‰ Now 18 WPM transition file follows ‰ Average daily sunspot numbers rose over 22 points this week to 71R4, and average daily solar flux was up by nearly 5 to 91R2. Not too bad with the predicted solar minimum a year away. Over the past week geomagnetic indicators were stable, but a solar wind caused the K and A index to rise on December 27 and 28. Sunspot and solar flux levels should remain approximately the same, perhaps slightly lower January 1 to 4. Geomagnetic indicators should be slightly unsettled for today, December 30, then quiet December 31 to January 4, and quiet to unsettled January 5. Next week we should have a look at the average sunspot numbers for the year, comparing them with past years. So far, with only a few days to go, it looks like the 2005 average daily sunspot number will be nearly 30 percent less than in 2004. For more information concerning radio propagation and an explanation of the numbers used in this bulletin see the ARRL Technical Information Service propagation page. An archive of past bulletins is also available. Sunspot numbers for December 22 through 28 were 77, 47, 70, 77, 90, 78 and 61 with a mean of 71R4. 10R7 cm flux was 87R6, 93R1, 91R9, 91R8, 92R5, 92R3, and 89R1, with a mean of 91R2. Estimated planetary A indices were 4, 1, 3, 6, 6, 18 and 14 with a mean of 7R4. Estimated mid latitude A indices were 4, 1, 2, 3, 3, 10 and 13, with a mean of 5R1‚ ‰ End of 18 WPM transition file ‰