We saw a rise in solar activity this reporting week, July 6 – 12, 2023.
Referencing the previous 7 days, average daily sunspot numbers rose from 126.1 to 181.9, while the average daily solar flux increased from 164.5 to 179.4.
Geomagnetic indicators did not change much. The average planetary A index went from 7.3 to 8.6 and the average daily middle latitude A index went from 8 to 8.1.
The most active day was July 7, when the University of Alaska’s College A index was 40! The middle latitude A index on that day was only 11. The College A index was measured by a magnetometer in Fairbanks, Alaska.
Predicted solar flux looks like it will be great over the next few days, at 190 on July 13; 188 on July 14 – 15; 186 on July 16; 182 on July 17 – 18; 180 on July 19; 170 on July 20 – 21; 160 on July 22 – 23; 155 on July 24 – 25; 160 on July 26 – 27; 165 on July 28 – 29; 170 on July 30 – 31; 165 on August 1 – 4; 170 on August 5; 175 on August 6 – 7; 170 on August 8, and 165 on August 9 – 11.
Predicted planetary A index is 15 and 10 on July 13 – 14; 5 on July 15 through August 2; 10, 8, and 5 on August 3 – 5, then 8, 8, 5, 8, and 8 on August 6 – 10.
On July 12, spaceweather.com reported:
“A new hyperactive sunspot is producing M-class solar flares every few hours. This is causing shortwave radio blackouts around all longitudes of our planet. If current trends continue, an X-flare could be in the offing.”
See spaceweather.com for updates.
Thanks to reader David Moore for sending us the information on aurora hype at https://bit.ly/44ovzsh. Sunspot numbers for July 6 through 12, 2023, were 149, 147, 167, 183, 181, 227, and 219, with a mean of 181.9. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 157.6, 161.4, 160.5, 179.2, 190.6, 213.5, and 193.3, with a mean of 179.4. Estimated planetary A indices were 11, 18, 8, 4, 5, 8, and 6, with a mean of 8.6. The middle latitude A index was 11, 16, 6, 4, 6, 8, and 6, with a mean of 8.1.
. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the ARRL Technical Information Service, read “What the Numbers Mean…,” and check out the Propagation Page of Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. For customizable propagation charts, visit the VOACAP Online for Ham Radio website.
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