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 activity with a solar flux around 124–136 and a sunspot number near 78–87. Geomagnetic conditions are very quiet (K-index 0–1), which means low noise and stable propagation—great news for most HF bands. Expect good performance on 20m and 30m, with 40m and 80m improving at night. Higher bands (15m–10m) are only fair during the day and likely poor or closed at night. Operators should take advantage of the quiet geomagnetic field for DX and reliable regional contacts, especially on the lower bands after dark.

💡 Operator Tips

• Use 20m and 30m for reliable daytime DX and intercontinental contacts.
• 40m and 80m will shine at night—try these for regional and some long-haul paths.
• 15m–10m may open to some DX during midday, but expect only fair conditions; check for sporadic E or short-skip.
• Digital modes (FT8, FT4, PSK) will outperform SSB/CW on marginal bands, especially 12m and 10m.
• Keep antennas optimized for your target band and time of day; verticals and beams will help on higher bands.
• With low geomagnetic activity, noise levels are low—great for weak-signal work and contests.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m/40m: Best at night and early morning for local/regional; some DX possible pre-sunrise.
• 30m/20m: Best during daylight and early evening for long-haul DX.
• 17m/15m: Midday to afternoon for possible openings.
• 12m/10m: Check late morning to early afternoon for any short-lived openings, especially on digital modes.

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline: Enhanced propagation on 40m and 80m at local sunrise/sunset—target east-west paths.
• 20m: Remains the most reliable for worldwide DX throughout the day.
• 15m/12m/10m: Watch for brief DX windows around noon, especially toward equatorial and southern hemisphere paths.
• Aurora: Minimal risk today (Aurora level 1); VHF auroral propagation not expected.
• Special events: No major solar flares or geomagnetic storms forecast—enjoy stable conditions for contests or awards chasing.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

The 20m and 30m bands are the most reliable for all-day operation, providing consistent DX and regional coverage. 40m and 80m improve significantly at night, ideal for local and some DX contacts. 15m, 12m, and 10m are only fair during daylight—check for brief openings, especially using digital modes. Nighttime on 12m and 10m is likely closed or very poor.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 0–1 (very quiet) – minimal geomagnetic disturbance, low noise, stable propagation.
• Solar Flux: 124–136 (moderate) – supports good HF propagation, especially on 20m and below.
• Sunspot Number: 78–87 (moderate) – enough for some higher band activity, but not strong for 10m/12m.
• Space Weather: No major flares; X-ray flux at B8.4 (quiet), solar wind at 442 km/s (moderate), aurora level 1 (very low).

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has been very low and stable (0–1) over the past 24 hours, indicating no geomagnetic storms or disturbances.
• These quiet conditions favor long-haul DX and minimize band noise, especially on lower frequencies.
• No signs of worsening geomagnetic activity—expect continued stability.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B8.4 (quiet) – No risk of HF blackouts; stable propagation.
• Solar Wind: 442.8 km/s – Slightly elevated, but not enough to trigger geomagnetic storms.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux at 14,100 (moderate); proton flux at 326 (quiet) – No significant impacts on HF.
• Aurora Activity: Level 1 – Very low; no auroral propagation expected on VHF/UHF.
• Helium Line: 122.5 – Indicates stable solar output; no major changes expected.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

Recent months show solar flux fluctuating between 120–138 and sunspot numbers between 77–101. This trend supports moderate HF conditions with occasional improvements on higher bands during solar peaks. No major upswings or downswings—propagation has been steady, with the best conditions on 20m and below.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Stable geomagnetic conditions expected to continue (K-index 0–1).
• Solar flux likely to remain in the 120–135 range—no major changes.
• Best bands: 20m and 30m for all-day DX; 40m/80m at night.
• Worst bands: 12m and 10m, especially at night.
• No alerts or warnings—enjoy the quiet space weather for reliable operating!