‰ Now 18 WPM transition file follows ‰

Low activity continues with another string of zero sunspot days.
Average daily sunspot numbers for this week were down four points
from the prior week to 3R1. Average solar flux declined one point to
76R4. February ended, so a comparison of monthly averages of daily
sunspot numbers and solar flux is called for. As you can see below,
the average sunspot numbers plummeted in February, far below any
other month in the second half of cycle 23. The average daily
sunspot numbers for the months January 2005 through February 2006
were 52, 45R4, 41, 41R5, 65R4, 59R8, 68R7, 65R6, 39R2, 13, 32R2,
62R6, 26R7 and 5R3. Average daily solar flux for the same months was
102R3, 97R2, 89R9, 85R9, 99R5, 93R7, 96R5, 92R4, 91R9, 76R6, 86R3,
90R8, 83R4 and 76R5. This weekend is the ARRL International SSB DX
Contest. Although solar activity is low, geomagnetic conditions
should remain quiet, which is good. Sunday, March 5 could see some
unsettled activity. The predicted planetary A index for March 3 to 7
is 8, 5, 12, 5 and 5. Sunspot and solar flux levels should stay
about the same, which is very low. Geophysical Institute Prague
predicts quiet conditions on March 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8. Quiet to
unsettled conditions are seen for March 5 and 9. For more
information concerning radio propagation and an explanation of the
numbers used in this bulletin see the ARRL Technical Information
Service propagation page. An archive of past propagation bulletins
is also available. Sunspot numbers were 0, 0, 0, 0, 11, 11 and 0
with a mean of 3R1. 10R7 cm flux was 75R1, 76, 76, 76R5, 77, 77R1,
and 77, with a mean of 76R4. Estimated planetary A indices were 3,
6, 1, 5, 3, 5 and 7 with a mean of 4R3. Estimated mid latitude A
indices were 4, 4, 1, 3, 2, 2 and 5, with a mean of 3‚

‰ End of 18 WPM transition file ‰