Solar & Propagation Console
Understanding the current solar environment is an important part of planning an HF activation. The USBOTA Solar & Propagation Console provides a quick overview of the key solar and geomagnetic conditions that influence HF radio propagation.
The console brings together live data from NOAA / SWPC, including Solar Flux, Sunspot Number, Kp, Ap, solar-wind conditions and the interplanetary magnetic field.
Use this page as your first-look propagation check before heading out to activate. It provides a simple indication of the overall state of the ionosphere and whether current conditions are likely to favour HF operation.
What this page provides
- ☀️ Solar Flux (F10.7) — an important indicator of solar activity and HF propagation potential.
- 🔆 Sunspot Number — provides additional context on the level of solar activity.
- 🧲 Kp and Ap — indicators of geomagnetic activity and disturbance.
- 🌬️ Solar Wind — current solar-wind conditions.
- Bz — the north/south component of the interplanetary magnetic field.
- 📊 Propagation guidance based on the current combination of conditions.
Use when you want a quick answer to one question:
“What does the solar environment look like right now?”
USBOTA
US SOLAR & PROPAGATION CONSOLE
LIVE
SOLAR CONDITIONS
SOLAR FLUX
89
F10.7
SUNSPOTS
25
SSN
K INDEX
1.33
Kp
A INDEX
5
Ap
SOLAR WIND
405
km/s
Bz
-1.0
nT GSM
USBOTA ACTIVATOR BRIEF
LOW
Solar activity is relatively low. Start with 40m and 20m and monitor for openings.
CURRENT HF BAND OUTLOOK
80m
GOOD
Good regional and NVIS potential
40m
GOOD
Excellent regional and nationwide potential
20m
FAIR
Usable, especially during daylight
17m
FAIR
Variable openings
15m
FAIR
Watch for openings
12m
FAIR
Sporadic openings possible
10m
POOR
Limited conventional HF propagation