‰ Now 18 WPM transition file follows ‰

Average daily sunspot numbers more than doubled this week over last,
up nearly 27 points to 46R3. While there were more sunspots, the
geomagnetic K index was 0, and on some days the A index was 0 as
well. Check out November 7 and 8 on the www.sec.noaa.gov web site. A
rare sight, with nearly nothing but zeros straight across for two
days, seemingly at all latitudes. For the low end of the HF
spectrum, what could be better than a very quiet geomagnetic index
and a long night? That quiet period has come to an end. At 0600z on
November 10, the mid latitude K index reported by WWV is 5, and the
planetary K index is 6, indicating a geomagnetic storm and a good
night to observe aurora. At the same time, sunspots 921 and 922 are
leaving the visible solar disc on the western limb, and sunspot 923
is emerging on the eastern side. On November 6, as sunspot 923 was
about to emerge, it was throwing off X rays and a strong solar wind,
but it was not yet aimed toward earth. Astronomer Thomas Ashcraft
is about 12 miles southeast of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and has
antennas aimed at the sun, with receivers tuned to 18R7 and 22R2 MHz
to detect radio noise. On November 6 he recorded a particularly fast
burst of solar radio energy, and recorded it in stereo with the 18R7
MHz receiver feeding one channel, and 22R2 MHz feeding the other.
This produces an interesting stereo effect, and you can hear it for
yourself on his web site, www.heliotown.com. He recommends stereo
headphones for maximum dramatic binaural effect. This blast was from
sunspot 923, which had not quite moved into view. What would the
effect have been if it was pointed toward us? Interestingly, the
geomagnetic field stayed very quiet for the next few days. Sunspot
numbers were 59, 57, 52, 62, 30, 26 and 38 with a mean of 46R3. 10R7
cm flux was 88R2, 87R4, 85R5, 84R7, 83R5, 87R1, and 86R4, with a
mean of 86R1. Estimated planetary A indices were 8, 8, 6, 5, 1, 0
and 1 with a mean of 4R1. Estimated mid latitude A indices were 6,
5, 4, 3, 1, 0 and 0, with a mean of 2R7. the new amateur radio
rules detailed in the recent omnibus fcc report and order in wt
docket 04 140, released october 10, are not yet in effect. the
changes become effective 30 days after they appear in the federal
register, the official daily publication for rules, proposed rules
and notices of federal agencies and organizations. since publication
has not yet occurred, the effective date cannot be determined. the
arrl will announce the effective date of these new rules once its
known‚

‰ End of 18 WPM transition file ‰