I believe another factor in the recent "poor
160M condx" is sporadic E. Intense
E-layer ionization may completely absorb
160M signals, much like auroral ionization
which also occurs in this region. These Es
clouds have a much higher critical frequency
than the 0.4-0.6 MHz Bob, NM7M notes for
the E region in general. Es tend to appear
more frequently during the sunspot minumum
with a minor seasonal peak from Nov. to Jan.
There has been many widespread Es openings
on 6 meters recently.
73 and Season's Greetings,
Jon N0JK
--
FAQ on WWW: http://www.contesting.com/topband.html
Submissions: topband@contesting.com
Administrative requests: topband-REQUEST@contesting.com
Sponsored by Akorn Access, Inc & KM9P
|