ZCZC AP41
QST de W1AW
Propagation Forecast Bulletin 41 ARLP041
From Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA
Fort Wayne, IN October 4, 2002
To all radio amateurs
SB PROP ARL ARLP041
ARLP041 Propagation de K9LA
Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA is filling in this week for Tad Cook, K7VVV.
This report is for the period Friday September 27 through Thursday October 3.
Geomagnetic field activity during the period ranged from quiet to severe storm. Several coronal mass ejections around the first of the week caused elevated K and A indices beginning mid week, along with the resultant geomagnetic storms as the interplanetary magnetic field turned south. Auroral displays, degraded propagation on the higher HF bands and some interesting 6-meter openings were noted during the stormy times.
There were no significant proton events during the period.
X-ray flare activity during the period ranged from low to moderate. The largest X-ray flares were M2 events on Sunday, Monday, and Thursday. These flares did not cause any significant radio blackouts.
As K7VVV has mentioned in previous bulletins, the higher bands (15, 12 and 10-meters) will offer excellent worldwide openings as we progress through Fall and into Winter. Now is the time to enjoy these bands-before Cycle 23 gets too far down its inevitable decline.
Sunspot numbers for September 26 through October 2 were 157, 185, 140, 146, 94, 105, and 99, with a mean of 132.3. 10.7 cm flux was 149.9, 151.6, 148.6, 138.1, 139.7, 139.8, and 135.8, with a mean of 143.4. Estimated planetary A indices were 8, 8, 8, 6, 26, 60, and 44, with a mean of 22.9.