Amateur Radio Propagation Report

Sun Images for Past 72 Hours

Images copyrighted by the SDO/NASA and Helioviewer project

📋 Propagation Summary: HF propagation is currently stable and favorable for most amateur bands, thanks to a healthy solar flux of 148 and a low K-index of 0, indicating very quiet geomagnetic conditions. Expect good openings on 20m, 17m, and 15m throughout the day and night, with 80m and 40m performing best after sunset. The higher bands (12m, 10m) are only fair during daylight and likely to close at night. No major space weather disturbances are present, so operators can expect reliable band conditions and low noise levels. Now is an excellent time for both local and DX contacts, especially on the mid-to-high HF bands.

💡 Operator Tips

• Take advantage of low geomagnetic activity: With K=0, expect minimal noise and stable propagation, especially on the higher bands.
• Use digital modes (FT8, FT4, PSK31) on 12m and 10m during daylight for best results, as SSB/CW may be challenging on these bands at night.
• Try 20m, 17m, and 15m for daytime DX and contesting; these bands are currently the most reliable for long-haul contacts.
• Nighttime is prime for 80m and 40m—great for regional nets and low-band DX.
• Monitor grayline periods (sunrise/sunset) for enhanced DX, especially on 40m and 20m.
• VHF/UHF: No auroral or E-skip activity expected; focus on local FM or repeaters.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m & 40m: Best after sunset through early morning
• 20m, 17m, 15m: Excellent all day and into the evening
• 12m & 10m: Fair during daylight hours, especially late morning to mid-afternoon; closed or poor at night

🌍 DX Opportunities

• 20m, 17m, and 15m: Strong global DX paths, especially east-west (Europe, Asia, Americas)
• Grayline: Enhanced openings on 40m and 20m at local sunrise/sunset—watch for rare DX!
• 12m & 10m: Occasional short-path DX possible during peak solar hours; check for sporadic-E
• No aurora or major solar events: VHF/UHF DX unlikely, but HF remains robust

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

The 20m, 17m, and 15m bands are currently the most reliable for both local and DX contacts, performing well throughout the day and evening. 80m and 40m are best at night, offering good regional and some DX opportunities. 12m and 10m are only fair during the day and likely to be poor or closed at night; use digital modes for best results on these bands.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 0 — Indicates very quiet geomagnetic conditions, ideal for stable HF propagation and low noise.
• Solar Flux: 148 — A strong value, supporting robust ionization and good propagation on all HF bands, especially 20m-10m.
• Sunspot Number: 99 — Healthy sunspot activity, sustaining good band openings.
• Space Weather Overview: No significant solar flares or disturbances reported; X-ray flux at C1.0 is moderate and not causing HF blackouts.

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

The K-index has remained consistently low (0-1) over the past 24 hours, reflecting very quiet geomagnetic conditions. This stability means minimal absorption and fading, especially on higher HF bands. No recent geomagnetic storms or disturbances are affecting propagation, so expect excellent reliability for all HF operations.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: C1.0 — Moderate, not causing HF blackouts; normal shortwave conditions.
• Solar Wind: 427 km/s — Slightly elevated but not high enough to trigger geomagnetic storms; propagation remains stable.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux: 1640 (moderate), Proton flux: 16 (low) — No risk of radio blackouts or polar absorption.
• Aurora Activity: 2 (very low) — No auroral propagation expected; VHF/UHF conditions are normal.
• Helium Line: 128.8 — Indicates steady solar activity; no major upswings or threats to HF reliability.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

Recent months show a modest upward trend in solar flux and sunspot numbers after a dip in early spring. The current solar flux (148) is near the higher end of the past 6 months, supporting improved HF conditions compared to late winter and early spring.

🔮 3-Day Forecast