The planetary K index gives a good indication of propagation conditions over the polar and auroral paths (such as between BS7H and the eastern half of the United States). The lower the K index, the better the signals can be expected over this path. Ideally, look for several consecutive periods with a K index of 2 or less.

Following is the latest plot of the K Index (updated every 3 hours), thanks to the Space Environment Center:

Here is the solar-terrestrial forecast for the period of the BS7H 1997 DXpedition:

# Twenty-seven Day Space Weather Outlook Table
#          Issued 1997 Apr 22
#
#   UT       Radio Flux   Planetary   Largest
#  Date       10.7 cm      A Index    Kp Index
1997 Apr 29      74           8          3
1997 Apr 30      76           8          3
1997 May 01      76          10          3
1997 May 02      76           8          3
1997 May 03      74           8          3
1997 May 04      74           8          3
1997 May 05      74           5          2
1997 May 06      74           5          2
1997 May 07      74           8          3

• Propagation for Eastern U.S.
• Propagation for South America
• Propagation for Western Europe
• Propagation for Eastern Europe and Asia
• Propagation for Western U.S.
• Links to other propagation info (from the N4GN Home Page)