US Ionospheric Propagation Console
The US Ionospheric Propagation Console takes propagation planning a step further by looking at the actual state of the ionosphere over North America.
This console uses the KC2G/GIRO ionospheric propagation model to display current modelled information such as MUF and F2-layer conditions across the wider propagation region.
Unlike a simple solar-activity indicator, this provides a more direct look at how the ionosphere is behaving and what that may mean for HF operation.
The information presented is modelled and interpolated from available ionospheric observations, rather than representing a direct measurement at every location. It should therefore be regarded as a propagation planning aid rather than a guarantee that a particular radio path will be open.
What this page provides
- 🌐 Current ionospheric model information
- 📡 MUF information for assessing usable HF frequencies
- F2-layer / foF2 information
- 🗺️ North American propagation visualisation
- 📈 A clearer indication of how current ionospheric conditions may affect HF operation.
When you want to answer:
“What is the ionosphere actually doing across the US right now?”
Regional / NVIS
≥ 3.5 MHz
Regional / NVIS
≥ 7.0 MHz
Long distance
≥ 14.0 MHz
Long distance
≥ 18.0 MHz
DX / distance
≥ 21.0 MHz
Higher frequency
≥ 24.9 MHz
Highest HF
≥ 28.0 MHz
40m is the main all-round activation band and is particularly useful for regional contacts. 20m is the primary band to check for longer-distance contacts.
If the MUF contour over your area reaches 18 MHz or higher, try 17m. If it reaches 21 MHz, try 15m. Higher contours open the possibility of 12m and 10m operation.
The MUF value represents the expected maximum usable frequency for a 3000 km path. For shorter paths, the usable frequency can be lower. Always use actual on-air activity as the final indication of whether a band is open.