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 moderate with some variability across the bands. The solar flux is at 116, and the sunspot number is 112, both slightly below recent monthly averages, suggesting decent but not peak conditions. Geomagnetic activity is low (K-index 2), so noise and absorption are minimal, favoring stable contacts, especially on the lower bands. Expect the 20m band to be the most reliable for both local and DX work, while higher bands (12m/10m) are mostly closed. Operators should focus on the evening and night hours for the best results, especially on 40m and 80m.

💡 Operator Tips

• Use 20m during the day for reliable DX and regional contacts.
• 40m and 80m will perform best at night—ideal for domestic and some DX.
• Digital modes (FT8, PSK31) can help pull signals through marginal conditions, especially on higher bands.
• Keep an eye on the K-index; if it rises, expect more noise and fading.
• For contesters: Focus on 20m/40m for rate, and try 17m/15m for rare openings.
• Use directional antennas and adjust timing for grayline enhancements at sunrise/sunset.

⏰ Best Operating Times

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline DX: Enhanced paths on 40m/80m at sunrise/sunset—watch for Pacific and Asian openings in the morning, Europe and Africa in the evening.
• 20m: Best for intercontinental DX, especially mid-day to early evening.
• 17m/15m: Occasional short openings—monitor for southern and equatorial paths.
• Aurora: Low activity (Aurora index 3); VHF auroral propagation unlikely.
• Special Events: No major solar events or warnings—stable conditions favor scheduled DXpeditions.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Analysis:
The 20m band is the most consistent performer throughout the day and night, supporting both local and DX contacts. 40m and 80m improve significantly after sunset, making them the top choices for night operations. 17m and 15m may offer brief openings but are generally less reliable. 12m and 10m are mostly closed due to lower solar flux and sunspot numbers—check occasionally for sporadic-E or unexpected openings, but don't expect much activity.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 2 – Low geomagnetic activity; stable HF conditions, minimal auroral disturbance.
• Solar Flux: 116 – Moderate; supports 20m and lower bands, but not enough for consistent 10m/12m.
• Sunspot Number: 112 – Healthy but slightly down from recent peaks, sustaining fair propagation on most HF bands.

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained low and stable over the past 24 hours, indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions. This means low absorption and minimal fading, especially helpful for nighttime low-band operations. No recent spikes—conditions are steady.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B5.7 – Low-level solar flare activity; no risk of HF blackouts.
• Solar Wind Speed: 488.6 km/s – Moderate; not high enough to cause geomagnetic storms, but monitor for sudden increases.
• Electron Flux: 3850 – Elevated but not extreme; may cause minor polar absorption, but unlikely to impact most HF users.
• Proton Flux: 82 – Quiet; no proton events affecting propagation.
• Aurora: 3 – Low; auroral propagation on VHF/UHF is not expected.
• Helium Line: 117.5 – Stable; no indication of rising solar activity in the immediate future.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

Recent months show a gradual decrease in both solar flux and sunspot numbers from the winter peak (Dec-Jan) toward early spring. This trend explains the current fair-to-good conditions on 20m and lower bands, with higher bands (15m and above) less active. The overall solar environment is stable, with no major disturbances or flares in the past week.

🔮 3-Day Forecast