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 a moderate solar flux (126–136) and a sunspot number just above 100, supporting generally good conditions on the higher HF bands during daylight. The geomagnetic field is quiet (K-index 0–2), so expect stable propagation with minimal disruptions. Low bands (80m/40m) are good at night, while 20m–15m will be your best daytime choices for DX and reliable QSOs. 12m and 10m are showing only fair openings by day and poor at night, so focus efforts on the mid/high bands. No major space weather alerts—take advantage of the calm geomagnetic conditions for both local and long-haul contacts.

💡 Operator Tips

• Daytime: Prioritize 20m, 17m, and 15m for DX and intercontinental contacts—these bands are currently good.
• Nighttime: Switch to 40m and 80m for regional and domestic QSOs; expect good signals and lower noise.
• Digital modes (FT8, FT4, PSK) will help you squeeze out contacts on marginal bands like 12m and 10m.
• CW and SSB are effective on 20m–40m, especially during grayline.
• Monitor grayline periods for enhanced DX, especially on 40m and 20m.
• Contesters: Focus on 20m–15m during the day and 40m at night for rate.
• Antennas: Use directional antennas for DX; verticals or dipoles for regional coverage.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m/40m: Best after sunset and before sunrise (night, early morning)
• 20m/17m/15m: Best from late morning through late afternoon (local time)
• 12m/10m: Try late morning to early afternoon; openings will be sporadic and short-lived
• Grayline: 40m and 20m are especially productive during dawn and dusk

🌍 DX Opportunities

• 20m–15m: Reliable for transcontinental and intercontinental DX, especially toward Europe and South America from North America.
• Grayline: Enhanced long-path openings possible on 40m and 20m—watch for signals from antipodal regions.
• 10m/12m: Occasional short-skip and sporadic-E possible, but expect only fair conditions.
• Aurora: Aurora activity is low; VHF/UHF auroral propagation is not expected.
• Special events: No major solar events or warnings—take advantage of stable conditions for rare DX.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Analysis:
20m, 17m, and 15m are the most reliable bands throughout the day and into the evening, supporting both DX and domestic contacts. 80m and 40m improve after sunset, making them the best choice for nighttime operation. 12m and 10m may offer brief daytime openings but are mostly poor at night—try digital modes if you want to chase rare openings.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 0–2 (quiet) — Geomagnetic field is stable, supporting good HF propagation.
• Solar Flux: 126–136 (moderate) — Supports good propagation on 20m–15m, with some openings on 12m/10m.
• Sunspot Number: 104 (current), trending between 78–104 recently — Indicates moderate solar activity, favoring higher HF bands.
• Space Weather: No major flares or disturbances; X-ray activity at B5.5 (quiet).

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• Recent K-index trend: Stable and low (0–2) over the past 24 hours.
• Impact: Low geomagnetic activity means minimal absorption and fading, especially at higher latitudes. Expect stable propagation and reduced auroral effects.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B5.5 (quiet) — No risk of HF blackouts; stable conditions.
• Solar Wind: 386 km/s — Typical speeds, not likely to disturb geomagnetic field.
• Particle Environment:
  • Electron Flux: 1700 (moderate) — No significant impact on HF, but can enhance auroral activity if much higher.
  • Proton Flux: 4510 (low) — No risk of radio blackouts or polar cap absorption.
• Aurora Activity: 6 (low) — No auroral propagation expected on HF or VHF.
• Helium Line: 117.7 — Indicates steady solar activity; no major upswings or downswings.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Historical Solar Flux: Has ranged from 120 to 138 over the past 6 months, with a recent slight dip but now steady around 136.
• Sunspot Number: Fluctuated between 77 and 104 in recent months, showing moderate solar activity.
• Trend: Conditions have been relatively stable, with no major solar cycle swings. Expect similar propagation quality in the near term.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Propagation Outlook: Stable solar and geomagnetic conditions expected to continue. No major solar storms or geomagnetic disturbances forecast.
• Best Bands: 20m, 17m, and 15m during the day; 40m and 80m at night.
• Worst Bands: 12m and 10m, especially at night.
• VHF/UHF: No auroral or sporadic-E events expected; standard tropo conditions.
• Recommendations: Continue to focus on mid/high HF bands for DX and contesting, and monitor for any sudden solar or geomagnetic changes.