= NOW 18 WPM transition file follows =

Solar activity has been at low levels with only a few C1 flares from
Region 4307. Slight growth and consolidation were observed in that
region as it neared the southwestern limb. Slight decay and
separation were observed in Region 4311. The rest of the spotted
regions were either stable or in decay. CME analysis will be
conducted as imagery becomes available. Solar activity is expected
to be low with a slight chance for M class flares, R1 to R2, minor
to moderate, December 18 to 20.  Solar wind parameters continued to
be under the influence of a negative polarity coronal hole high
speed stream, CH HSS. Solar wind speed was mostly in the 550 to 650
km/s range. HSS influences are expected to gradually diminish
December 19 to 20.  Solar activity is expected to continue at low
levels over December 19 to 21. There is a chance for R1 to R2, Minor
to Moderate, events through December 21. The solar wind environment
is expected to remain mildly enhanced over December 19 to 21 as
negative polarity CH HSS influences diminish.  The occurrence of an
extensive coronal hole in the western half of the solar disk is
consistent with the increased speed of the solar wind, as measured
by geostationary satellites. The edges of another relatively large
coronal hole in the east are likely to be the source of the next
period of enhanced solar wind during the coming week.  However,
overall solar activity is low, as reflected in the low values of the
critical frequencies of the F2 ionospheric layer.  The decline in
geomagnetic activity in mid December did, however, have a positive
effect on shortwave propagation conditions, albeit mainly at lower
frequencies. This included the occasional formation of ionospheric
waveguides.  Although solar activity is likely to increase next
week, the activity of the Earths magnetic field is also likely to
increase.  Therefore, unstable conditions can be expected in the
Earths ionosphere, with short intervals of improvement followed by
longer intervals of deterioration in shortwave propagation
conditions.  The current Solar Cycle Progression from the NOAA/Space
Weather Prediction Center can be found at,
//www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/solar cycle progression .  Part 97.27.
This provision is duplicative of a statutory provision related to
the FCCs right to modify station licenses.  Part 97.29. This
provision specified an obsolete procedure to replace paper licenses.
ARRL proposed deleting this section in comments filed earlier this
year.  Part 97.315 b2. This obsolete provision grandfathered HF
amplifiers purchased before April 28, 1978 by an amateur radio
operator for use at that operators station, and grandfathered those
manufactured before April 28, 1978, for which a marketing waiver was
issued.  Part 97.521b and Appendix 2. This rule and appendix relate
to obsolete VEC regions.

= END OF 18 WPM transition file <