Space weather is a complicated subject. Solar flares emit both photons and protons. The photons are part of the electromagnetic radiation which reaches earth at the speed of light. The protons ejected with or by the flare are mass at very high speeds and can reach earth in as little as 30 minutes.
Hey Mike,
Good afternoon. You are correct. CMEs are composed of massive particles, e.g.
protons, electrons, etc. Solar flares are photons. Since photons travel at c
they get here in ˜8.2 minutes, regardless of frequency. Matter particles
travel sub-light and so, depending on their mass,
Mike, you're right. It's protons or hydrogen ions in the large mass
ejections.
There are some photons both ionizing (x-rays and gamma rays) and visible,
but mostly hydrogen ions.
Gary K5AMH
On 1/5/2024 11:15 AM, Mike Knerr via BVARC wrote:
I understood that a coronal mass ejection released
A strong solar storm can cause a complete blackout of HF communication
including the higher frequency bands. I was in a QSO a year or so ago and it
just dropped as a solar storm hit. The noise floor dropped to zero as not even
noise could propagate through the highly energized atmosphere.
To all,
Tell me if I am wrong on this. During these solar storms, it is my
understanding to use the higher frequency rather than lower? If so, is 20
and 40m bands a good choice?
Thank you in advance
Richard
KG5YCU
Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club
