As a ham radio operator from the 50s, concentrating on communicating with foreign countries, I lived for sunspot peaks which greatly enhanced bouncing of signals from the ionosphere. The very late 50s, early 60s 11 year cycle, were great for radio propagation. I could cover the entire world, and at the same time. DE: W4EX
I agree. I think the article is a bit over dramatic as sunspot count is near its predicted maximum now (86 predicted / 84 observed). DE KK4NWA
I always used to listen to shortwave in the 40m area in the late 80’s and early 90’s. Lots of activity. I only ever got a tech plus license, and couldn’t really afford or do a decent system. Plus the 13wpm CW was too much for me, I could barely do 5.
I haven’t been into it in awhile, but I hear the 10m and 6m have been doing really great for a long time. It’s too bad shortwave broadcast died from the net.
There’s still number stations and other stuff going on though. But apparently the sun’s just not been cooperating with the cycles lately for 4-10mhz
So you well know the coloration between solar activity and the planet’s eco system;) I loved to tell the liberals in the State Department about sun spots a cocktail parties when they engaged in drivel about global cooling, then warming, then Change. Nothing like a little science to humble their ass-u-me(tions).