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 generally favorable for most amateur bands, with solar flux at 146 and a sunspot number of 133—both supporting good daytime activity on the higher bands. The K-index is low (2), indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions and minimal disturbances. Expect good openings on 20m, 17m, and 15m, with 12m and 10m showing fair daytime activity but likely closing after sunset. Lower bands (80m/40m) will perform best at night. For optimal results, focus on daytime DX on the higher bands and nighttime contacts on the lower bands.

💡 Operator Tips

• Use 20m, 17m, and 15m for reliable daytime DX and intercontinental contacts.
• 80m and 40m will be best for local and regional QSOs after dark.
• Try FT8, CW, or other weak-signal modes on 12m and 10m to take advantage of marginal conditions.
• Keep antennas for higher bands ready for daytime, and switch to lower bands in the evening.
• With low geomagnetic activity, expect stable signals and minimal fading—great for contesting or DX chasing.
• Monitor grayline times for enhanced long-path opportunities, especially around sunrise and sunset.

⏰ Best Operating Times

🌍 DX Opportunities

• 20m, 17m, and 15m: Good DX windows during daylight, especially for east-west paths.
• Grayline: Enhanced propagation on 40m and 80m at local sunrise/sunset—watch for rare DX!
• 12m/10m: Watch for sporadic-E or brief F2 openings midday; FT8 can help sniff out weak signals.
• Aurora: Low auroral activity (Aurora index 1) means VHF/UHF auroral propagation is unlikely today.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Analysis:

• 20m, 17m, and 15m are the most reliable for all-day operation, supporting both DX and regional contacts.
• 80m and 40m are fair during the day but good at night—ideal for local nets and nighttime ragchews.
• 12m and 10m are fair midday, but expect them to close quickly after sunset; use digital modes for best results.
• No significant VHF/UHF propagation expected today.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 2 (low geomagnetic activity, stable HF conditions)
• Solar Flux: 146 (supports good propagation on higher HF bands)
• Sunspot Number: 133 (active sun, favorable for F2-layer propagation)
• Space Weather: No major flares or storms; X-ray flux at C1.1 (minor impact, but keep an eye on sudden changes)

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained low and stable over the past 24 hours, indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions.
• No recent spikes or disturbances—expect minimal fading and good signal reliability.
• This stability is ideal for both local and DX HF work.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: C1.1 (minor, no HF blackouts expected)
• Solar Wind: 375.5 km/s (moderate, not likely to trigger geomagnetic storms)
• Particle Environment: No significant electron or proton flux reported—no additional absorption or noise.
• Aurora: Index at 1—very low, so auroral propagation on VHF/UHF is not expected.
• Helium Line: 123.3—indicates moderate solar activity, consistent with current sunspot and flux levels.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Solar flux and sunspot numbers have decreased from their December peaks but are now stabilizing and slightly rising again, supporting improved HF conditions compared to early spring.
• The last several months show a dip in solar activity, but the current trend is slightly upward, which bodes well for summer HF operation.

🔮 3-Day Forecast