[Elecraft] (K1, KX1, K2, K3): Is the Sun Broken?

[Dan Barker]

Great article, Ron. Nice to see were we fit in the recent cycle.

It was interesting that the graph of sunspot numbers doesn't show even a
hint of the biggest solar storm of the past millennia (Aug 26-Sep 4, 1859).
There weren't a LOT of sunspots, but there were some really BIG ones. Naked
Eye (smoked glass, please!) visible.

It had effects similar to EMP and would really be a disaster today. Fields
far over 20 volts/kilometer would do more than burn down telegraph stations
and electrocute telegraphers. We'd lose most every transformer on the grid.
I wonder what percentage of spares to the total in use transformers the
power companies and distribution transformer manufacturers have stockpiled?

Dan / WG4S / K2 #2456

<snip>

While you're sitting around waiting for the next big solar cycle, you might
enjoy checking out this story from NASA about old Sol. This was passed onto
me by my buddy Mychael, AA3WF (the "toroidguy"): 

http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2008/11jul_solarcycleupdate.htm?list96374
8

I look at that spike back in the late 50's fondly. That was my first solar
cycle as a Ham. 

At least there's no sign we're going to experience another 70-year long
spotless "Maunder Minimum"

Ron AC7AC

</snip>