A continuing relatively stable magnetic field (Kp at about 2-3), reasonably high solar flux levels (130, at present) and the end of the summer propagation doldrums, should all combine to make conditions like we\u2019d all expect at the top of the sunspot cycle: 10 metres open to the east and west; 15 metres available for central European contacts; 20 metres for paths to the Low Countries and Channel Islands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Presently, Earth is not being impacted by very fast\/dense particle streams from the Sun (as it had been a few days earlier), and will not do so until after the contest. Also, the spot groups on the face of the Sun over the past week have been stable, so there will be little chance of a strike from a (Earth-directed) coronal mass ejection (CME) before or during the coming weekend. A fairly benign magnetic field will be the consequence, helping the so-so flux level generate decent propagation conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some tips for the contest<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Forecast Spreadsheet<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n (in Excel<\/a> and PDF<\/a> formats)<\/p>\n\n\n\n The email contains attachments for a propagation prediction table<\/a>, showing the times and bands that certain paths (from Manchester) will likely be open. It is in rough descending order with respect to longitude. Excel\u2019s filtering function will allow you to focus on any band\/region\/time combinations that you want.\u00a0 A PDF version<\/a> (which can\u2019t be filtered) is also attached.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Good luck!<\/p>\n\n\n\n 73<\/p>\n\n\n\n Evan M0TJU<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A continuing relatively stable magnetic field (Kp at about 2-3), reasonably high solar flux levels (130, at present) and the end of the summer propagation doldrums, should all combine to make conditions like we\u2019d all expect at the top of the sunspot cycle: 10 metres open to the east and west; 15 metres available for… <\/p>\n\n
\n
\n