March GEO Newsletter Available

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The March PDF of the GEO Newsletter weather satellite publication produced by the Group for Earth Observation is now available for free download

The Group for Earth Observation's aim is to enable amateur reception of weather and earth imaging satellites that are in orbit or planned for launch in the near future.

Membership of GEO is free.

This edition features:

  • A tribute to Francis Bell G7CND, who passed away early in January

  • Two articles about iceberg A69a, covering its 3-year journey and encounter with South Georgia

  • An introduction to 'NASA Worldview Snapshots' which provides imagery from NOAA 20

  • Plus features on the Strait of Hormuz, Lake Turkana and on the SOHO solar observatory

Download the GEO Newsletter - http://leshamilton.co.uk/GEO/newsletter.htm

MARS Volunteers Recognized with Gold-Level President’s Volunteer Service Award

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A dozen US Army Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS) volunteers have been honoured with gold-level recognition for the President’s Volunteer Service Award for 2020.

They are Bob Mims, WA1OEZ; Ron Tomo, KE2UK; Mark Bary, N4EOC; Billy Pearson, KO4XT; Dave Bock, W8OHS; Bob Baker, K5LLF; John Monson, WB0PLW; Gary Geissinger, WA0SPM; Brian Handy, W8JBT; Bliss Wheeler, W7RUG; Jim Hamilton, K4QDF, and Daniel Wolff, KA7AGN.

Each award recipient receives a letter signed by the President of the United States, a certificate of achievement, and a presidential volunteer service lapel pin. Volunteer awards are based on the certifying organization’s recommendation and the number of documented volunteer hours for the year.

Gold-level volunteers must accrue a minimum of 500 hours of volunteer time supporting the organization. Silver awardees must achieve 300 hours and bronze must achieve a minimum of 100 hours volunteer time. Army MARS Chief Paul English, WD8DBY, will conduct a virtual awards presentation on Thursday, March 4, for the recipients and any MARS members who wish to attend.

350 days of COVID-19 net

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On Thursday, 4 March 2021, Hambleton Amateur Radio Society passed the 350th consecutive day of a daily net on 2m.

It started on day one of the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown.

Its aim was to keep members and amateurs in the area in touch, and able to summon help or assistance if required.

The net starts at 11am on the calling frequency and usually moves to S18 if clear.

The net is now looking forward to a full year of operating, which occurs on 18 March 2021.

All amateurs are invited to join, and topics are wide and varied.

So far, over 70 different stations have called in.

A Cabin Fever Award is available for any station taking part.

It’s issued by Tim, G0TYM via email, see QRZ.com for details.