FCC - Public Comment on the effects of the Recent Severe Geomagnetic Storm

The Federal Communications Commission’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (PSHSB or Bureau) seeks comment on any observed impacts to communications that resulted from the May 2024 severe geomagnetic storm.

More Information - https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-24-493A1.pdf

Nominations for IARU President and Vice President have been Ratified

IARU member societies have ratified the nomination of Tim Ellam, VE6SH/G4HUA and Thomas Wrede, DF2OO as IARU President and Vice President, respectively, for a five-year term which began on the 9 May 2024.

On beginning his 4th term as President, Tim Ellam thanked member societies for their support, congratulated Thomas Wrede on his election as Vice President, and also offered a special and heartfelt thank you to Ole Garpestad, LA2RR who retired as IARU Vice President.

Historic Solar Storms Produce Worldwide HF Radio Blackouts

A series of powerful solar storms not seen in more than two decades has produced colourful auroras throughout the world (seen in some southern regions of the US where auroras are never visible), lighting up Aurora Borealis and Aurora Australis. Someone has unplugged the HF bands. Some hams are getting through on HF and reporting choppy band conditions; others are finding work to do on the bench or tackling their honey-do lists. GPS and other navigation systems are being watched; Satellites in high orbit have been at risk for damage; satellites in lower orbits are having those orbits compromised and the massive Starlink constellation reported degradation in service. On the bright side, at least it’s not the Carrington Event, the worst solar storm ever in the history of the planet. The 19th-century storm took down telegraph systems and sent auroras into places where they were previously unseen.