Propagation News

And now the solar factual data for the period from Friday the 7th to Thursday the 13th of December compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS on Friday the 14th of December.

A rather quiet week all round considering the active side of the Sun was looking our way and solar maximum is approaching. On some days only two sunspot regions were visible but this increased to four towards the end of the period. Solar activity was very low on the 8th and the 11th with no C class solar flares taking place and low on the rest of the days when only one C class solar flare took place each day. Solar flux levels increased slightly from 97 units on the 7th to 117 by the 13th. The average was 106 units. The 90 day solar flux average on the 13th was 119 units, that’s one unit down on the previous week. X-ray flux levels averaged B1.7 units and varied little day to day. Geomagnetic activity was very low every day. The most disturbed days were the 9th and the 13th with an Ap index of only 3 units. The average was Ap 2 units. Solar wind data from the ACE spacecraft saw solar wind speeds vary between 260 and 340 kilometres per second. Particle densities were low except for a sharp rise to 80 particles per cubic centimetre early on the 9th. Bz showed only slight variation every day.

And finally the solar forecast for the coming week. Two ‘active regions’ still on the far side of the Sun which are producing solar flares are expected to rotate into view. Therefore, this week solar activity is expected to be at low levels, however, activity could increase to moderate levels on some days depending on how active these regions are once they are in view. Solar flux levels could increase to the 130’s. Geomagnetic activity is expected to be mostly quiet but could increase after midweek. MUFs during daylight hours at equal latitudes should be around 24MHz for the south and 21MHz for the north. Darkness hour lows should be about 8MHz. The short but reliable winter sporadic-E season should take place during the Christmas and New Year period. This leads me on to thank all the organisations from where we receive solar data to produce these weekly reports and to wish them the best of Seasons Greetings. Also, the Propagation Studies Committee would like to wish all the staff at RSGB HQ, the GB2RS news readers and the listeners a peaceful Christmas and best DX for 2013. Finally, for those who would like to keep up to date with the latest solar events on a daily basis can do so by typing ‘spots and flares’, as one word into your favourite search engine.

And that’s all for this year from the propagation team.

Category: GB2RS Propagation News