PROPAGATION

A moderate to low level of solar activity is expected during December, with 10.7-centimeter flux levels peaking in the high 70s to the mid-80s. The density of ionization in the Northern Hemisphere is expected to increase more rapidly after sunrise than during other seasons. Static and atmospheric noise levels will be at seasonally low values during the month. Reasonably strong signal levels are expected on most of the open bands. The higher bands will not carry worldwide DX propagation often, certainly not as would be expected during the peak years, coming after 2021.

For this month, 10- and 12-meter DX openings will be exceedingly rare and only during daylight hours if at all, especially where the propagation paths cross the sunlit regions. If they develop, they will be rather short, with a lot of fading.

Expect fair daytime openings on 17 and 20 meters, primarily on north / south paths, with occasional strong openings on the 15-meter band. Openings will be short on higher frequencies. The hottest band of the two will be 20 meters, starting with early