See https://www.tvcomm.co.uk/g7izu/radio-propagation-maps/europe-sporadic-e/ .
Modern technology is a two edged sword.
As we have seen recently in the UK it can incite people to do nasty and violent things.
At the same time it can bring people closer together across oceans and thereby shrink distances . My son and his family flew to Australia to see relatives and we could track his plane all the way. It allows me to write this blog. We can chat to friends on WhatsApp as if they were next door .
I am not sure if it is a good thing or bad. Probably both. On balance I think it’s basically a good thing. Like AI, I am sure there are some good things and bad.
With my 10W PEP SSB and big wheel omni antenna I usually try for up to an hour before my voice screams “stop “. My usual best DX is 100-200km.
Not sure if it’s just me but I am finding it harder to work stations .
This is probably a combination of fewer stations and higher local noise levels for many stations.
UPDATE 2120z: After 3 QSOs my voice shouted "stop!!", so I stopped.
In my view, the real benefit in an 8m amateur band would come when the F2 MUF goes above 10m.
With Es, working EU stations occurs commonly at 6m, whereas for the F2 MUF to get to as high as 6m is exceptional. Yes, on N-S paths with TEP the MUF can go much higher, but E-W paths with high MUFs are rare.
So, in my own view, now and the next couple of years are the best for 8m propagation research.
Whilst Es is fun, it is not what propagation research at 8m is mainly about. In a few years we will be unable to learn so much.
See https://www.tvcomm.co.uk/g7izu/radio-propagation-maps/europe-sporadic-e/ .
