Propagation

This page contains a dynamic collection of propagation information gathered from many different sources. This data is extremely useful for ham radio operators and shortwave listeners.

Last Update: Friday, November 06, 2009 20:32

 

Solar Cycle 24 - where is it???

This chart shows the sunspot values to end of October 2009 and the predictions for the next 7 years. As you can see the upturn is showing but quite tentative at the moment. This data shows the solar maximum occurring in the first quarter of 2013 with a much lower peak than Cycle 23. The chart below shows a slightly later peak, with curves to show expected maximum, minimum and average levels. As you can see, predicting solar activity is not exactly a precise science!

 

 

 Current Images of the Sun
from GONG, SOLIS, OSPAN and AFRL

Solar X-ray Flux

This chart shows X-ray flux levels as measured by the GOES-8 and GOES-10 satellites.  The GOES-8 measurements (shown in red) are used to issue alerts when X-ray flux levels exceed certain levels.  Spikes on the chart correspond to solar flares.  Flares are considered "significant" when flux levels rise above the "M" level (as shown on the right side of the chart).  These large flares can often wipe out the ham radio and shortwave bands almost immediately and it can take minutes to hours for the bands to recover.  If the ham radio bands seem to go dead all of a sudden, it is always a good idea to check this chart to see if a large flare has occurred recently.

http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/rt_plots/Xray.gif

Dynamically updating plots:
 5-minute X-ray    1-minute X-ray    Satellite Environment
K-index    Proton Flux   Electron Flux   GOES Magnetometer

Near-Real-Time MUF map

The following map shows Maximum Usable Frequencies (MUFs) for 3000 kilometer radio signal paths.  More importantly, the current sunspot number (SSN) and Planetary A-index are updated every 30 minutes on the bottom of this image.  Additionally, the grey line position, auroral ovals, and sun position are provided.  Click on the map for more details on how to use it.

Near-Real-Time MUF Map (with SSN & A-index)

This image courtesy of  Solar Terrestrial Dispatch

Current Solar Images

The images below are current views of the sun shown at different wavelengths of light as taken by SOHO and the Yohkoh soft-X-ray telescope. Generally, more bright regions on the disk indicates more solar activity, which usually leads to higher solar flux levels (which also often leads to better ham radio and shortwave propagation!).  Click on any thumbnail to view a larger image.

 

SOHO - 17.1nm

SOHO 17.1nm

SOHO - 19.5nm

SOHO 19.5nm

SOHO - 28.4nm

SOHO 28.4nm

SOHO - 30.4nm

SOHO 30.4nm

Sometimes you may see the text "CCD Bakeout" instead of the images.  This occurs when NASA does routine maintenance and calibration on the cameras.  For a more technical explanation, read NASA CCD Bakeout explanation.

Images courtesy of the SDAC at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

 

 

 

 

© Philippine Amateur Radio Association, Inc. 2009