[SADXA] 40m SN Propagation 12-14-21

[W7EXG]

Hi All,

 

I listened on 40m CW band today about SN - 1919z. 

I heard no DX at the time between  SN and  [SN + 1 Hr]. 

However, a CWT contest was ongoing and copied MANY East Coast Stations Q5.

For Example, I heard N3QE Q5 copy at 1930z, or 11 min past SN. 

Although  NOT DX,  hearing this East Coast station Q5 11 min after SN on 40m
is a prerequisite to EU DX. 

A 40m 1950 mile Solar Noon path to East Coast is a testament to the
uniqueness of the Dec Solstice propagation. 

Once the 40m  RF path includes the East Coast, most of the remaining path to
EU is in the dark (F2)

The Solar Flux is currently high at 104, with Sun Spots at 79, but a good K
index at 2. 

Lower numbers would be great for 40m SN DX. Lower ionization is best. 

Although I am listening with an Inverted Vee, I do expect to at least hear
some 40m SN DX in the next week or so. 

The Croatian DX contest will be in full swing on Dec. 21st, so if conditions
are good, we might be lucky for a SN 40m DX contact. 

I believe W6XI and I totaled about 10 40m SN DX EU QSOs on that day in 2019.


I am very encouraged by at least hearing the East Coast at SN. 

 

73's 

Bill W7EXG