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 shaped by moderate solar activity with a solar flux of 118 and a sunspot number of 126. The geomagnetic field is very quiet (K-index: 0), which means stable and low-noise conditions for most HF bands. Operators can expect good performance on the lower bands (80m, 40m, 20m) throughout the day and night, while higher bands (15m, 12m, 10m) remain challenging. No major solar flares or geomagnetic storms are present, so noise levels will be low and DX opportunities are steady but not spectacular. Take advantage of the calm space weather to work longer paths, especially on the lower bands.

💡 Operator Tips

• Focus your efforts on 80m, 40m, and 20m for reliable contacts, especially for DX and ragchewing.
• Use digital modes (FT8, FT4, PSK31) on 15m and above to maximize weak signal work when SSB/CW is tough.
• With the quiet geomagnetic field, expect minimal QRM/QRN—great for low-power (QRP) and portable operations.
• For DXers: Grayline openings will be your best shot on higher bands.
• Antennas for the lower HF bands will yield the best results today; consider verticals or dipoles for 40m/80m.
• Contest operators: Plan for longer runs on the low bands, as higher bands may close early.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m/40m: Excellent all night, good through early morning and late evening.
• 20m: Good sunrise to sunset, with best DX around local noon and grayline.
• 17m/15m: Fair midday, limited morning/evening openings.
• 12m/10m: Poor all day; brief, weak openings possible around local noon or during sporadic-E.
• For VHF/UHF: No auroral or enhanced propagation expected.

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline paths on 40m and 20m will offer the best shot at intercontinental DX.
• East-west paths (Europe-Americas, Asia-Pacific) favored on 20m during daylight.
• North-south paths may open briefly on 15m/17m midday.
• No significant aurora or polar openings expected.
• Watch for short, weak 10m/12m openings—especially during local noon or with sporadic-E.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Analysis:
The lower bands (80m, 40m, 20m) are consistently good all day and night—these are your go-to bands for both local and DX work. 17m and 15m are fair and may support regional and some DX during midday, but expect weaker signals. 12m and 10m are mostly poor—try only if you enjoy a challenge or spot a brief opening.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 0 (very quiet) – Minimal geomagnetic disturbance, excellent for stable HF conditions.
• Solar Flux: 118 – Indicates moderate solar activity; supports good propagation on lower bands, but not enough for strong high-band openings.
• Sunspot Number: 126 – Healthy sunspot count, but recent trend is downward, so high bands remain weak.
• Space Weather: No major flares or disturbances; X-ray flux at B5.0 (quiet).

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained at or near 0 over the past 24 hours, showing very stable geomagnetic conditions.
• No recent spikes or disturbances—conditions are stable and quiet, favoring low noise and good propagation on all bands.
• No auroral activity or magnetic field swings detected.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B5.0 – Low-level X-ray flux; no risk of HF blackouts or sudden fadeouts.
• Solar Wind: 422.8 km/s – Moderate speed, not enough to trigger geomagnetic storms.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux: 1760 (moderate), Proton flux: 10 (quiet) – No significant impact on HF or VHF propagation.
• Aurora Activity: 1 (very low) – No aurora-related propagation expected; VHF/UHF operators should not expect auroral openings.
• Helium Line: 112.4 – Stable; no sign of increasing solar activity or upcoming flare events.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

Recent months show a declining trend in both solar flux and sunspot numbers:

• Solar flux peaked at ~138 in June/July, now down to 116.
• Sunspot numbers have dropped from over 100 in May/June to 76 now.
• This trend means lower bands will dominate for the coming weeks, with high bands (12m/10m) mostly closed except for rare openings.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Expect continued quiet geomagnetic conditions (K-index 0-1).
• Solar flux and sunspot numbers are likely to remain steady or decline slightly.
• 80m, 40m, and 20m will continue to be the best bands for reliable contacts.
• 15m, 12m, 10m will remain challenging; watch for brief openings but don’t expect consistent DX.
• No alerts or warnings—enjoy stable, low-noise HF conditions!