Recent solar activity has significantly impacted HF radio communications globally, particularly affecting FT8 operations into Vancouver. Over the past few days, several large solar flares, including an X4 class flare, have been observed. These flares have caused disruptions in radio communications and sparked radio blackouts on Earth, with a video capturing the event. Notably, one flare occurred late at night, followed by two major flares centered around 0145 UTC and 0510 UTC. Another significant X-class flare was reported at 1755 UTC, affecting the Americas. The largest recorded flare from sunspot AR3664 also contributed to these disturbances.
The X4 flare emitted by the sun this morning. https://t.co/blGsu14QEl
SUN EMITS MASSIVE SOLAR FLARE The X4 flare, one of the most potent, was emitted by the sun this morning. https://t.co/Auu2opeq01
Behemoth sunspot AR3664 unleashes its biggest solar flare yet, sparking radio blackouts on Earth (video) https://t.co/93WHeHJSrk https://t.co/Gnsh43b1j1
Yet another x-class solar flare, as shown here by the mapping of the ionizing zap centered around 1755 UTC today (almost 11 AM PDT). Big impact on HF radio propagation for the Americas. @eschecter @CadiereGerald @PopShopRadio1 @kaedotcom https://t.co/oLuR10LkeD
Two more "biggies", solar "zaps" with major effects, although relatively short-lived, for HF communications. One centered around 0145 UTC, the second centered around 0510 UTC (underway at this time of posting). @TamithaSkov @CadiereGerald @drmna_info @K3TripleR @kaedotcom https://t.co/5ynJM6gUBD
What an interesting 24 h for HF radio propagation, and for solar flares! Very lackluster for FT8 over past 24 h into Vancouver. Amazing flare late last night. @TamithaSkov @CadiereGerald @drmna_info @K3TripleR @HowesNathan @KD8TTE @ZSsixSHN @ZL3GAV @phi48 https://t.co/4L1D3LUHuT