Hi all there was a large X-ray flare classed as an X3.0 at 1030z yesterday
(Mon 24th). I now have the data from Brian's (CT1DRP) plot of DCF39  ( a
path length of 1987 kms) for that period. This shows that there was about a
15dB peak enhancement to the average conditions at that time of day on the
path from DCF39 to Porto. This would not be so evident where the ground wave
signals are stronger than those produced by the ionospheric 'reflection',
but it should have been evident at path distances in excess of about 700kms,
for amateur signal strengths. The interesting thing is that the enhancement,
over average daytime levels for the last two weeks, exceeded 10dB over a
period of about 60 minutes, in other words a very usable 'lift' for inter EU
contacts

There are forecasts of the possibility of more flares in the M and X class
from the same region, so if there are any OH, OM, S52, HA stations around It
could pay to keep an eye on the NOAA site. This will give a real-time
display of the the GOES satellite X-ray detectors, any levels over M1.0 can
give useful enhancements.

This is a daylight only effect and the enhancements seem best between about
09000z and about 1600z at this time of year.

Thanks to Brian for a great bit of continuous data logging.


Cheers de Alan G3NYK
[email protected]