‰ NOW 18 WPM transition file follows‰ We saw sunspots return recently, but only for a week, November 13 to 19. From last weeks bulletin, average daily sunspot number rose from 3.1 to 9.4, while average daily solar flux rose from 68.5 to 70.8. That week long sunspot appearance was sunspot number 2727, but last weekend another smaller sunspot appeared briefly, so brief that it was not assigned a number, but significant because the polarity was reversed, so it is a sunspot from the upcoming solar cycle 25. See //bit.ly/2DTrdks for details on the brief appearance. Mike Schaffer, KA3JAW pointed out that this was the second recent reverse polarity sunspot, after an earlier one on Friday, November 9. Geomagnetic indicators were quieter, with average planetary A index dropping from 8.1 to 3.3, while average mid latitude A index declined from 6.3 to 2.1. Predicted solar flux is 69 on November 23 to 29, 68 on November 30 through December 2, 69 and 70 on December 3 and 4, 71 on December 5 to 15, 72 on December 16 and 17, 71 on December 18, 68 on December 19 to 29, 69 on December 30 and 31, and 71 on January 1 to 6. Predicted planetary A index is 5 on November 23 and 24, 8 on November 25 to 27, 5 on November 28 to 30, then 15 and 30 on December 1 and 2, 10 on December 3 and 4, 8 on December 5 and 6, 12 on December 7 and 8, 8 on December 9, 5 on December 10 to 15, then 8, 8, 10 and 8 on December 16 to 19, 5 on December 20 to 27, 15 and 30 on December 28 and 29, 10 on December 30 and 31, 8 on January 1 and 2, 12 on January 3 and 4, then 8 and 5 on January 5 and 6. After the horrific fires in southern California this month, the Thanksgiving holiday holds a very special meaning. As you might have heard me mention before, several of my friends were recently evacuated due to the Woolsey fire and one even lost their home in Malibu Lake. Its no exaggeration when I say it will take years for their lives to return to normal. I feel very fortunate that my home was spared. It was just a year ago that I began writing these emails to you on a weekly basis. Slowly but surely, Ive been sharing bits and pieces of my life with you both here and on Patreon. Many of you have graciously written back and shared bits and pieces of your life with me in return. These gift exchanges, as I call them, have enriched my life so much. So much, in fact, that I cant help but think of you as part of my family on a day like today. So while the Sun takes a breather and gives us a Thanksgiving reprieve this week, know that you all are in my thoughts. The current forecast may be a little bit on the dull side while we wait for a new chance for a solar storm, but I for one, have all the joy and excitement I need right here. The multiple websites mentioned in this bulletin can be found in teleprinter, packet, and Internet versions of 2018 Propagation Forecast Bulletin ARLP047. Sunspot numbers were 13, 14, 13, 14, 12, 0, and 0, with a mean of 9.4. 10.7 cm flux was 68.4, 71.1, 73.3, 72.3, 71.1, 70.5, and 68.8, with a mean of 70.8. Estimated planetary A indices were 2, 2, 1, 3, 4, 6, and 5, with a mean of 3.3. Estimated mid latitude A indices were 1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 5, and 3, with a mean of 2.1. ‰ END OF 18 WPM transition file ƒ