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 solid for most amateur operators! Solar flux is moderate at 130 (recent average ~154), and the sunspot number is healthy at 92, supporting decent daytime and nighttime propagation. The K-index is low at 2, indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions—great news for stable HF and DX. Expect good conditions on 20m–15m all day, with 80m and 40m best at night. Higher bands (12m, 10m) may be spotty but could open for short periods, especially during peak daylight. Now’s a great time to chase DX, especially on the classic bands!

💡 Operator Tips

• Daytime: Focus on 20m, 17m, and 15m for reliable DX and intercontinental contacts.
• Nighttime: 40m and 80m will shine for regional and some longer-haul QSOs.
• Modes: Use FT8, CW, or SSB—digital modes will help you snag weak signals, especially on marginal bands.
• Antennas: Vertical or directional antennas will help maximize DX, especially on higher bands.
• Contesters: Take advantage of stable geomagnetic conditions for longer runs and lower noise.
• DXers: Watch for grayline openings around sunrise/sunset, especially on 20m–15m.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m & 40m: Best after sunset and before sunrise (night/early morning)
• 20m, 17m, 15m: Excellent from mid-morning through late afternoon
• 12m & 10m: Check midday and early afternoon for sporadic openings
• Grayline: Sunrise and sunset for enhanced long-path DX, especially on 20m and 17m

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline propagation is favorable—target sunrise/sunset for long-haul DX on 20m and 17m.
• 20m and 15m are open for intercontinental paths, especially east-west.
• 10m/12m: Watch for brief F2 or sporadic-E openings, especially southward.
• Aurora: Low activity (Aurora = 2), so VHF auroral propagation is unlikely.
• Special events: No major solar flares or geomagnetic storms expected—enjoy stable conditions!

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Analysis:
The best all-around performers today are 20m, 17m, and 15m, offering good propagation nearly all day and night—ideal for DX and reliable QSOs. 80m and 40m are fair during the day but improve to good after dark, perfect for regional and some DX contacts. 12m and 10m are fair during daylight hours; check for short-lived openings, but expect them to close at night. For VHF/UHF, no significant propagation enhancements are expected.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 2 (quiet geomagnetic field)—low noise, stable propagation.
• Solar Flux: 130 (recent average ~154)—supports good ionization for HF, especially 20m–15m.
• Sunspot Number: 92 (recent months: 130–155)—still strong for this solar cycle phase.
• Space Weather: No major flares or storms; X-ray flux at B7.3 (low), so no HF blackouts expected.

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

The K-index has been consistently low (mostly 1–2) for the past 24 hours, with only brief rises to 3–3.3 two days ago. This trend means geomagnetic conditions are stable and quiet, minimizing absorption and noise on HF bands. No signs of incoming disturbances—expect continued calm for the next day or two.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B7.3 (low)—no risk of shortwave blackouts; stable HF.
• Solar Wind: 479.6 km/s—moderate but not high; no major geomagnetic triggers.
• Particle Environment:
  • Electron Flux: 3290—elevated but not extreme; can cause minor polar absorption but not significant today.
  • Proton Flux: 23—well below storm thresholds.
• Aurora Activity: 2 (very low)—no auroral propagation expected on VHF/UHF.
• Helium Line: 133.8—stable, indicating no sudden solar changes.

These readings mean no major disruptions for HF or VHF. Expect normal D-layer absorption and reliable F-layer propagation.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

Recent months show solar flux and sunspot numbers holding steady in the 130–155 range, supporting good HF propagation. The last week’s stable geomagnetic field (K-index mostly 1–2) has helped keep noise low and band conditions stable. No major flares or storms have impacted the ionosphere, so expect continued reliability.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• HF: Expect continued good conditions on 20m–15m, with 80m/40m best at night. 10m/12m may open briefly during daylight, especially if solar flux ticks up.
• Geomagnetic: K-index likely to remain low (1–2), so no major disturbances expected.
• DX: Grayline and daytime DX opportunities will persist, especially on 20m–15m.
• VHF/UHF: No auroral or enhanced propagation expected.
• Alerts: No warnings or adverse space weather expected—enjoy the bands!