Wolf,
Thanks for the posting; it's good to hear from you again.
During times of high geomagnetic activity, the solar wind can distort
the high-latitude lines of force and carry E- and F-region electrons back
into the magneto-tail, adversely affecting DX propagagtion (e.g., DF to
W6) on long hops. Also, auroral activity increases ionospheric absorption
at lower altitudes in the auroral latitudes.
When the solar wind abates, E- and F-region ionization returns slowly to
the former equilibrium distribution, by upward diffusion of electrons and
photo-production during daylight. Because of density considerations,
there is a delay and the lower altitudes (and shorter DX hops) recover
first.
So paths into the polar caps suffer these effects while sub-auroral and
low-latitude paths are essentially immune.
73,
Bob, NM7M
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