[K4RY] AUARC: WWV Geophysical Alert Message

[John Klingelhoeffer]

As we spoke earlier today in the discussion on radio propagation, WWV transmits the value of solar flux at 18 minutes after each hour.  This can be used in W6ELProp calculations.  
After the large solar storm that just took place, the flux measurement that had been around 120 last week has risen to 136, which will make worldwide paths on the higher end of the HF band, 14 MHz and up, more prevalent.
Note at the end of the message below, this was rated as an "R1" event for radio communication, which is pretty minimal for HF communications.  The ratings go from R1 to R5 with the latter being the worst.  Statistically, there is about only one R5 event per solar maximum cycle or another way of viewing it is one R5 event each 11 years.  
Current message from WWV below:
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:Product: Geophysical Alert Message wwv.txt
:Issued: 2012 Jan 25 0305 UTC

# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
# Please send comments and suggestions to SWPC.Webmaster at noaa.gov
# 3-hourly messages issued this UT day.
#
#                    Geophysical Alert Message
#
#-----------------------------------------------------------------

Solar-terrestrial indices for 24 January follow.
Solar flux 136 and estimated planetary A-index 17.
The estimated planetary K-index at 0000 UTC on 25 January was 3.

Space weather for the past 24 hours has been strong.
Geomagnetic storms reaching the G1 level occurred.
Solar radiation storms reaching the S3 level occurred.

Space weather for the next 24 hours is predicted to be moderate.
Geomagnetic storms reaching the G1 level are expected.
Solar radiation storms reaching the S2 level are expected.
Radio blackouts reaching the R1 level are likely.
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