Podcast: HF Propagation, February 2012

In this month's podcast I look at current solar conditions and how the solar flux index has actually come down - have we seen the peak of cycle 24 or is there more to come? Also, I look at the geomagnetic figures behind last month's visible aurora. And do we really need high solar flux numbers to work DX on 10m - you might be surprised. Lasts about 6mins 15secs.

Click on the headline to listen to the programme online or if you prefer to listen to it on your iPod search for G0KYA on iTunes.

UK propagation charts for February 2012

Solar conditions have declined over the last month. Just a few weeks ago we were suffering from geomagnetic disturbances, with reports of aurora being seen in northern England. And now we have seen the solar flux fall to around 100-110. This doesn't bode well for the rest of the cycle, although there is still plenty of DX to be had. Just the other morning I heard a station on from Tinian Island, Marianas on 10m SSB. He peaked at 55-56 before vanishing. In case you have never heard of Tinian island it is where Enola Gay set off from for Hiroshima in 1945. Other DX that has been romping in includes the VP6T DXpedition to Pitcairn Island and the HK0NA Malpelo DXpedition near Columbia. We may start to see the best of the low-band DX (80m and 160m) fade out a little as we head towards spring, and 10m may not play ball as much if the flux remains down below 120. But keep an eye out as there will be plenty on the other bands. Go to the February propagation charts from the UK