Monday, August 8, 2011

Es Propagation at the Summer Solstice

Hi all,

Now that I have figured out how to make PowerPoint presentations into Video, I can share with all of you what Es do each day.

The 6-Year Study clearly shows that Es are seasonal and peak around the Summer Solstice. Yes, there are other influences such as; meteors and a severe storm. BUT, the main influence is the tidal affect of the Sun on the Es layer around the solstice. (See the CSVHFS presentation).

Please view the PowerPoint showing a PropNET Capture Map of the 13 days around the Summer Solstice for this season. The background is the National Weather Service U.S. Radar Mosaic. It is in date order from June 15 to June 27. The solstice (June 21) is the middle day.

Each day is displayed in UTC hour order by day.

So if you are UTC time challenged, here is what the times mean:

00 UTC - Sunset approaches the East Coast
02 UTC - Sunset in the middle of the U.S.
04 UTC - Sunset on the West Coast
05-10 UTC Late night and twilight in North America
11 UTC Sunrise on the East Coast
12 UTC Sunrise in the middle of the U.S.
14 UTC Sunrise on the West Coast
18 UTC Solar Noon in the middle of the U.S.
20 UTC Afternoon throughout the U.S.

Also, be aware that the Sun rises earlier and sets later in the north.

So notice on the PowerPoint:
1. Es are spread out throughout the U.S at 00 'til 02 UTC.
2. Once the sun has set Es do occur, but are very very spotty. Actually this is the best time for early morning Es during the season, Overall, it is very quiet.
3. Once the sun rises (12 UTC), Es begin a rapid increase.
4. Intensity peaks close to 18 or 19 UTC as noon covers the central part of the U.S..
5. They begin to spread out late into the afternoon, but are not as intense. They are still excellent.
6. The second peak is occurring around 23 UTC.

Also, notice the Trans-Equatorial. It is much better this season and is probably associated with the rise of Solar Flux (Cycle 24). More on that later.

Enjoy. I am having fun doing this while the sun is scorching my grass.

73s
Art KA5DWI



PS.. Click on the arrows to the lower right for full screen

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Central States VHF Society Presentation



This is a test run for uploading PowerPoint Presentations to Video.
Please do not expect perfection. Use pause and play to control the slides.
I will edit this a little and re-submit it at a later date. I may add audio.

I presented this to the Central States VHF Society Conference on July 29, 2011. A paper was also published in the Proceedings.

Enjoy. I love talking about Es and entertain your questions and comments.

73s
Art Jackson - KA5DWI