Amateur Radio Propagation Report

Sun Images for Past 72 Hours

Images copyrighted by the SDO/NASA and Helioviewer project

📋 Propagation Summary:
HF propagation is currently challenging, with low solar flux (120) and a declining sunspot trend impacting higher bands. Expect best results on 80m and 40m, especially at night, while 20m and above are mostly poor throughout the day. Geomagnetic activity is very low (K-index 0-1), so noise is minimal and local/regional contacts are favored. DX is limited, but low bands may provide some opportunities during grayline and nighttime. Operators should focus on lower bands and digital modes for reliable contacts today.

💡 Operator Tips

• Prioritize 80m and 40m for both local and regional QSOs, especially after sunset.
• Use digital modes (FT8, JT65, PSK31) to maximize weak-signal performance on all bands.
• Daytime operation on higher bands (20m and up) is not recommended; expect poor conditions.
• For DX, target grayline periods on 40m and 80m.
• Keep antennas optimized for low-angle radiation to take advantage of any sporadic openings.
• Monitor space weather alerts for sudden changes, but expect stable conditions today.

⏰ Best Operating Times

• 80m & 40m: Best at night and early morning; fair during the day.
• 20m-10m: Generally poor all day; minimal improvement at any hour.
• Grayline (sunrise/sunset): Try 40m for possible DX, especially toward east-west paths.

🌍 DX Opportunities

• Grayline on 40m and 80m may provide brief DX windows, especially toward sunrise/sunset.
• Northern paths may see minor auroral enhancement, but aurora level is low (3).
• No significant openings expected on 20m-10m; focus on low bands for any DX.
• No special propagation events forecasted for today.

📻 Band-by-Band Analysis

80m and 40m are the most reliable bands, especially after sunset and before sunrise, offering good local and regional coverage. 20m and higher bands are mostly closed or poor due to low solar flux and sunspot numbers. Daytime operation is limited to lower bands; higher bands may only support very short-range contacts, if any.

📊 Current Solar Activity

• K-index: 0-1 — Very quiet geomagnetic field; minimal noise, good for weak-signal work.
• Solar Flux: 120 — Below average; limits F-layer ionization, especially for higher bands (20m+).
• Sunspot Number: 79 — Low and declining; reduces MUF, especially for DX on higher frequencies.
• Space Weather: No major flares or storms; X-ray flux at B8.2 (quiet).

📈 Geomagnetic Conditions

• Recent K-index trend: Stable and very low (0-1) over the past 24 hours.
• Impact: Excellent for low-band noise levels; no geomagnetic disturbances affecting propagation.
• No warnings or alerts for geomagnetic storms.

🌟 Space Weather Details

• X-ray Activity: B8.2 (quiet) — No risk of HF blackouts; solar flare activity is low.
• Solar Wind: 456.7 km/s — Slightly elevated, but not enough to trigger geomagnetic storms.
• Particle Environment: Electron flux: 3030, Proton flux: 31 — Both at nominal levels; no impact on HF propagation.
• Aurora Activity: Level 3 — Minor; unlikely to affect HF, but VHF aurora scatter possible at high latitudes.
• Helium Line: 127.2 — Indicates moderate solar activity, but not enough to boost MUF for higher bands.

📡 Propagation Timeline & Technical Details

• Recent months show a downward trend in both solar flux and sunspot numbers, with values dropping from 160 (Dec) to 120 (Apr/June).
• This decline explains the poor conditions on higher bands and the current reliance on 80m and 40m for reliable contacts.

🔮 3-Day Forecast

• No major changes expected; solar flux and sunspot numbers likely to remain low.
• K-index forecast to stay quiet — continued good conditions for low bands.
• Best bands: 80m and 40m at night and early morning.
• Worst bands: 20m-10m, likely to remain poor/closed.
• No alerts or warnings for HF or VHF operators; monitor for sudden solar events, but none are anticipated.