Amateur Radio Propagation Report

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 quiet geomagnetic conditions. With a solar flux around 123 and sunspot numbers at 124, expect generally good conditions on 20m during the day and night, while higher bands (17m–10m) are only fair, especially at night. Low K-index values mean minimal geomagnetic disturbance, so noise levels should be low and signals stable. Lower bands (80m, 40m) will perform best at night, while daytime offers solid opportunities on 20m and fair openings on 15m. For best results, focus on 20m for DX and 40m/80m for reliable regional contacts.

💡 Operator Tips

• Use 20m during daylight and evening for the best DX and intercontinental contacts.
• 80m and 40m bands are your go-to for local/regional QSOs, especially after sunset.
• Digital modes (FT8, PSK31) will help you make the most of weaker band openings, especially on 17m–10m.
• Monitor grayline times for enhanced long-path DX, especially on 40m and 20m.
• Portable and low-power (QRP) operators: Take advantage of low geomagnetic activity for clearer signals.
• Contesters: Focus on 20m for rate, but check 15m and 17m for surprise short openings.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m & 40m: Best at night and early morning; fair during the day.
• 20m: Good all day and into the evening; reliable for both DX and regional.
• 17m & 15m: Fair during daylight hours; check mid-morning to late afternoon.
• 12m & 10m: Fair during the day, especially around midday; poor at night.
• Grayline (sunrise/sunset): Enhanced long-distance propagation on 40m and 20m.

🌍 DX Opportunities

• 20m band offers the most consistent DX paths, especially during daylight and evening.
• Grayline propagation: Watch for enhanced east-west and polar openings on 40m and 20m at local sunrise/sunset.
• 15m and 17m may provide brief DX windows midday, especially to equatorial and southern latitudes.
• Aurora activity is low, so polar paths are open and stable.
• No major solar events or warnings—enjoy stable conditions for longer QSOs and rare DX.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Analysis:

• 20m is the most reliable band throughout the day and night, ideal for both DX and regional contacts.
• 80m and 40m are best at night and early morning, with fair conditions during the day—great for local and regional nets.
• 17m and 15m offer fair conditions during daylight, with potential for short DX openings, especially around midday.
• 12m and 10m are only fair during the day and likely closed or poor at night—check for sporadic-E or unexpected openings, especially for digital modes.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 2 (very quiet geomagnetic field, minimal disturbance—great for HF)
• Solar Flux: 123 (moderate; supports good propagation on 20m, fair on higher bands)
• Sunspot Number: 124 (healthy, but trending downward from recent months)
• Space Weather Overview: No major flares or disturbances; X-ray flux at B5.3 (quiet), solar wind moderate (531 km/s), and aurora activity low (3).

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• Recent K-index trend: Stable and low (K=2), with no significant spikes in the last 24 hours.
• Impact: Quiet geomagnetic conditions mean low noise and stable propagation, especially on the low bands and polar paths.
• Outlook: No geomagnetic storms expected—enjoy stable conditions for the next 24 hours.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B5.3 (quiet)—no risk of HF blackouts or sudden ionospheric disturbances.
• Solar Wind: 531 km/s—moderate, but not high enough to cause geomagnetic issues.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux at 2150 (moderate); proton flux at 27 (quiet)—no major impacts on HF expected.
• Aurora Activity: 3 (low)—northern operators will not see significant auroral propagation; VHF/UHF should remain unaffected.
• Helium Line: 110.6—stable, indicating no major solar trend changes in the immediate future.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Historical solar flux and sunspot trend:
  Over the past 6 months, both solar flux and sunspot numbers have declined from spring peaks (solar flux 138, SSN 101) to current moderate levels (solar flux 105, SSN 60). This means high bands (15m–10m) are less reliable, but 20m remains strong. Expect continued moderate conditions unless new solar activity emerges.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Propagation Outlook: Expect stable conditions to continue, with quiet geomagnetic activity and moderate solar flux. 20m will remain the best all-around band; 80m/40m will be strong at night. Watch for possible short-lived improvements on 15m/17m during local midday. No alerts or warnings at this time—enjoy steady fall HF conditions!