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HamSCI: Ionospheric Climatology Over a Complete Solar Cycle Observed Using Amateur Radio Contact Data
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  • Nathaniel Frissell,
  • Veronica Romanek,
  • Ethan Miller,
  • Philip Erickson,
  • William Engelke,
  • Roland Luetzelschwab,
  • Robert Gerzoff,
  • Frank Howell
Nathaniel Frissell
The University of Scranton

Corresponding Author:nathaniel.frissell@scranton.edu

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Veronica Romanek
The University of Scranton
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Ethan Miller
Systems and Technology Research
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Philip Erickson
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Haystack Observatory
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William Engelke
The University of Alabama
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Roland Luetzelschwab
HamSCI Community
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Robert Gerzoff
HamSCI Community
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Frank Howell
Mississippi State University
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Abstract

Since mid-2008, automated radio monitoring networks such as the Reverse Beacon Network (RBN) and the Weak Signal Propagation Reporting Network (WSPRNet) have been observing and logging global amateur radio high frequency (HF, 3-30 MHz) communications. These networks are built and operated by amateur radio operators for amateur radio purposes, but the data are also useful for the study of ionospheric space weather and ionospheric science. Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation (HamSCI) members will present global observations of over 1.9 billion radio reports on the 1.8, 3.5, 7, 14, 21, and 28 MHz amateur radio bands. The observations span an 11-year period from 2009-2020. We find a correlation between HF propagation path characteristics and the solar EUV output through the F10.7 index, along with solar cycle effects, seasonal effects, and sporadic E signatures. We will also discuss impacts of operator behavior and sampling effects caused by the distribution of amateur radio transmitting and receiving stations.