October 2012

Propagation Summary 

Solar activity was at low levels during most of September.  A type II Radio Sweep occurred at and was associated with a non-Earth directed Coronal mass ejection.

Solar flux was at high levels on 10 and 12 September. Moderate levels were observed on 11 September and again from 13 - 16 September. The geomagnetic field was at quiet levels throughout the period with two isolated unsettled periods on 12 September and 15 September.  

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity

Solar activity is expected to be at very low to low levels with a chance for moderate activity during the first half of October.  The solar flux at is expected to be at high levels from 07-09 October.  Geomagnetic field activity is expected to be quiet to unsettled with

active conditions possible on 03-05, 09-10, and 12-13 October. The active conditions are mainly associated with coronal hole high speed streams. http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/ftpdir/weekly/WKHF.txt 

Sunspot Activity is increasing

Sunspot activity has increased during 2010-11.  There have been no spotless days so far during 2012.   2011 had only 2 spotless days, 2010 had 51 and 2009 had a total of 260 spotless days.  However, monthly sunspot numbers are still around the 70 mark, following the sharp drop during early 2012.  http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/SolarCycle/