Amateur Radio Propagation Report

Sun Images for Past 72 Hours

Images copyrighted by the SDO/NASA and Helioviewer project

📋 Propagation Summary: HF propagation is looking favorable today thanks to a strong solar flux of 150 and a healthy sunspot number around 101. The K-index is at 0, indicating very quiet geomagnetic conditions—great news for stable propagation, especially on the higher bands. Expect good openings on 20m, 17m, and 15m throughout the day, with 10m and 12m also offering solid daytime performance. Nighttime will favor the lower bands, especially 40m and 80m. Operators should take advantage of the calm geomagnetic field and elevated solar activity for both DX and regional contacts.

💡 Operator Tips:

• Use 20m, 17m, and 15m for reliable daytime DX; try 10m/12m for potential short-skip and sporadic-E, especially midday.
• 40m and 80m will shine after sunset—ideal for domestic and regional QSOs.
• With the K-index at 0, expect minimal fading and stable signals—great for SSB, CW, and digital modes.
• For DX, focus on grayline periods and be ready for enhanced long-path openings.
• If contesting or chasing awards, now is the time to work higher bands before conditions shift.

⏰ Best Operating Times:

• 80m & 40m: Best at night and early morning.
• 20m, 17m, 15m: Excellent from late morning through early evening.
• 12m & 10m: Best midday to late afternoon; may close after sunset.
• Grayline (sunrise/sunset): Enhanced DX on all bands, especially 40m and 20m.

🌍 DX Opportunities:

• Grayline propagation is strong—target east-west paths at local sunrise/sunset for best DX.
• 20m and 17m are open globally during daylight; look for trans-equatorial and polar paths.
• 10m/12m may support short-skip and occasional F2-layer DX, especially during peak solar hours.
• Quiet geomagnetic field favors polar and high-latitude DX; minimal auroral absorption.
• Watch for surprise openings on 6m if solar wind or sporadic-E increases.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Analysis:

• 20m, 17m, 15m are the top performers during the day, supporting both regional and DX contacts.
• 10m and 12m are open for daytime activity but close rapidly after sunset—work these bands midday for best results.
• 40m and 80m offer strong night and early morning propagation, ideal for domestic and near-continental QSOs.
• For all bands, grayline periods (dawn/dusk) provide enhanced long-distance opportunities.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 0 — Indicates very quiet geomagnetic conditions, supporting stable and low-noise HF propagation.
• Solar Flux: 150 — High value, signaling strong ionization and excellent support for higher HF bands (20m–10m).
• Sunspot Number: 101 — Healthy sunspot count, sustaining robust propagation and frequent DX openings.
• Space Weather Overview: No major flares or disturbances; X-ray activity is moderate (C1.2), supporting good band conditions.

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained at or near 0 over the past 24 hours, reflecting a period of exceptional geomagnetic stability.
• No recent geomagnetic storms or disturbances—conditions are stable and favorable for all HF operations.
• Expect minimal signal fading, especially on polar and high-latitude paths.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: C1.2 — Moderate; no major blackouts expected, but keep an eye out for sudden enhancements.
• Solar Wind Speed: 538.9 km/s — Slightly elevated, but not enough to trigger geomagnetic storms under current conditions.
• Electron Flux: 1650 — Elevated, which can enhance daytime MUF (Maximum Usable Frequency) but may cause minor noise on higher bands.
• Proton Flux: 19 — Low, indicating no significant radiation storms.
• Aurora: 1 — Very low; auroral activity is minimal, so VHF/UHF aurora propagation is unlikely.
• Helium Line: 126.1 — Stable, suggesting no imminent solar flare risk.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Over the past several months, solar flux has fluctuated between 120 and 151, with a recent uptick to 138–150—a positive trend for HF propagation.
• Sunspot numbers have varied but remain healthy, supporting continued good propagation on all bands.
• The combination of high solar flux and stable geomagnetic field is ideal for both day and night operations.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Expect continued quiet geomagnetic conditions with K-index likely remaining low.
• Solar flux should stay elevated, maintaining strong HF band openings, especially on 20m–10m.
• No significant space weather alerts or warnings are in effect.
• Recommendation: Make the most of the current solar peak—work higher bands during the day and lower bands at night for best results. Watch for possible short-lived enhancements if minor flares occur.