Sun Images for Past 72 Hours
Images copyrighted by the SDO/NASA and Helioviewer project
📋 Propagation Summary: HF propagation today is shaped by low solar activity and very quiet geomagnetic conditions. The solar flux is modest at 96–116, with sunspot numbers at a recent low (0–76), resulting in generally good conditions on lower bands (80m–40m) and fair to poor on higher bands (20m–10m). The K-index is 0, indicating very stable geomagnetic conditions—great for noise-free operation, especially on the low bands. Expect best results on 80m, 40m, and 20m, while 17m–10m will be more challenging for DX. No major solar flares or geomagnetic storms are present, so operators can expect predictable, stable band behavior today.
💡 Operator Tips
- Focus your activity on 80m, 40m, and 20m for reliable contacts—these bands are performing best under current conditions.
- Digital modes (FT8, FT4, PSK31) are recommended, especially on higher bands (15m–10m) where propagation is marginal.
- For DX, try grayline operation on 40m and 20m—timing is critical for long-haul contacts.
- Use low-noise antennas and check your receive filters; quiet geomagnetic conditions mean weak signals may be workable.
- VHF/UHF: No significant aurora or enhanced propagation expected today.
⏰ Best Operating Times
| Band | Best Times (UTC) |
|---|---|
| 80m | Night, Early Morning |
| 40m | Night, Early Morning |
| 20m | Daytime, Early Evening |
| 17m | Late Morning, Afternoon |
| 15m | Late Morning, Afternoon |
| 12m/10m | Midday (if open) |
- Nighttime: 80m and 40m are strongest for regional and some DX.
- Daytime: 20m is open for most paths; 17m and 15m may support short/medium-haul.
- Midday: Brief windows possible on 12m/10m, but expect limited openings.
🌍 DX Opportunities
- Grayline paths on 40m and 20m offer the best shot at DX—target sunrise/sunset at your QTH and the DX location.
- No significant auroral activity—polar paths are stable but not enhanced.
- East-west paths (mid-latitudes) are more reliable than north-south or polar routes today.
- No major contests or special propagation events reported, so band crowding should be moderate.
📻 Band-by-Band Analysis
| Band | Morning | Day | Evening | Night |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80m | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good |
| 40m | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good |
| 20m | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good | 🟡 Good |
| 17m | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair |
| 15m | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair | 🟠 Fair |
| 12m | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor |
| 10m | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor |
Analysis:
- 80m, 40m, and 20m are your go-to bands today, with consistent good conditions day and night—ideal for both local and some DX work.
- 17m and 15m are fair—expect some activity, especially during daylight, but signals will be weaker and less reliable.
- 12m and 10m are poor all day; only very short, sporadic openings possible, mainly for local or E-skip contacts.
- DXers: Concentrate efforts on 20m and 40m during grayline; higher bands will be tough for long-haul.
📊 Current Solar Activity
Solar Activity Metrics
K-index
Solar Flux (10.7cm)
Sunspot Number
- K-index: 0 — Very quiet geomagnetic field, minimal noise, best for weak-signal work.
- Solar Flux (10.7cm): 96 (recently 116) — Below average, limiting higher band propagation.
- Sunspot Number: 0 (recently 76) — Very low, further reducing ionization for high bands.
- Space Weather Overview: No major flares (X-ray B2.9), stable solar wind, no significant disturbances.
📈 Geomagnetic Conditions
- The K-index has remained at or near zero for the past 24 hours, indicating very stable geomagnetic conditions.
- No recent geomagnetic storms or disturbances—conditions are stable and quiet, ideal for low-band operation and minimizing QRM.
🌟 Space Weather Details
Space Weather Dashboard
X-ray Activity
Solar Wind Speed
Aurora Activity
- X-ray Activity: B2.9 (very low)—no risk of HF blackouts or sudden ionospheric disturbances.
- Solar Wind: 414.9 km/s—moderate speed, but with a quiet magnetic field, so no geomagnetic impact.
- Particle Environment: Electron flux: 1710, Proton flux: 11—both at nominal levels, so no enhanced absorption or polar cap absorption events.
- Aurora Activity: 1 (very low)—no auroral propagation for VHF/UHF; northern operators will not see aurora enhancement.
- Helium Line: 108.6—stable, indicating no major solar changes; trend is flat.
📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details
Propagation Quality Timeline (24 Hours)
- Recent solar flux and sunspot trends show a steady decline over the past several months (from 138 in June to 116 now, sunspots from 94 to 76), explaining the current weaker high-band propagation.
- No major solar events in recent months; conditions are stable but not optimal for high bands.
Solar Activity Trends (6 Months)
🔮 3-Day Forecast
3-Day K-index Forecast
- Propagation is expected to remain stable with quiet geomagnetic conditions and low solar activity.
- No significant flares or storms forecast—expect similar band performance for the next few days.
- Best bands: 80m, 40m, 20m; continue to focus here for reliable contacts.
- Worst bands: 12m, 10m—unlikely to improve without a solar uptick.
- No alerts or warnings for amateur radio operators at this time.