Hannes Coetzee, ZS6BZP

Propagation Report from Hannes Coetzee, ZS6BZP

31 May, 2009

Hannes Coetzee, ZS6BZP, reports that the expected solar activity will be very low. The geomagnetic field is expected to be mostly at quiet levels. The expected effective sun spot number for the coming week will be less than 5.

There are currently no sun spots and it is  expected to continue this way for some time. Solar cycle 24 is expected to peak during May 2013. Start planning those 10 and 6 m antennas meanwhile!

With the change of season less energy from the sun is reaching the southern ionosphere and it is having an impact on propagation. 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.

Early in the morning it may be possible to make contacts with Australia and New-Zealand. The north-easterly, north-westerly, south-easterly and south-westerly paths will be challenging. Long path propagation towards the USA is also possible. 10 MHz is looking promising late afternoon and after dark for the CW and digital enthusiasts.

Local conditions are going to 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. 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 somewhat 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.

South African Radio League

• All propagation reports can be found at:
http://www.southgatearc.org/propagation