[K3PZN-List] Fwd: [QRP-L] X1 Flare - HF Blackout

[Curt Milton]

FYI - yes your radio is not broke!  

The author works for a gov't agency that pays
attention to the ionosphere ... this is from the
QRP-L.  

He mentions propagation should be better than the norm
for this part of the solar cycle when things rebound
today!  


curt


--- na5n at zianet.com wrote:

> From: na5n at zianet.com
> To: qrp-l at mailman.qth.net
> Date: Thu, 14 Jul 2005 09:33:02 -0600
> Subject: [QRP-L] X1 Flare - HF Blackout
> 
> Gang,
> Solar region 786 has rotated out of view on the
> solar dish.  However, it 
> departed with a bang ... an M9 flare at 06Z 14JUL
> and an X1 flare at 12Z. 
> The x-ray energy from the X1 has high ionized the
> D-layer - meaning, very 
> heavy absorption to HF signals trying to get to the
> E/F layers - producing 
> an HF BLACKOUT.  I don't have access to a radio at
> the moment, but the data 
> suggests the blackout is currently nearly total
> along the east coast (closer 
> to where the sun is right now) and less severe along
> the west coast.  This 
> HF blackout will subside over the next couple of
> hours. 
> 
> The good news is the ionizing radiation that caused
> the HF blackout, by the 
> extra ionization to the D-layer, also extra ionized
> the E and F layers.  
> When the D-layer recovers, there should be enhanced
> activity on the higher 
> bands in the form of increased reflectivity to the
> E/F layers, a higher MUF, 
> possibly allowing 15M to be open, and good
> signal-noise ratios for the 
> remainder of daylight hours today.  The improved
> signal-noise ratio is a 
> good thing for QRP signals working DX.  Those
> fortunate enough to be home 
> today should check for improved conditions on 20M
> and perhaps brief openings 
> on 15M and even 10M.  By sundown, it will be over. 
> 
> Because today's flares occured on the sun's western
> limb, they will not 
> trigger any geomagnetic storming in 2-3 days.  The
> effects of these flares, 
> a solar storm in the R3 range, will persist only for
> today.  I.e. RAT NOW. 
> 
> GL and 72,
> Paul NA5N 
> 
> 
>
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