Spring, TEP and other stories

We left spring solstice a week behind already, but unfortunately TEP is not so strong as expected. Of course several stations have been heard already as FR4NT,3B8CF,V51YJ and several ZS6. But those are the usual suspects. It seams that the second peak of cycle 24, predicted in previous post, it is late if it ever comes.

Last weekend we were occupied with the usual spring repairs in second QTH of SV8CS. In the photo you can see SV8KOU, SV8CS,SV8DOU (left to right). I call it the “periscope”, as it is located on the top of a hill 560m high and absolutely open 360 degree around. Keep in mind that it covers all bands from 160m to 70cm and it is fully remote operated. Powered by 800AH batteries or fuel generator if need it, it is a very respectable tool indeed. Now we are loaded with the finger on the trigger. The only thing we need is the target!

What is going on with the sun?

Sun is very quiet last months. This year should be the maximum of solar cycle 24, but solar activity keeps declining. The most part of radio community is somehow disappointed because of that.  Was this unexpected? Not quite. Don’t worry. There is hope.

The quiet has led some observers to wonder if forecasters missed the mark. Solar physicist Dean Pesnell of the Goddard Space Flight Center has a different explanation: 

"This is solar maximum," he suggests. "But it looks different from what we expected because it is double peaked."

You can read the whole article here. Let’s hope that Dean is wright and a second peak is on the way!