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 and quiet geomagnetic conditions. With a solar flux around 110 and a sunspot number of 50, expect good performance on the lower and mid bands (20m, 40m, 80m), while higher bands (12m, 10m) remain challenging. The K-index is very low (1), indicating stable conditions and minimal geomagnetic disturbance. Operators should focus on the 20m and 40m bands for reliable regional and some DX contacts, and take advantage of the quiet geomagnetic field for low-noise operation. High bands may open briefly during peak solar hours, but overall remain poor.

💡 Operator Tips

• Use 20m and 40m for the most consistent results, especially for DX and intercontinental contacts.
• Try digital modes (FT8, PSK31) on higher bands (15m, 12m, 10m) to take advantage of weak openings.
• For local and regional QSOs, 80m and 40m are best, especially during the evening and night.
• With low geomagnetic activity, expect quiet bands and low noise—great for weak signal work and QRP.
• Monitor grayline times for enhanced DX, especially on 40m and 20m.
• Keep antennas tuned and check for brief high-band openings around local noon.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m & 40m: Best at night and early morning for both local and regional contacts.
• 20m: Good all day, especially mid-morning to late afternoon for DX.
• 17m & 15m: Fair during daylight hours, especially late morning to early afternoon.
• 12m & 10m: Poor most of the day, but check during peak solar hours (late morning to early afternoon) for any brief openings.

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline propagation is favorable on 40m and 20m—target sunrise/sunset for best long-haul DX.
• 20m band offers the most reliable DX paths, especially east-west.
• 15m and 17m may support occasional short-path DX during daylight, especially to equatorial regions.
• Aurora activity is low (Aurora: 3), so polar paths are open but not enhanced.
• Watch for C-class X-ray activity—brief HF blackouts are possible but unlikely to be severe.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

The 20m band is performing best throughout the day and night, making it the top choice for both local and DX contacts. 40m and 80m are solid at night and in the evening for regional work. 17m and 15m are only fair, with limited DX potential during daylight. 12m and 10m are mostly closed—check for sporadic E or brief openings, but don't expect much.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index (Geomagnetic Activity): 1 — Very quiet, minimal geomagnetic disturbance, ideal for HF.
• Solar Flux (10.7cm): 110 — Moderate, supports good propagation on 20m and below, limited high-band activity.
• Sunspot Number: 50 — Low to moderate, enough for decent mid-band conditions but not enough for strong high-band openings.
• Space Weather Overview: C1.0 X-ray flux indicates minor flare activity, but nothing severe for HF.

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

The K-index has remained low and stable over the past 24 hours, indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions. There are no recent spikes or disturbances, so expect minimal absorption and low noise on the bands. This trend is favorable for all HF operations, especially for weak signal and QRP work.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: C1.0 — Minor solar flare activity; unlikely to cause significant HF blackouts, but brief fades possible.
• Solar Wind Speed: 410.6 km/s — Slightly elevated, but not enough to trigger geomagnetic storms.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux: 3840 (moderate), Proton flux: 67 (low); no significant impact on HF propagation.
• Aurora Activity: 3 — Low; auroral propagation on VHF/UHF is not expected, but polar HF paths remain open.
• Helium Line: 111.7 — Indicates stable solar conditions with no major upswings in activity.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

Recent months show solar flux and sunspot numbers trending slightly downward from the winter peak (Jan: SFI 151, SSN 115) to current values (SFI 110, SSN 50). This gradual decline means high-band propagation is less frequent, but mid and low bands remain reliable.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Expect continued quiet geomagnetic conditions (low K-index) and stable solar flux.
• 20m and 40m will remain the best choices for reliable operation.
• High bands (15m, 12m, 10m) will stay mostly closed, with only brief, weak openings possible.
• No major space weather events or warnings are forecast—enjoy the quiet bands and plan for steady HF operation.