Hannes Coetzee, ZS6BZP

Propagation Report from Hannes Coetzee, ZS6BZP

01 August, 2010

Hannes Coetzee, ZS6BZP, reports that the solar activity is still at low levels. Sunspot 1 089 is decreasing in area but hopefully the new Sunspot 1 092 will contribute to higher solar activity.

During 2009, 71% of the days were without sunspots. For 2010 up to now 17% of the days were sunspot free. The effective sunspot number is expected to be less than 20 for the coming week.

20 m will provide the best opportunities for DX followed by 40 m. Conditions to India will be good from the late afternoons till after sunset. During sunset it will be good towards Europa. Contacts with the USA are still challenging. Contacts with Australia and New Zealand are possible at sunrise on 20 m and on 40 m after sunset. Weak 15 m openings to Brazil and South America are possible during the afternoons.

For the CW and digital enthusiasts 30 m may be very rewarding with openings to many parts of the world.

For the SARL's contest this afternoon 20 m will produce the best results at the start of the contest, especially over the longer distances. Propagation on 40 m will be good during the a long part of the afternoon. 80 m will take over near sunset.

80 m is the frequency of choice during the evenings.

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