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 stable with low geomagnetic activity and moderate solar flux. Expect good conditions on 20m throughout the day and evening, while 80m and 40m will perform best at night. Higher bands (15m, 12m, 10m) are only fair during daylight and will likely close after sunset. With the K-index at 0-1 and no major space weather disturbances, operators can expect reliable contacts, especially on the lower bands. For DX, focus on grayline times and take advantage of the quiet geomagnetic field.

💡 Operator Tips:

• Use 20m for reliable daytime and evening QSOs—great for both local and DX contacts.
• 80m and 40m will be your best bet for night operations; try digital modes (FT8, PSK31) for weak signal work.
• For higher bands (17m, 15m, 12m, 10m), operate during late morning to early afternoon for the best chance at openings.
• Keep antennas tuned and check for short-lived band openings, especially on 10m and 12m.
• With low geomagnetic activity, expect quiet noise floors—take advantage for weak signal and QRP work.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m & 40m: Best at night and early morning
• 20m: Good all day and into the evening
• 17m & 15m: Late morning through afternoon
• 12m & 10m: Late morning to early afternoon, may close early
• Grayline (sunrise/sunset): Enhanced DX on all bands, especially 40m and 20m

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline paths: Excellent for long-haul DX on 40m and 20m—watch for enhanced signals at sunrise/sunset.
• 20m: Consistent for intercontinental contacts, especially east-west paths.
• 15m/12m/10m: Watch for sporadic E and short-lived F-layer openings midday; check beacons and cluster spots.
• No aurora or major disturbances: Northern operators should not expect auroral propagation today.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

Analysis:

• 20m is the most reliable band today, with good conditions all day and into the evening—ideal for both DX and regional contacts.
• 80m and 40m are best at night and early morning, with fair daytime conditions.
• 17m and 15m offer fair propagation during daylight, but may not support long-haul DX.
• 12m and 10m are marginal—try midday, but expect limited openings and poor night conditions.
• No bands are fully closed, but higher bands will be challenging outside peak daylight.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 0-1 (very quiet)—indicates minimal geomagnetic disturbance and low noise, excellent for HF.
• Solar Flux: 121 (moderate)—supports decent F-layer ionization, especially for 20m and below.
• Sunspot Number: 142 (current), but recent monthly average is 76—suggests moderate solar activity, with some variability.
• Space Weather: No major flares or disturbances; X-ray flux is low (B6.1), so no HF blackouts expected.

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• The K-index has remained very low (0-1) over the past 24 hours, indicating stable geomagnetic conditions.
• No recent geomagnetic storms or sudden increases—propagation is stable and should remain so for the next day.
• Expect quiet bands and low QRN, especially on lower frequencies.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B6.1—very low, so no risk of HF blackouts or sudden absorption events.
• Solar Wind Speed: 321.8 km/s—on the lower end, indicating a calm solar wind and quiet geomagnetic field.
• Electron Flux: 1760—moderate; can cause mild absorption on lower bands, but nothing significant.
• Proton Flux: 9—very low, no polar cap absorption events.
• Aurora: 2—very quiet, so no auroral propagation expected for VHF/UHF.
• Helium Line: 111.8—moderate, consistent with stable solar activity.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Over the past several months, solar flux has decreased from a high of ~138 in June/July to the current value near 116.
• Sunspot numbers have also declined, signaling a gradual easing from the recent solar peak.
• This trend means high bands (12m/10m) are less likely to open, but 20m and below remain reliable.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• Propagation is expected to remain stable for the next three days, with low K-index and moderate solar flux.
• No significant space weather events or warnings are forecast.
• Best bands: 20m (all day), 40m/80m (night), 17m/15m (daytime, fair).
• Worst bands: 12m/10m (marginal, especially at night).
• Continue to monitor for sudden solar events, but overall, good opportunities for both DX and regional contacts are expected.