Introduction
Today on April 8th_2024 at 15:19 local time (19:19UTC) we experienced an almost total solar eclipse in Toronto, Canada. I thought it would be interesting to measure propagation conditions using WWV at 10/15/20MHz before, during and after the event. Maybe it was just psychological, but I experienced a popping in my ears almost like when the atmospheric pressure changes rapidly.
HF Reception Results
| Time (EDT) | WWV 10MHz | WWV 15MHz | WWV 20MHz |
| 14:30 | 0/20dB SNR +QSB -80dB Noise | 20/40dB SNR Slight QSB -70 Noise | 20/30dB SNR Flat -85 Noise |
| 15:19 | 10/30dB SNR QSB -80dB Noise | 30/40dB SNR Slight QSB -70 Noise | 35/45dB SNR Flat -85 Noise |
| 15:30 | 10/20dB SNR QSB -80dB Noise | 20/30dB SNR Flutter -70 Noise | 30/35dB SNR Flat -85Noise |
Figure 1 shows the reception results. WWV signal strength was 5-10dB stronger right at the moment of the eclispe vs. 49min before and 11 min after. Outside it became dark very fast over just several minutes!
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References
#1. – “RTL-SDR for HF WWV Propagation”
https://jeremyclark.ca/wp/telecom/rtl-sdr-for-hf-wwv-propagation/
#2. – “RTL-SDR for HF Beacons Propagation Predictions”
https://jeremyclark.ca/wp/telecom/rtl-sdr-for-hf-beacons-propagation-prediction/
#3. – “Major Solar Cycle 25 Geomagnetic Storm”, June 2023 ARRL QST Magazine
#4. – “Experience the Wonders of Solar Cycle 25’s Solar Maximum”, May 2023 ARRL QST Magazine
