(Disclaimer)

I do not claim to be knowledgeable in Space Weather (forecasting).

 I consider myself a Space Weather enthusiast.

The sun shines bright in my old Kentucky home as it does over most of the earth during Solar Cycle 25. 

For several weeks now it seems no matter what region of the Sun is facing Earth, the Sun is having a hissy fit with solar flares, solar storms, CMEs and radio blackouts.  How has Solar Cycle 25 affected, if any your Amateur Radio operating?

In anticipation of Solar Cycle25, during the Pandemic shutdown I delved  into areas of Amateur Radio that I was familiar with but wanted to expand my knowledge.  One area is Space Weather and the effects the sun has on Amateur Radio operating.   

During the shutdown, I  probed the far reaches of the internet searching for any content, instructions, courses, papers, blogs, social media posts and videos for information on space weather.  I knew a little about how the sun effects radio propagation from my Amateur Radio exams over the years. One thin I did know from spending many hours in TV weather sets during my broadcasting career, that Space Weather is just as unpredictable as Terrestrial Weather. One thing I wasn't aware of,  Space Weather forecasting is basically in its infancy in comparison to Terrestrial Weather.   Especially in the area of Solar Cycles, since they come basically every 11 years.  Satellites and computer models data models have definitely aided in space weather forecasting.

My internet search turned up many people with vast knowledge in Space Weather and  Space Weather forecasting.  The person who caught my eye and provided ME with an easy understanding of Space Weather and Forecasting is "The Space Weather Woman:, Dr. Tamitha Skov. 

https://www.spaceweatherwoman.com/

https://www.facebook.com/spaceweatherwoman

https://x.com/tamithaskov

https://www.instagram.com/tamithaskov/

https://www.youtube.com/@TamithaSkov/featured

I don't have a hard fast RULE of whether I allow a Space Weather forecast determine if I am going to operate that day. Basically, I use Space Weather forecast data as a means to determine what antenna I may use, QRP or QRO rigs, what mode I may use (SSB, CW, or Data) or if I'm operating Parks on the Air, what park and what area of a park I'll operate from. I use this data just as I would a Terrestrial weather forecast that may forecast a 30% chance of rain.  Do I need to carry an umbrella

After several months of trying to determine what works for me. Here are  some of the places I visit almost daily.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration  (NOAA)

Space Weather Prediction Center

https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/communities/radio-communications

https://www.facebook.com/NWSSWPC/

https://x.com/nwsswpc

Space Weather LIVE

https://www.spaceweatherlive.com/

https://www.facebook.com/SpaceWeatherLive

https://x.com/_SpaceWeather_

https://www.youtube.com/@Spaceweatherlive

Solar Ham

https://www.solarham.com/

https://www.facebook.com/SolarHam/

https://x.com/SolarHam

https://www.youtube.com/user/ve3en1

Sometimes I will check band conditions at the following sites.

https://pskreporter.info/pskmap.html

WSPR Net

I would love to hear from those who follow other sites. Leave message in comments.