☀️ 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
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Cycle Phase
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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.
WTF Does This All Mean?
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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!
🌡️ X-Ray Flux
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Current Level
💨 Solar Wind
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km/s
🧲 Bz Component
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nT
📡 Band Opening Probability
Based on current conditionsLoading propagation data...
📻 HF Band Conditions
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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.
| 70-90 | Poor |
| 90-120 | Fair |
| 120-150 | Good |
| 150+ | Excellent |
K-Index
Measures geomagnetic disturbance. Lower = calmer, better for HF.
| 0-1 | Quiet |
| 2-3 | Unsettled |
| 4 | Active |
| 5+ | Storm |