Saturday 26 January 2019

April 2018

Propagation Summary
Solar activity was very low during the second half of March. There were some minor disturbances on 15-17 march, but there were no earth directed Coronal Mass ejections during the period.  The Solar Flux was at high levels on 16-18 March. Normal levels were observed on 12-15 March.  Geomagnetic field activity reached Moderate storm levels on 18 March and active levels on 14-17 March due to the influence of a negative polarity Coronal Hole High Speed Stream. Quiet to unsettled levels were observed throughout the rest of the period

Propagation Forecast up to 14 April
Solar activity is expected to be at very low levels throughout the outlook period.
The solar flux is expected to be high levels on 12-14 April.  Normal to moderate levels are expected for the rest of the period.  Geomagnetic field activity is likely to be at G1 (Minor) storm levels on 12 April with active periods likely on 11, 13-14 April, due to effects of multiple recurrent Coronal Hole High Speed Streams. Quiet to unsettled levels are expected for the remainder of the outlook period.  https://goo.gl/cVudzs

Equinox Cracks in Earth's Magnetic Field
Cracks are opening in Earth's magnetic field.  Researchers have long known that during weeks around equinoxes, openings form in Earth's magnetosphere.   Solar wind can pour through the gaps to fuel bright displays of Arctic lights. Even a gentle gust of solar wind can breach our planet's magnetic defences.  The cracks are opened by the solar wind itself.  South-pointing magnetic fields inside the solar wind oppose Earth's north-pointing magnetic field.
The two, (North Versus South), partially cancel one another, weakening our planet's magnetic defences. Theoretically, this could affect HF propagation. 
(SARL via Mike Terry, WOR\DXLD)  https://goo.gl/E4QEvj

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