[SixClub] Long quiet

[Roger on six]

This brief spurt of activity  has interrupted one of the longest quiet 
spells in the group that I can remember.  We just had a period of "no 
sunspots" which is quite unusual for a sunspot cycle peak.  I think the 
lows in the 50s and 60s on either side of that major peak were almost as 
high as this peak.

I remember in the late 50s seeing Aurora radiating from a spot overhead 
and extending to central Michigan's Southern horizon a number of times.  
IIRC some were visible from the Gulf Coast.

If this is a peak, what can we expect for a low? On the last low, there 
were times when 40 meters was open World wide, around the clock.  Times 
when Au and NZ were interfering with multiple stations from Europe with 
signals 20 over in both directions. There was not enough day time 
absorption to limit distance on 40.  I worked Europe on a 75m wire 
antenna at night as if it were 20 in the daytime of old.

I have consecutive weeks of pages of  almost all DX on 40.  OTOH at the 
previous peak I have the same on six.  I had all continents in one 
conversation with all copying all. That 7L C3i at 115 feet really 
played.  It was my first serious stint on 6 meters. What a way to start!

At my age, I probably won't see the next peak. 2 strokes and a heart 
attack makes a guy aware of his mortality although they tell me I 
shouldn't have any more strokes.  Course I had 3 engine failures on 
climb out over the last 25 years.  It'd be quiet when that happens 
except for the noise of your heart beat in your ears.  I made it back to 
the runway without bending or breaking anything every time and once was 
after dark.  That was...interesting<:-))

I miss the flying like I miss those sunspot cycle peaks, well maybe a 
little more, but I'm glad I was able to experience both. <:-))

So I wonder what to expect for the next cycle low and high.  We know the 
trends, but are still learning the reasons for them.  The trends say 
that the next high "may" be less than this one, but that's based mostly 
on trends and history.  If activity continues downward, where does it go 
from here? We are close to some previous lows before we start downward.  
Do we get a long quiet spell?  Some of the greatest disturbances have 
come during, or near lows.  We just had a period of exceptional activity 
led by little activity and followed by a short period of no sunspots and 
still not much activity.

The money is on a record low followed by a high of less than this one, 
but unless I missed something, we really don't know and the sun is full 
of surprises.  We all hope for the same thing, but anybody taking bets?

73

Roger (K8RI)



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