Does this suggest propogation disturbance is likely soon? - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Skywave · 18th Nov 2013, 1:03 am

From the BBC News Web Site:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-24977823

Have you noticed any effects yet?

Al.

Robert Darwent · 18th Nov 2013, 2:58 am

Hi Al,

This magnetic field reversal happens on average every 11 years as part of the sun's sunspot cycle. I believe it's how astronomers know for certain when the peak of the current cycle has been reached, also known as "solar-max" .

I'm not sure if the magnetic field reversal means we should expect any undue propagation disturbances over and above what have recently been experienced from this point in the cycle.

Regards

dsergeant · 18th Nov 2013, 7:53 am

The sun certainly seems to be going through a second peak of the current solar cycle, the sun is quite active and HF conditions are good. This is just in line with predictions which predicted a second maximum in late 2013/early 2014 - expect it to quieten down again soon as it heads to the next minimum.

Despite what the BBC article says you cannot define the field reversal point as a particular instant, only that once it has changed the sun will be on the descending slope to the minimum. In any case this cycle remains one of the quietest in living memory, although conditions are good they are nothing like many of us remember in the late 1970s and even better ones before that. The likelihood of powerline crashing flares is virtually nil.

Dave G3YMC

18th Nov 2013, 1:03 am	#1
Skywave Rest in Peace Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Chard, South Somerset, UK. Posts: 7,457	Does this suggest propogation disturbance is likely soon? From the BBC News Web Site: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-24977823 Have you noticed any effects yet? Al.

18th Nov 2013, 2:58 am	#2
Robert Darwent Heptode Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK Posts: 990	Re: Does this suggest propogation disturbance is likely soon? Hi Al, This magnetic field reversal happens on average every 11 years as part of the sun's sunspot cycle. I believe it's how astronomers know for certain when the peak of the current cycle has been reached, also known as "solar-max" . I'm not sure if the magnetic field reversal means we should expect any undue propagation disturbances over and above what have recently been experienced from this point in the cycle. Regards __________________ Robert G0UHF www.wavesintheair.co.uk Last edited by Robert Darwent; 18th Nov 2013 at 3:17 am.

18th Nov 2013, 7:53 am	#3
dsergeant Octode Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Bracknell, Berkshire,UK. Posts: 1,172	Re: Does this suggest propogation disturbance is likely soon? The sun certainly seems to be going through a second peak of the current solar cycle, the sun is quite active and HF conditions are good. This is just in line with predictions which predicted a second maximum in late 2013/early 2014 - expect it to quieten down again soon as it heads to the next minimum. Despite what the BBC article says you cannot define the field reversal point as a particular instant, only that once it has changed the sun will be on the descending slope to the minimum. In any case this cycle remains one of the quietest in living memory, although conditions are good they are nothing like many of us remember in the late 1970s and even better ones before that. The likelihood of powerline crashing flares is virtually nil. Dave G3YMC