Great article, Ron. Nice to see were we fit in the recent cycle. It was interesting that the graph of sunspot numbers doesn't show even a hint of the biggest solar storm of the past millennia (Aug 26-Sep 4, 1859). There weren't a LOT of sunspots, but there were some really BIG ones. Naked Eye (smoked glass, please!) visible.
It had effects similar to EMP and would really be a disaster today. Fields far over 20 volts/kilometer would do more than burn down telegraph stations and electrocute telegraphers. We'd lose most every transformer on the grid. I wonder what percentage of spares to the total in use transformers the power companies and distribution transformer manufacturers have stockpiled? Dan / WG4S / K2 #2456 <snip> While you're sitting around waiting for the next big solar cycle, you might enjoy checking out this story from NASA about old Sol. This was passed onto me by my buddy Mychael, AA3WF (the "toroidguy"): http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2008/11jul_solarcycleupdate.htm?list96374 8 I look at that spike back in the late 50's fondly. That was my first solar cycle as a Ham. At least there's no sign we're going to experience another 70-year long spotless "Maunder Minimum" Ron AC7AC </snip> _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [email protected] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
