EM89lx Auto-detected from IP

☀ī¸ Solar & Propagation Conditions

Real-time solar data and HF band conditions

Data provided by HamQSL.com & NOAA/SWPC

Current Solar Conditions

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Solar Flux Index
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Sunspot Number
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A-Index
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K-Index

🔄 Solar Cycle 25 Progress

Started December 2019
Cycle Start Dec 2019
Expected Peak 2024-2025
Years Elapsed --
Cycle Phase --

Solar cycles average ~11 years. Cycle 25 is currently near or past its solar maximum, meaning excellent HF propagation conditions on higher bands.

📈 Solar Cycle 25 Timeline & Prediction

Historical data + NOAA/NASA forecast
Predicted Sunspot Number Actual Observed Peak Window
Dec 2019
Cycle Start
Solar minimum - lowest activity
2024-2025
Solar Maximum
Peak activity - best HF conditions
~2030-2031
Next Minimum
Cycle 25 ends, Cycle 26 begins

Prediction based on NOAA/SWPC Solar Cycle 25 forecast. Cycle 25 has exceeded initial predictions and is tracking stronger than expected. Actual peak may be higher than originally forecast.

đŸ“ģ HF Band Conditions

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WTF Does This All Mean?

Plain English version
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When is a GOOD time for HF radio?
High SFI (120+) + Low K-index (0-2) = Great conditions!
  • Higher bands (10m, 12m, 15m) will be open
  • DX (long distance) contacts are easier
  • Signals will be stronger and clearer
When is a BAD time for HF radio?
Low SFI (below 90) + High K-index (4+) = Rough conditions
  • Higher bands may be completely dead
  • Stick to 40m and 80m
  • Geomagnetic storms (K=5+) can wipe out HF entirely
What bands should I try RIGHT NOW?
Check the Band Conditions section below for current recommendations.
Why does the sun affect my radio?
The sun blasts UV radiation that ionizes Earth's upper atmosphere (ionosphere). This ionized layer acts like a mirror for radio waves, bouncing your signal around the world. More solar activity = better mirror = better propagation (usually). But solar storms can also disrupt everything.
TL;DR: SFI high + K low = good. SFI low + K high = bad. We're in Solar Cycle 25 near peak, so enjoy it while it lasts!

🌡ī¸ X-Ray Flux

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Current Level

💨 Solar Wind

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km/s

🧲 Bz Component

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nT

📡 Real-Time Band Activity

Live data from PSKReporter
Conditions near ... ⓘ
💡 What's a grid square? A Maidenhead grid (like EM13 or JO31) is how hams describe locations. Find yours at levinecentral.com
What's being heard right now based on FT8/FT4 spots from the last 15 minutes:
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Data from PSKReporter by Philip Gladstone. Shows FT8/FT4 spots from the last 15 minutes. Updated every 5 minutes.

🌍 Where Can You Reach?

Active paths from your region based on current spots
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📊 24-Hour Band Activity

When are bands most active? (UTC)
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Based on PSKReporter spot density. Brighter = more activity.

📈 Your Region's Band Patterns

24-hour activity in your area
Bands:

Last 24 hours of band activity in your grid region (UTC). NOW is at the right edge.
"Your region" = the 2-letter grid prefix (e.g., "EM" covers ~300 miles). Data is from stations in that area.

🌍 World Propagation Radar

Activity by continent (last 15 min)

📊 Regional Band Breakdown

Select a band to see regional activity

⚡ Live Band Trends

Activity over the last 6 hours
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📈 Solar Flux History (7 Days)

📉 A-Index History

📉 K-Index History

📚 Understanding the Numbers

Solar Flux Index (SFI)

Measures radio emissions from the sun at 2800 MHz. Higher = better HF propagation.

70-90Poor
90-120Fair
120-150Good
150+Excellent

K-Index

Measures geomagnetic disturbance. Lower = calmer, better for HF.

0-1Quiet
2-3Unsettled
4Active
5+Storm