via the ARRL: Solar Cycle 25 Producing Record High Sunspot Numbers
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(Disclaimer)
I do not claim to be knowledgeable in Space Weather (forecasting).
Β I consider myself a Space WeatherΒ enthusiast.
The sun shines bright in my old Kentucky home as it does over most of the earth during Solar Cycle 25.Β
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.Β How has Solar Cycle 25 affected, if any your Amateur Radio operating?
In anticipation of Solar Cycle25, during the Pandemic shutdown I delvedΒ into areas of Amateur Radio that I was familiar with but wanted to expand my knowledge.Β One area is Space Weather and the effects the sun has on Amateur Radio operating.Β Β
During the shutdown, IΒ 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.Β 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,Β Space Weather forecasting is basically in its infancy in comparison to Terrestrial Weather.Β Β Especially in the area of Solar Cycles, since they come basically every 11 years.Β 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 andΒ Space Weather forecasting.Β 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.Β
Dr. Skov's YouTube channel's wide range of Mini courses, her "Live" presentations and "Q & A" sessions along with updated Space Weather forecast have served ME well in my Space Weather and Forecasting education.Β Here are some of the sites pertaining to 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.Β Do I need to carry an umbrella
After several months of trying to determine what works for me. Here areΒ some of the places I visit almost daily.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric AdministrationΒ (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.