Radio Signals Have 'Upward Propagation' Through Ice, Stone

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Radio signals picked up by a NASA high-altitude balloon have been leaving scientists baffled. The balloon, part of NASA's experiment known as Antarctic Impulsive Transient Antenna, or ANITA, was floating 40 kilometres above the continent, in search of neutrinos and other particles when its sensitive radio antennas unexpectedly picked up signals that were coming from someplace below - way below - the Antarctic's frozen surface. Physicists say that for that kind of reception to occur the radio waves would have had to have penetrated 6,000 to 7,000 kilometres, or 3,700 to 4,300 miles, of solid ice and stone. 

Although the balloon project has since been retired, researchers continue to study these unexplained transmissions and recently published their findings in the journal, Physical Review Letters. The researchers say that by all models of physics, the signals should have been absorbed by the rock and gone undetected. 

Scientists know that these are not neutrinos - the particles that they had expected - but are still trying to narrow down what kind of radio signals they're dealing with. Meanwhile, with the ANITA project retired, the next instruments to have a go at the mystery will be on board a work in progress:  A Pennsylvania State University team is building something bigger and, they hope, better: The Payload for Ultrahigh Energy Observation mission.

Source - ARNewsline

Wireless Institute of Australia Highlights Concerns Regarding IARU Restructuring Plan

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The Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) released a statement earlier this week highlighting concerns regarding the proposal to restructure the IARU into a single entity. While WIA acknowledged many benefits to the proposed changes, there were several areas WIA considered drawbacks. Concerns included potential risk of regional underrepresentation, financial implications, and increased administration requirements.

WIA also voiced proposed remedies to their concerns including regional specific advisory groups, flexible fee structures, and safeguards around virtual participation, among others.

The WIA remains committed to the mission and success of the IARU. However, unless and until our concerns are addresses in detail we are not in favour of the proposal as it is currently presented.

A copy of the full WIA response is available for download (PDF).

Local, County, and State Governments Proclaim Value of Amateur Radio

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The Amateur Radio Service is of great value to communities around the nation. Through served agencies, the trained corps of technical and civic-minded operators provide a no-cost service to the public that has shown to be valuable before and When All Else Fails®.

The 2025 hurricane season has been forecast to be above normal by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). As we saw just last year in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, ham radio saves lives through volunteers who use their skills and equipment during emergencies by providing surface weather observations, relaying messages from shelters, and providing health and welfare information to concerned loved ones.

“While ARRL Field Day is a fun, social, occasion to get together and get on the air, it also serves as an opportunity to test equipment in a way that it would be needed in a time of crisis. The same people who come to visit your site under blue skies are the community members who would be served in an identical manner during and after an emergency”
— Sierra Harrop, W5DX - ARRL Public Relations and Outreach Manager

In recognition of the value of amateur radio, government officials at all levels have issued proclamations and citations across the country. On the ARRL amateur radio proclamations page, you can see the many official documents that have been sent to us at ARRL Headquarters.

“We all know how great the ham community is, but seeing all the proclamations come in around Field Day gives perspective to the efforts of radio amateurs. To have a governor or a councilmember recognize June as Amateur Radio Month truly honors the impact hams have on their community,”
— Sierra Harrop, W5DX - ARRL Public Relations and Outreach Manager