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www.southgatearc.org
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Propagation Report from Hannes Coetzee, ZS6BZP19 April, 2009 Currently there are no physical sunspots on the surface of the sun. We are experiencing indeed a very deep minimum. The sun's failure to create sunspots is playing havoc with some frequency prediction programmes that use stored sunspot values, and of course, with our HF comms as well. The frequency prediction programmes tend to give optimistic results and must be treated with caution. The imminent change of season, with less energy from the sun reaching the Southern ionosphere, is having an impact on propagation as well. 15, 17 and 20 m will provide best opportunities for DX. Conditions to the East and the West will be good from the early afternoon onwards. During the late afternoon and early evenings it will be good towards the North. The North-Easterly, North-Westerly, South-Easterly and South-Westerly paths will be challenging. 10 MHz seems to be promising in the late afternoons and after dark for the CW and digital enthusiasts. Local conditions will be good on 40 m during the daytime. 80 m may perform well during the early mornings and late afternoons over the shorter distances, e.g. between ZS5 and ZS6. 30 m may perform well during the middle of the day between ZS6 and ZS1. With winter on its way, 20 m is preparing for hibernation, but may still give surprising results before lunchtime. 80 m is the frequency of choice in the evenings. Unfortunately the static noise levels are still a bit high, making contacts over the longer distances a challenging. Remember that this is only a prediction and that HF has the capability to pleasantly surprise you, but you will never know unless you switch your rig on, listen and also call CQ Please visit www.spaceweather.co.za for further information. • All propagation
reports can be found at:
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