The MUF (Maximum Usable Frequency) dropped down to 9 mhz even before sunset last night, and for the first time in a very long time, even ZS6CCY, Bill, was too weak to call on 40M.
I noticed that 20M closed very early yesterday afternoon, and 30M was right behind that. 40M was not at all its normal self, but 80 and 160M had plenty of signals – ESPECIALLY 80M. 160M sometimes can be deceiving because not so many dare to travel there. I think this bodes very well for 160 and 80M. The UrbanBeam for 40 and 30 will do well, but even 20M will be iffy this year. Almost as if on cue – the sunspot cycle has hit so close to bottom, and is doing it exactly when I had expected – right after where 3Y0Z would be finishing its run.
Damn shame that . . .