, low noise.
- Solar Flux: 105 – moderate, supports 20m/17m, but limits higher bands.
- Sunspot Number: 26 – low, indicating reduced ionization and fewer high-band openings.
- Space Weather: No major flares or disturbances; X-ray flux at B7.8 (low).
📈 Geomagnetic Conditions
- The K-index has remained very low and stable over the past 24 hours, indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions.
- No recent geomagnetic storms or disturbances; conditions are ideal for HF with minimal absorption or auroral effects.
- Expect continued low noise and stable propagation, especially on low and mid bands.
🌟 Space Weather Details
Space Weather Dashboard
X-ray Activity
Solar Wind Speed
Aurora Activity
- X-ray Activity: B7.8 (low) – No risk of HF blackouts; stable D-layer absorption.
- Solar Wind: 366.9 km/s – Typical speed, not likely to trigger geomagnetic activity.
- Particle Environment:
- Electron Flux: 1510 – Slightly elevated, but not at levels that cause polar absorption.
- Proton Flux: 13 – Quiet; no SIDs or polar cap absorption events.
- Aurora Activity: 1 (very low) – No auroral propagation; VHF/UHF paths remain normal.
- Helium Line: 112.6 – Stable, indicating no major changes in solar activity trend.
📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details
Propagation Quality Timeline (24 Hours)
- Over the past several months, solar flux has declined from 151 to 105, and sunspot numbers have dropped from over 100 to the mid-20s.
- This downward trend means high bands (12m/10m) are less likely to open, while mid and low bands remain more reliable.
- The current conditions favor 20m and 40m for both local and DX work.
Solar Activity Trends (6 Months)
🔮 3-Day Forecast
3-Day K-index Forecast
- Expect continued quiet geomagnetic conditions (low K-index) and stable solar activity.
- 20m will remain the best all-around band; 40m/80m strong at night.
- 12m/10m will stay poor, but monitor for brief E-skip or sporadic openings.
- No major solar or geomagnetic events forecast; plan for steady, predictable propagation.
- No alerts or warnings for HF or VHF operators at this time.