The official prediction for Solar Cycle 25 was a bit disappointing, with most forecasters agreeing that it would be similar to Solar Cycle 24, and only a few suggesting it might be better.
Well, in the 15 months since Solar Cycle 25 began, the solar activity has consistently been above the prediction, and we have already been enjoying frequent 10m DX. Solar activity hasn’t been at this level for 5 years.
Let’s hope the trend continues – if so Solar Cycle 25 might be fantastic!
I’ve been enjoying 10m. I’d forgotten how much fun the band was!
I know what you mean – isn’t it great!
When I got serious about he hobby again starting in 2011, we were on the upswing of Cycle 24. I started working bands in the reverse order (10/12/15/etc) to get WAS and DXCC on those higher frequency bands before they faded away toward the end of Cycle 24. Glad I did. In fact the last thing I worked on was 160 meters, which benefits from solar minimums and reduced noise. But it is so fun to hear stations on 10m again.
73, Bob, WB4SON
Band openings are great; we hams live for them. Even the WARC bands are exciting when the SUN blesses us. For those of us who enjoyed the cycle in the early 60’s we are anxiously waiting of 6 meters to give us the “MAGIC” again.
WB4SON, thanks for a wonderful informative web site.
73
WA9AGG
Hi Gerald!
Well I only date back to 1970, but even then I recall using a Heathkit Lunchbox 5 watt 6M AM radio to make many QSOs even though the antenna was just a dipole thumbtacked to the wall of the radio room. So I know what you mean about the Magic Band! It has been very fun seeing this solar cycle ramp up after years of quiet 10/12/15 meter bands. Thanks for the kind comment and I’ll keep my fingers crossed too!
73, Bob, WB4SON