[K3PZN-List] Fw: [QRP-L] X-Class Flare

[Curt Milton]

FYI - Paul is paid by our gov't to watch the sun (some valuable service hugh?), 
and his reports are very good reading. (Actually folk who have expensive 
satellites in orbit do appreciate his work!).  


73 Curt

 


----- Forwarded Message ----
From: "na5n at zianet.com" <na5n at zianet.com>
To: qrp-l at mailman.qth.net
Sent: Mon, February 14, 2011 11:59:09 PM
Subject: [QRP-L] X-Class Flare

Gang,
There was an X2 flare about 0200Z 15 FEB (about 2100 EST).  This has caused 
HF radio blackouts on the sunlit side of the sun (not us!).  As this 
subsides, the E/F layers will be highly ionized for good reflection.  This 
event has already elevated the solar flux to about 113 (average lately about 
80-85).  While this doesn't do much for us right now in North America, it 
could create some very interesting morning gray line propagation if you're 
one of those morning people. 

The X2 event didn't have much density to it, only creating a shock wave of 
about 550 km/sec.  However, the M6 two days ago had a shock wave of about 
1200 km/sec. - enough to cause a geomagnetic storm when it is expected to 
arrive Tuesday morning. 

What is important is to keep an eye on the sun for further activity at:
http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/today.html or other sites. 

These active regions are near the center of the sun, meaning any further 
flares will send shock waves directly at us.  The active regions are highly 
magnetized, meaning they are capable of generating further M or X class 
flares.  If another flare or two happens tomorrow (Tuesday) during daylight 
hours, it will raise the solar flux and the higher bands will be open for 
the duration of daylight. 

Therefore, the upper bands may be open, but may be interfered with for a few 
hours if a geomagnetic storm is triggered.  It's a matter of dodging the bad 
stuff (geomagnetic storms) to get to the good stuff (enhanced E/F 
propagation). 

The only question left ... is this a hiccup on the sun, or is it finally 
waking up from hibernation? 

72, Paul NA5N 

And, Happy Valentines to all the YLs/XYLs on the group. 


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