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 looking moderately favorable for most amateur operators. Solar flux is at a healthy 148, and the sunspot number stands at 123, supporting good conditions on the higher bands during daylight hours. The K-index is very low (1), indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions and minimal disruptions. Expect good openings on 20m, 17m, and 15m throughout the day, while 12m and 10m will be more variable. Nighttime conditions on the lower bands (80m/40m) should be reliable for regional and DX contacts. Take advantage of the stable geomagnetic field and moderate solar activity for both DX and local QSOs.

💡 Operator Tips

• Daytime: Focus on 20m, 17m, and 15m for reliable DX and intercontinental contacts.
• Nighttime: 40m and 80m will offer strong regional and some DX opportunities—great for nets and ragchews.
• Digital modes (FT8, FT4, PSK31) will help you dig out weak signals, especially on marginal bands like 12m and 10m.
• CW and SSB will perform well on the mid-bands; consider low power (QRP) for fun due to low noise.
• Antennas: Multi-band verticals or dipoles will cover most needs; consider directional antennas for chasing DX.
• Contesters: Plan for best rates on 20m/15m during the day and 40m at night.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m/40m: Best at night and early morning (local sunrise/sunset)
• 20m: Open all day, peaking late morning to afternoon
• 17m/15m: Strong from mid-morning to late afternoon
• 12m/10m: Best around local noon, but variable—watch for short-lived openings
• Grayline: Sunrise and sunset for enhanced DX, especially on 40m and 20m

🌍 DX Opportunities

• 20m and 17m are prime for long-haul DX during daylight, especially along the grayline.
• 15m is showing good daytime conditions—look for trans-equatorial and east-west paths.
• 40m will support nighttime DX, especially during local sunrise/sunset (grayline).
• Grayline enhancement: Watch for short, strong DX windows at your local dawn/dusk.
• No significant aurora activity—northern VHF/UHF DX unlikely today.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Analysis:
20m, 17m, and 15m are the most reliable bands today, offering good propagation nearly all day and into the evening. 40m and 80m are good at night and early morning, ideal for local and regional contacts. 12m and 10m are only fair during daylight and likely poor or closed at night—watch for brief midday openings if you’re chasing DX.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 1 (very quiet) – Minimal geomagnetic disturbance, excellent for HF stability.
• Solar Flux (10.7cm): 148 – Above average, supporting strong ionization for higher bands.
• Sunspot Number: 123 – Healthy, indicating active regions on the sun and decent propagation.
• Space Weather: No major flares or storms reported; X-ray flux at C1.0 (minor).

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained very low and stable over the past 24 hours, indicating a quiet geomagnetic field.
• No recent geomagnetic storms or disturbances—conditions are stable and favorable for HF and DX work.
• Expect continued low noise and minimal fading (QSB) on all bands.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: C1.0 – Minor, with no risk of HF blackouts or major disruptions.
• Solar Wind Speed: 307 km/s – Low, so no enhanced geomagnetic activity expected.
• Electron Flux: 86,600 – Slightly elevated, but not at levels that typically impact HF.
• Proton Flux: 1,880 – Well below storm thresholds.
• Aurora Level: 1 – Very low, so auroral propagation is not expected.
• Helium Line: 126.4 – Indicates moderate solar activity with no rapid changes.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Recent Solar Trends: Solar flux has recovered from a dip in early spring, now trending upward (120 in April to 148 currently).
• Sunspot numbers have also rebounded after a lull, supporting improved band conditions.
• No major solar events in recent weeks, so propagation has been stable.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Solar activity expected to remain moderate with solar flux in the 140–150 range.
• K-index forecast to stay low (0–2), so geomagnetic conditions should remain quiet.
• Best bands: 20m, 17m, 15m for daytime DX; 40m, 80m for nighttime.
• Watch for: Possible short-lived 10m/12m openings during local noon, especially if solar flux rises further.
• No alerts or warnings—enjoy stable conditions for contests, DXing, and nets!