Sun Entering Weakest Cycle Since 1928

Amateur Radio Operators have found that as the number of sunspots increase, their long-distance communications improve. Sunspots affect the ability of the Ionosphere to bounce radio waves from one part of the globe to another. At the peak of a Solar Cycle, we have an array of frequencies that are "open" to worldwide contacts for much of the day.

While effective long-distance (DX) communications is a "sport" among Radio Amateurs, it also helps our work during emergencies--as in the Tsunamis and Hurricanes that have occurred over the years.

J. Begel, W9NPI of MI 11:05AM May 15, 2009