Doubts About Solar Cycle Prediction Methodology

Like a solar storm itself, a controversy over solar cycle predictions is heating up.

As this year brings the solar maximum of Cycle 25, a different kind of solar storm has been raging - one that challenges the longstanding and prevailing paradigm scientists use to help arrive at forecasts. Sociologist and statistician Frank Howell K4FMH has done an extensive study of this so-called NASA-NOAA-ISED prediction formula, which utilizes a consensus methodology, pitting it against the work of solar physicist Scott McIntosh of Lynker Space.

In this busy, high-profile year for the sun and its activity, Frank has written extensively and presented a series of virtual talks on the subject in the US and overseas. He has also discussed the competing models extensively in his blog, K4FMH.com. Frank's most recent talk, "Progress in the Revolution: Sunspot Cycle Forecast Accuracy at Cycle 25," was given to Pennine Ham in the UK, and can be seen on their YouTube channel.

Whether the NASA team or the McIntosh team prevails, one thing is certain: Like CMEs themselves, this scientific competition over solar predictions promises to rage for some time to come.

UK Regulator Mulls Satellite-to-Cell Phone Service

Following in the path of countries such as the US that permit some mobile phones to use satellite connectivity, the UK is opting to move ahead to allow such services too.

The UK is poised to become Europe's first country offering legal satellite connectivity for smartphones. The regulator Ofcom has released a consultation authorising the move and is requesting comments no later than the 10th October 2025.

Making this service available to standard mobile phones would provide the most remote parts of the UK with the access needed to send texts, make phone calls or even connect to the Internet - functions presently not possible in areas without mobile phone coverage.

This is known as "direct-to-device" and operation would be permitted after Ofcom has provided a variation to the licences of Mobile Network Operators. The change would also grant such use to mobile handsets and any other devices that make use of SIM cards.

Icom UK Supports The Scouts with IC-9700 Radio for JOTA Activities

Icom UK have provided an IC-9700 radio to the Scout Association to aid their yearly Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) activities and various Amateur radio promotional events.

The Scout Association’s annual JOTA programme provides young people with an insight into Amateur radio, helping them connect with other Scouts across the world whilst learning the fundamentals of radio communication.

We have written an article about our involvement, which you can read here: Icom UK Supports The Scouts with IC-9700 Radio for JOTA Activities.

To watch a short video about JOTA, including our IC-9700, click here: JOTA and the Important Involvement of Amateur Radio.