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[W5CPT]

Often you will see a Propagation Forecast with the following information.  If you are like most of us, when we started, these meant absolutely nothing to you. 
 
Flux: 126

A-Index 10

K-Index 6

Here is a link to one of the best explanations:

Read down to HF Beacon Tracker Programs – that is what we use to verify what the numbers are telling us.


http://www.hamuniverse.com/hfbeaconpropagation.html

Clint - W5CPT -

[WD4ELG]

Good info, thanks Clint

[RENTON481]

I just found this thread... was looking because of the terrible SW conditions we've had the past week.

The HamUniverse explanation of the A, K and Solar Flux was extremely helpful.  The guy explains it in a way that's easy to understand.  Thanks for posting the link.

[AE4RV]

That is good info.  I made something a little more visual years back that might round out your understanding. It is a Flash piece that takes maybe five minutes to get through.

http://www.ae4rv.com/tn/propflash.htm

73, Geoff

[N6PG]

Also good info here...

http://www.arrl.org/the-sun-the-earth-the-ionosphere

Scott N6PG

[KH6AQ]

http://www.qsl.net/w2vtm/hf_solar.html

Check this out