The Grid

Space Wx Monitoring

What is The Grid?

The Grid is a real-time space weather monitoring dashboard designed specifically for HF radio operators and amateur radio enthusiasts. It provides a comprehensive view of current space weather conditions that directly impact HF radio propagation, displayed in an easy-to-read 3×5 grid format.

Purpose and Use

The Grid consolidates 15 critical space weather parameters into a single, color-coded display that helps radio operators:

  • Assess current HF band conditions at a glance
  • Plan optimal operating times for DX contacts
  • Understand propagation anomalies during poor conditions
  • Monitor geomagnetic disturbances that affect radio waves
  • Track solar activity that influences ionospheric conditions

How to Read The Grid

Color Coding System

Each tile uses color coding to indicate the impact on HF radio propagation:

  • 🟢 Green: Good/Normal conditions – favorable for HF
  • 🟡 Yellow: Fair/Moderate conditions – some HF impact
  • 🟠 Orange: Poor/Active conditions – significant HF impact
  • 🔴 Red: Bad/Storm conditions – severe HF disruption
  • 🟣 Purple: Extreme conditions – major HF blackout possible
  • 🔵 Blue: Cool/Low temperature conditions (for Plasma Temperature only)

Grid Layout (5 Rows × 3 Columns)

Row 1: Solar Wind & IMF Orientation

  • Solar Wind Speed (km/sec) – Higher speeds can trigger geomagnetic storms
  • IMF Bx (nT) – Interplanetary Magnetic Field X-component
  • Phi Angle (degrees) – IMF sector orientation affecting geomagnetic conditions

Row 2: Geomagnetic Activity & HF Blackouts

  • Kp Index – Planetary geomagnetic activity level (0-9 scale)
  • IMF By (nT) – Interplanetary Magnetic Field Y-component
  • Radio Blackout (R0-R5) – Current HF blackout level from solar flares

Row 3: Magnetic Indices & Solar Radiation

  • A Index – Linear geomagnetic activity measure
  • IMF Bz (nT) – Critical Z-component (negative values trigger storms)
  • Solar Radiation (S0-S5) – Solar energetic particle event level

Row 4: Solar Activity & Total Magnetic Field

  • Sunspot Number – Current solar activity level
  • IMF Bt (nT) – Total interplanetary magnetic field strength
  • Geomagnetic Storm (G0-G5) – Current geomagnetic storm level

Row 5: Ionospheric Conditions & X-ray Activity

  • SFI (Solar Flux Index) – Solar radio emission at 10.7cm (F10.7)
  • Plasma Temperature (K) – Solar wind plasma temperature (blue=cool, green=normal, orange=high, red=extreme)
  • X-ray Status – Current solar flare activity and background levels

Key Parameters for HF Operators

Most Critical for HF Propagation:

  1. SFI (Solar Flux Index) – Higher values = better HF propagation
  2. Kp Index – Lower values = stable propagation
  3. A Index – Lower values = less HF absorption
  4. X-ray Status – Active flares can cause HF blackouts

Storm Indicators:

  • IMF Bz – Negative values (southward) can trigger geomagnetic storms
  • Solar Wind Speed – Values >500 km/s indicate high-speed streams
  • Radio Blackout – R1+ levels indicate active HF disruption

Features

Each tile is clickable and links to detailed explanations:

  • Click any parameter to learn more about that specific measurement
  • Links lead to comprehensive description about each space weather phenomenon
  • Detailed impact assessments for HF radio operations

Real-Time Updates

  • Data refreshes automatically every 5 minutes
  • Manual refresh button available for immediate updates
  • Timestamp shows when data was last updated
  • Visual updating animation when new data loads

Special Indicators

  • 🔴 ACTIVE flare indicator when solar flares are in progress
  • Pulsing red border on X-ray tile during active flares
  • Hover over tile for detailed impact descriptions

Understanding the Data

Normal Operations (Mostly Green Grid)

  • SFI: 100-200+ (good to excellent propagation)
  • Kp: 0-2 (quiet conditions)
  • A Index: 0-15 (minimal absorption)
  • Plasma Temp: Blue/Green (cool to normal solar wind)
  • X-ray: A-B class background levels

Disturbed Conditions (Yellow/Orange Grid)

  • SFI: 80-100 (fair propagation)
  • Kp: 3-4 (active conditions)
  • A Index: 15-30 (increased absorption)
  • Plasma Temp: Orange (elevated temperature indicating active solar wind)
  • X-ray: C-class flare activity

Storm Conditions (Red/Purple Grid)

  • SFI: <80 (poor propagation during storms)
  • Kp: 5+ (storm conditions)
  • A Index: 30+ (significant absorption)
  • Plasma Temp: Red (extremely hot plasma indicating coronal mass ejection or high-speed stream)
  • X-ray: M/X-class flares (blackout risk)

Best Practices for HF Operators

Daily Monitoring

  1. Check The Grid before major operating sessions
  2. Monitor trends throughout the day
  3. Plan DX operations during green/yellow conditions
  4. Avoid critical communications during red conditions

Band Selection

  • Higher SFI: Favor higher frequency bands (20m, 17m, 15m, 12m, 10m)
  • Lower SFI: Focus on lower frequency bands (80m, 40m, 30m, 20m)
  • Active conditions: Lower bands more reliable
  • Flare activity: All HF bands potentially affected

Timing Strategies

  • Morning: Check overnight storm activity
  • Afternoon: Monitor for solar flare activity
  • Evening: Assess conditions for nighttime propagation
  • Contest/DX: Use Grid data for band planning

Technical Notes

Data Sources

  • Real-time data from NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center
  • Direct feeds from DSCOVR satellite (solar wind/IMF)
  • GOES satellite X-ray monitoring
  • Ground-based magnetometer networks

Update Frequency

  • Solar wind data: 1-minute resolution
  • Geomagnetic indices: 3-hour resolution (Kp) and real-time estimates
  • X-ray data: Real-time from GOES satellites
  • Solar flux: Daily values updated at 20:00 UTC

Accuracy and Limitations

  • Real-time data may have occasional gaps or delays
  • Predictions are estimates based on current conditions
  • Local ionospheric conditions may vary from global indices
  • Propagation also depends on path, frequency, and time of day

Mobile and Desktop Use

The Grid is fully responsive and works on:

  • Desktop computers and laptops
  • Tablets in portrait or landscape mode
  • Mobile phones with optimized touch interface
  • All modern web browsers

Support and Updates

For technical support, additional features, or questions about The Grid:

  • Visit the main SolarCdx.com website
  • Check individual parameter pages for detailed explanations
  • Data is updated continuously from authoritative space weather sources

Remember: The Grid provides current conditions – always consider propagation predictions and forecasts for planning future operations. Space weather can change rapidly, especially during active periods.