[HARC] sunspots, dx, and iss

[wa3pzo]

This looks like the start to the 2011 DX season. We have had at least 10 solar flares from 3 of 5 sunspot groups in 24 hours. And they continue. Predictions are for S1 and R2 (radio blackouts) over the next 24 hours. Sunspots are at 122 !~! WOW. Need I say anymore except that too much could be too much with bands and DX being wiped out completed for short periods of time and then time to return to hot DX.

CY0 The Sable Island group is doing their best and seem to QRT 2 of the stations about 10pm at night. The 40m station went longer last night. They are quite readable on those bands.

4A4A can be worked but the pileups are large and NA not a priority. They are on a lot of the bands and a good chance to work them.

SIX METERS With all the solar activity it would not surprise me to hear some things on 6m in the next 24 hours. I'm told 10am and 6 pm would be good times to check but anytime with the M1 and recent M5 solar flares. 10m should have all kinds of activity but will be one of the first to be affected by the R2 conditions. Total blackouts could be 20minutes to 1 hour.....or more. This is a lot of activity after a period of minor activity.

ISS / SHUTTLE There is a good picture on Spaceweather dot Com of the two flying over last evening. I would expect a similar sighting tonight at about 7:25pm looking southwest to east. (Hope we can see it in the City) If you haven't seen satellites before, this is a great opportunity. The tracking programs for our area are plus/minus a couple minutes. Usually plus.