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 and quiet geomagnetic conditions. With a solar flux of 104 and a sunspot number of 51, expect good performance on 20m and lower bands, while higher bands (12m/10m) remain challenging. The K-index is low (2), indicating stable geomagnetic conditions and minimal disruptions. Operators should focus on the mid and lower HF bands for reliable contacts, and take advantage of improved nighttime propagation on 40m and 80m. VHF/UHF propagation is not enhanced, but auroral activity is low, so no special openings are expected.

💡 Operator Tips

• Prioritize 20m and 40m for daytime DX and reliable regional contacts.
• 80m and 40m will be strong performers at night—great for nets, ragchews, and regional work.
• Digital modes (FT8, FT4) will help you make the most of marginal conditions, especially on 15m and above.
• Monitor grayline times for enhanced long-path DX, especially on 20m.
• Use directional antennas where possible to maximize weak signal work, especially on higher bands.
• Contesters: Focus on 20m during the day and 40m/80m at night for best rates.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m/40m: Best at night and early morning (local time)
• 20m: Good all day, especially late morning through afternoon
• 17m/15m: Fair during midday/afternoon, but less reliable than 20m
• 12m/10m: Poor throughout the day; only brief, sporadic openings possible
• Grayline: 20m and 40m benefit most during sunrise/sunset

🌍 DX Opportunities

• 20m band offers the most consistent DX paths, especially along the grayline.
• 40m opens up for longer-haul DX at night, particularly for east-west paths.
• 15m/17m may yield short, sporadic DX—try digital modes for weak signals.
• Grayline enhancement: Watch for short-lived DX on 40m/20m at dawn/dusk.
• No significant auroral or polar path openings expected due to low aurora activity.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Analysis:

• 20m is the most reliable band throughout the day and into the evening, supporting both DX and regional contacts.
• 40m and 80m are best at night, with fair daytime performance for local/regional work.
• 17m and 15m offer only fair conditions—use digital modes for best results.
• 12m and 10m are largely closed; only attempt these bands during brief, unexpected openings or with digital modes.
• For reliable contacts, stick to 20m, 40m, and 80m, adjusting for time of day.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 2 — Low geomagnetic activity, meaning stable HF conditions and minimal disruptions.
• Solar Flux: 104 — Moderate radio energy from the sun; supports good propagation on 20m and below, but limits higher bands.
• Sunspot Number: 51 — Moderate sunspot activity; enough for decent HF propagation, but not enough to open 10m/12m reliably.
• Space Weather: No major flares or disturbances; X-ray flux at B2.7 is quiet.

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained low and stable over the past 24 hours, indicating quiet geomagnetic conditions.
• No recent geomagnetic storms or disturbances; expect continued stable propagation, especially on low and mid HF bands.
• No alerts or warnings for increased geomagnetic activity.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B2.7 — Very low; no risk of HF blackouts or sudden ionospheric disturbances.
• Solar Wind: 373.7 km/s — Typical speed; not high enough to trigger geomagnetic storms.
• Electron Flux: 15,800 — Slightly elevated, but not at levels that would cause major HF absorption.
• Proton Flux: 129 — Quiet; no radiation storm risk.
• Aurora: 2 — Very low; no auroral propagation expected for VHF/UHF.
• Helium Line: 112.4 — Indicates moderate solar activity, consistent with current solar flux and sunspot numbers.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Over the past several months, solar flux has gradually declined from a peak of ~138 in June to the current value near 104, reflecting a downward trend in solar activity.
• Sunspot numbers have also decreased from over 100 in May/June to the current value of 51, impacting the higher HF bands.
• These trends suggest that while 20m and below remain reliable, 15m and above will require patience and digital modes for best results.

🔮 3-Day Forecast