ZCZC AP14
QST de W1AW
Propagation Forecast Bulletin 14 ARLP014
From Tad Cook, KT7H
Seattle, WA April 4, 1997
To all radio amateurs
SB PROP ARL ARLP014
ARLP014 Propagation de KT7H
Solar activity was up a little this week. This was unexpected, as it wasn't present in the previous solar rotation, although an upturn is expected in connection with the next solar cycle. The average sunspot number was up almost 23 points compared to the previous week, and the solar flux went from the low 70s to 80. No word yet on whether this little blip in activity is from the last cycle or the next one.
Unless more activity appears, expect the solar flux to drop down to the mid or low 70s again, then rise to the high 70s in a few weeks. April 22 through 25 may see some increased geomagnetic disturbances. Expect 20 meters to still be the best band for worldwide DX, with propagation extending into the evening as the days get longer.
Sunspot numbers for March 27 through April 2 were 13, 18, 26, 29, 22, 23 and 52, respectively, with a mean of 26.1. The 10.7 cm flux was 72.2, 73.2, 75.3, 74, 74.7, 76.3 and 80.5, respectively, with a mean of 75.2, and estimated planetary A indices were 6, 13, 15, 10, 5, 8, and 7, respectively, with a mean of 9.1.