Magnetic North Pole Shift

For more than four centuries, Earth’s magnetic north pole drifted slowly from the Canadian Arctic toward Siberia. In recent decades, that movement has accelerated sharply, surprising scientists who closely monitor the planet’s magnetic behavior and internal dynamics.

Researchers attribute the shift to changes deep within Earth’s outer core, where flowing molten iron generates the magnetic field. Alterations in these powerful currents, especially beneath Siberia, are pulling the magnetic pole at unprecedented speeds compared to the past.

This rapid motion has real-world consequences. Compasses, navigation systems, airport runway alignments, satellites, and even animal migration depend on accurate magnetic data. To keep technology functioning correctly, scientists must frequently update global magnetic models as the pole continues its journey.

The End of HamClock: RIP WB0OEW

 

Keith Maton, G6NHU of QSO365 has posted the following very sad news to the ham radio world:  

On Thursday, January 29, 2026 the simple notice (at left)  appeared on the HamClock home page.

 I’ve worked with Elwood Downey, WB0OEW very closely on HamClock over the last couple of years and we’d become good friends. I emailed him straight away using a different address to the one he posts online and I received an instant reply to say that Elwood has passed away.

What will happen?

I’m assuming that some time in June, the backend server that hosts HamClock will go offline. Because so much of the data that is displayed on HamClock comes from its own server, most things will stop working very quickly.

Firstly, Live Spots and the On The Air pane will go to zero. The solar data displays will gradually clear and show an error. Within ten minutes or so, the map display will fail as it won’t be able to download. Even the basic country map will fail and a blue bar will appear across the display saying it can’t download.

The contest and dxpedition panes will stop getting updates. They may last a little longer.

The DXCluster pane is one of the few that relies on a different source for its feed. This will continue to work, but without a map to show the spots on, it’ll be basically useless.

I’m going to miss my friend Elwood. Towards the end of last year, he moved house so all his development kit was packed away but up until then, we used to email regularly. Mainly talking about HamClock and what else we could do with it, but often about other stuff, including other projects he was working on. I had nothing to do with the actual programming of HamClock but Elwood would take on board suggestions I and others made, and then between us, we’d thrash it out via beta versions of HamClock, tweaking and adjusting to give the best possible user experience. He’d add something, I’d suggest how to make it work better and between us, I think we ended up with a superb piece of software.

I’ll miss the ability to walk into the shack, switch the screen on and at a single glance, see how the bands are performing in real time, noticing any new band/mode slots that are currently on air and seeing any DXPeditions that are live. Being able to have easy access to VOACAP specific predictions or general propagation prediction maps during contests. The whole thing has become an essential tool and there’s nothing that even comes close to replace it with.

Over the next few days, I’ll be removing the HamClock content from this site, there’s no need for build instructions any more and there won’t be any need for the other guides when it all goes off in June.

Goodbye Elwood.

Tom Salzer, KJ7T writes further in The Random Wire: 

HamClock availability and alternatives

Boeing 737 to Serve as ‘Freedom Plane’ During U.S. 250th Celebrations

 

A Boeing 737 will play an important part in the United States’ 250th anniversary celebrations later this year.

The National Archives this week announced the “Freedom Plane National Tour,” a traveling exhibition that will bring Founding-Era documents to eight U.S. cities between March and August. A 737 in a special patriotic livery will transport the documents from city to city, officials said.

“Americans across the country can bear witness to the people and principles that shaped our nation through the Freedom Plane National Tour,” Jim Byron, senior adviser to the archivist of the U.S., said in a statement. “There is no more noteworthy an occasion than America’s 250th birthday to share this history, to inspire our fellow Americans to champion our nation’s founding ideals into the future.”

Boeing is providing the aircraft, as well as operational support.

The tour will make stops in Atlanta, Kansas City, Missouri, Los Angeles, Houston, Denver, Miami, Dearborn, Michigan, and Seattle. According to the National Archives’ schedule, the exhibition will spend about two and a half weeks in each location.

Documents selected for display include a copy of the Declaration of Independence, the 1783 Treaty of Paris, and Revolutionary War-era oaths of allegiance signed by George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and Aaron Burr.

New Comedy Podcast Tackles Ham Radio’s “Gatekeeping Problem” With Humor and Education

Guy and Gus launch innovative series as survey data reveals 73% of new operators feel intimidated by online ham radio communities

Orlando, FL – January 20, 2025 – As amateur radio experiences a post-pandemic surge in new licensees, a troubling trend has emerged: online communities have become battlegrounds where “real radio” debates and equipment tribalism drive newcomers away from a hobby designed around experimentation and connection.

Ham Radio Gizmos is tackling this challenge head-on with an innovative solution: a comedy podcast that makes learning fun again.

See the first episode here:

The show centers on twin brothers Guy and Gus Wyre, whose constant disagreements mirror the hobby’s most heated debates. Guy champions modern software-defined radios, digital modes, and computer integration. Gus lives for vintage tube equipment, heavy iron, and radios that glow before they transmit. Their sibling rivalry becomes the vehicle for education – proving both approaches have merit while reminding listeners that ham radio is big enough for everyone.

“Somewhere between firmware updates and heated forum arguments, we forgot that this hobby is supposed to be enjoyable,” says Lee Love (N2LEE), creator of Ham Radio Gizmos. “Guy and Gus exist to prove you can laugh at ourselves while learning – and that ‘real radio’ is whatever gets you on the air.”

What Makes This Different
Unlike traditional ham radio podcasts that lecture or interview, Guy and Gus creates an entertainment experience where education happens naturally through story, debate, and good-natured brotherly warfare. The innovative production format allows for consistent weekly releases, professional quality, and creative storylines – including time travel segments, historical recreations, and exaggerated character conflicts that make technical concepts memorable.

Each episode features:

• Character-driven comedy that breaks down technical barriers
• Practical troubleshooting embedded in entertaining narratives
• Historical context connecting vintage and modern approaches
• Inclusive messaging welcoming all experience levels and equipment choices

The podcast’s philosophy is simple: Ham radio should be fun. Learning should be enjoyable. And laughing at ourselves is part of the process.

Bridging the Generation Gap
The show addresses a critical industry challenge: attracting younger operators while respecting the hobby’s deep traditions. By personifying both camps through Guy (modern) and Gus (vintage), the podcast validates every operator’s path while gently mocking the tribalism that divides communities.

“We’re not saying one approach is better,” Love explains. “We’re saying the arguments are entertaining, both sides have wisdom, and the hobby thrives when we stop gatekeeping and start experimenting together.”

Proven Educational Approach
Ham Radio Gizmos represents a fresh approach to educational content creation. The character-driven format maintains broadcast-quality consistency while exploring creative formats:

• Consistent character voices and personalities across episodes
• Time travel segments featuring historical radio operators
• Rapid-fire technical debates that clarify complex concepts
• Weekly release schedules with professional production values

Early listener feedback validates the approach: audiences report higher engagement and better retention of technical concepts compared to traditional lecture formats – proof that entertainment and education can coexist.

About Ham Radio Gizmos

For Tinkerers of All Ages: The Kolbecast Episode 134

Join Chris Ranck, K3DCR (a fellow member of the Saint Maximilian Kolbe Net ) as he talks about the geography, cross-generational communication, math, science, abstract concepts, and practical applications involved in the ham radio medium.  Chris also highlights St. Max Kolbe’s engagement with media developments of his time, shares his own experience of how hobbies provide a way to explore learning as a family, and touches on the importance of mastering communication media rather than being mastered by them.  Listen to the podcast here.

Chris has also developed the Ham Radio In The Homeschool website, an informative resource offering compelling reasons on why and how to get started in ham radio, as well as ways to introduce kids to ham radio, thereby equipping them with valuable knowledge and skills that can be enjoyed for a lifetime, as well as activities that the entire family can enjoy together.

Well done, Chris!

‍

Cracking Enigma: Secret Ham Operators

Join Lee Love, N2LEE of Ham Radio Gizmos as he explores the story of the hams who helped crack the infamous Enigma code in World War II.

DXpeditions: Chasing the Rarest Signals on Earth

For DXing (working distant amateur radio stations) enthusiasts, the ultimate thrill lies in DXpeditions — daring radio expeditions to some of the most remote, tiny, and often uninhabited islands on the planet. 

These locations are rare on the air, and making contact with them is a prized achievement for radio amateurs worldwide.

Radio amateurs closely follow the ARRL DXCC “Most Wanted” list, which includes 340 DX entities. Some legendary island targets include:

🔹 Bouvet Island (3Y)

Often ranked the most wanted uninhabited DXCC entity, this icy island in the South Atlantic is extremely dangerous to reach. High winds, massive waves, and glaciers make DXpeditions here rare, expensive, and heroic.

🔹 Peter I Island (3Y/P)

A remote Norwegian territory in Antarctica, famous for brutal conditions and extreme isolation — a true DXer’s dream.

🔹 Baker Island (KH1/KH7Z)

An uninhabited Pacific atoll and one of the last places on Earth to welcome the New Year. A major DXpedition here in 2018 created massive excitement worldwide.

🔹 Christmas Island (VK9)

Located in the Indian Ocean, this Australian territory is popular for DXpeditions thanks to low RF noise and excellent propagation.

🔹 Montserrat (VP2M)

A classic Caribbean DX destination. Its small size and saltwater surroundings historically made it a favorite, allowing strong signals to reach every corner of the globe.

🌊 Why Island DXpeditions Are So Special

✔ Rarity – Contacts from rare islands are highly sought after for QSL cards and DXCC awards.

✔ Propagation Magic – Saltwater enhances signal strength, allowing radio waves to travel farther.

✔ Adventure – Operating radios from some of the harshest and most isolated places on Earth is a challenge few forget.

DXpeditions perfectly blend radio science, geography, and exploration, keeping the spirit of amateur radio alive and adventurous.

Happy birthday, Captain!

Another day, another birthday!

Today is my son's birthday, marking 54 years since I became a dad.  It's hard to believe the time that has gone by, but one thing I can easily believe is the man that my son became.  I've said it before and I'll keep saying it...I'm proud of my son's accomplishments and the work that he put in over the years to achieve his dreams.  

Fly high, Captain!

ISS Medical Emergency: An Orbital Ambulance Ride

Over the course of its nearly 30 years in orbit, the International Space Station has played host to more “firsts” than can possibly be counted. When you’re zipping around Earth at five miles per second, even the most mundane of events takes on a novel element. Arguably, that’s the point of a crewed orbital research complex in the first place — to study how humans can live and work in an environment that’s so unimaginably hostile that something as simple as eating lunch requires special equipment and training.

NASA has successfully completed the first medical evacuation from the Station, cutting the Crew-11 mission short by at least a month. The patient is back on terra firma and having their condition assessed in California.  This leaves just three crew members on the ISS until NASA’s Crew-12 mission can launch in early February, though it’s possible that mission’s timeline will be moved up.

What We Know (And Don’t)

Happy Birthday, Shay Shay!

Another special day today.  Shay, my youngest grandchild, turned 12 today. It's hard to believe that this little one is now on the precipice of her teen years.  She is a joy to me.  I found this old video of me attempting to sing Sunshine to her about ten years (and a few pounds!) ago.  Today she's a competitive dancer despite her being a harsh music critic. Happy birthday Shay Shay!  💗 

"Radio Hobbyist" Spies?

An unfolding story out of totalitarian Belarus... seven amateur radio operators have been detailed with a larger fifty other hams under investigation after being called “Radio-Hobbyist Spies”.

Belarusian state media have aired a report claiming the “liquidation of a large network of radio spies.” Details of the alleged KGB “operation” were presented by Raman Pratasevich, who recently began hosting a programme titled “Without Cover” on the STV television channel.

The broadcast said a network had been dismantled that allegedly “extracted state secrets from the airwaves.” According to Pratasevich, more than 50 people have been held liable, 500 pieces of radio equipment seized, and about 66,000 recordings of “intercepted communications” discovered.

Seven “key participants” have been taken into custody and charged under Article 356 of the Criminal Code on treason and Article 358 on espionage. They face life imprisonment or the death penalty.

Another Carrington Event?

Over the last few days, solar weather has greatly impacted high frequency (HF) radio propagation due to solar flares and a massive Coronal Mass Ejection hitting earth.  Conditions have been so bad that at times I wondered if I had lost my entire antenna system, as no signals at all showed up on the bandscope throughout the HF spectrum.  

It make you wonder if we're heading for another Carrington Event.  

What was the Carrington Event you ask? Well...check out this great discussion by Rick Donaldson, N0NJY of Ham Radio for Preppers:

In the quiet predawn hours of September 1, 1859, the Sun unleashed a fury that reshaped the night sky into a canvas of apocalyptic splendor. A colossal coronal mass ejection (CME), observed by astronomer Richard Carrington, hurled a plasma storm toward Earth, compressing our planet’s magnetic shield and igniting auroras so vivid they bathed the tropics in crimson light. Telegraph operators across continents recoiled as their machines sparked wildly, igniting fires and transmitting phantom messages without batteries—the Sun’s invisible hand seizing control of humanity’s nascent electrical networks. In an era of horse-drawn carriages and candlelit homes, this Carrington Event was a mere spectacle, a curiosity etched in newspapers and diaries. Yet, it stands as a stark warning from history: a natural phenomenon capable of bridging the void of space to disrupt civilization’s fragile threads.

Fast-forward to our hyper-connected 2026 world, where satellites orbit like guardian angels, power grids pulse with the lifeblood of economies, and digital networks bind billions in instantaneous communion. Imagine a Carrington-scale CME striking today—its charged particles cascading through our atmosphere, inducing currents that overload transformers and plunge vast regions into darkness. GPS constellations would falter, stranding flights mid-air and halting financial markets mid-transaction; undersea cables might fry, severing the internet’s global spine and isolating societies in informational silos. Water systems, fuel pumps, and hospitals would grind to a halt, food supplies spoiling in unpowered warehouses as chaos ripples outward. Economic models from sources like the National Academies of Sciences estimate trillions in losses, with recovery spanning years amid geopolitical tensions and mass unrest.[1] This isn’t dystopian fiction; it’s a probabilistic peril, with solar cycles like our current one amplifying the risk, reminding us that our technological triumphs rest on a cosmic knife’s edge.

A Star Is Born

 

In 2022, French physicist Étienne Klein sparked a viral sensation and subsequent controversy when he posted a high-resolution image on social media claiming it was a detailed shot of Proxima Centauri, the closest star to the Sun, captured by the James Webb Space Telescope. The image, showing a glowing, textured red sphere against a black void, was widely shared and celebrated by space enthusiasts until Klein revealed the "star" was actually a thinly sliced piece of chorizo sausage photographed against a dark background. He later apologized for the prank, explaining that it was intended as a "scientist's joke" to remind the public to remain skeptical of captivating images on the internet and to verify the credibility of spectacular claims, even when they appear to come from authoritative figures.

Aircraft 'Lost' During a Geomagnetic Storm

A new study published in Space Weather suggests that flying during an extreme geomagnetic storm may not be a great idea. During the superstorm of May 10-13, 2024, disturbances in Earth’s ionosphere disrupted GPS tracking systems for airplanes flying over Europe. Some planes briefly appeared hundreds of kilometers from their true locations.

Researchers Erik Schmölter and Jens Berdermann of the German Aerospace Center analyzed more than 700 million ADS-B messages from 18,000 aircraft. ADS-B messages are short radio broadcasts sent by aircraft about once per second, reporting their GPS-derived positions. Air traffic controllers and nearby aircraft use them for real-time tracking. The superstorm caused significant position errors for days.

The problem was especially acute on May 11th when the sun hit Earth with an X5.8-class solar flare. Intense solar X-ray and radio emission caused direct interference with GPS signals on the sunlit side of Earth. As many as 53% of satellite-receiver links failed at latitudes south of ~50° N.

In the map, right, red dots mark the location of 169 aircraft during the X-flare. ADS-B messages reported that these aircraft abruptly "jumped" off course during the flare. In fact, they were still flying normally

Fortunately, there were no mishaps. Aviation safety is built on layers, and ADS-B is only one of them. Conventional radar surveillance remained available around airports, and pilots retained full control of their aircraft. In most cases, they could simply look out the window and see exactly where they were. Stronger and longer storms could cause more problems, though.

Confused? So were the GPS receivers. Read the original study here.

Lost Mother and Child Saved With Help From Ham Radio

A mother and her child stranded deep in the dense Stanislaus National Forest in California late last week left a trail of handwritten notes that helped their rescuers find them, officials announced this week.  

On July 11, the 49-year-old woman and her 9-year-old son traveled from the Sacramento area to Camp Wolfeboro for an overnight camping trip, officials with the Calavera County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release. 

The mother and son were found about another mile from the second note.  

The crew then used ham radio to report back to a command post.  

“After broadcasting ’emergency traffic’ on the ham radio, their call was immediately answered by a retired El Dorado County Communications Supervisor who was a ham operator monitoring frequencies from his home,” officials said. “This ham operator then contacted the El Dorado 911 center, which provided the information to Calaveras Dispatch, and the SAR command post was notified.” 

Read more here.

Did Ham Radio Assist in Maduro's Capture in Venezuela?

Jan 3, 2026: U.S. Delta Force raided Caracas in "Operation Absolute Resolve," snatching President Nicolás Maduro & wife Cilia Flores for NYC narco-terror trials—tied to 2020 cartel indictments & cocaine floods.  Join Jason Johnston of Ham Radio 2.0 as he discusses whether ham radio possibly assisted in this operation.

Microseconds From Disaster

From Hackaday comes a follow up story to my New Years Day post (...And It Gets Worse!) about last month's NIST time clock failure in Colorado.  

NTP is one of the most interesting and important, but all too forgotten, protocols that makes the internet tick. Accurate clock synchronization is required for everything ranging from cryptography to business and science. NTP is closely tied around a handful of atomic clocks, some in orbit on GPS satellites, and some in laboratories. So the near-failure of one such atomic clock sparked a rather large, and nerdy, internet debate.

December 17, 2025 saw the Colorado front range experience a massive wind storm. The National Center for Atmospheric Reassure in Boulder recorded gusts in excess of 100 mph (about 85 knots or 160 kph). This storm was a real doozy, but gusts this strong are not unheard of in Boulder either. That is no small reason the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (now the National Laboratory of the Rockies) has a wind turbine testing facility in the neighborhood.

High winds and dry weather make for a particularly bad time.

116 years ago today, the airwaves sang!

On this date in 1910, radio pioneer Lee de Forest conducted the first-ever live public radio broadcast. He transmitted a performance of Cavalleria Rusticana and Pagliacci directly from the stage of the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City, featuring the legendary tenor Enrico Caruso.

Listeners at various locations in NYC, tuning in with complex crystal sets and early valve receivers, heard the faint, crackling sounds of opera over the air. It was a glimpse into the future of broadcasting.

From those early spark-gap and valve experiments to the sophisticated SDR transceivers on our desks today, the magic of wireless remains the same.

How Israel’s Amateur Radio Operators Used Quiet Diplomacy

In a world where trust has become a scarce resource, amateur radio operators offer something different: human communication that connects people around the world who share the same passion.

Many are unaware of the depth of the diplomatic and human contribution made by amateur radio operators worldwide. As early as the 1960s and 1970s, rare moments of openness were recorded. At a time when Israeli amateur radio operators were legally prohibited from communicating with Arab countries, one voice nonetheless broke through: that of a Jordanian radio amateur bearing the unique call sign JY1, King Hussein.

1,000 Marbles

This short story was originally written and published by Jeff Davis, KE9V.  I recently hit the ripe old age of 76 and, despite my wife frequently claiming that I have in fact lost my marbles, it has particular relevance for me.  Well done, Jeff.

The older I get, the more I enjoy Saturday mornings. Perhaps it's the quiet solitude that comes with being the first to rise, or maybe it's the unbounded joy of not having to be at work. Either way, the first few hours of a Saturday morning are most enjoyable.

A few weeks ago, I was shuffling toward the basement radio shack with a steaming cup of coffee in one hand and the morning paper in the other. What began as a typical Saturday morning, turned into one of those lessons that life seems to hand you from time to time. Let me tell you about it.

I turned the dial up into the phone portion of the band on my ham radio in order to listen to a Saturday morning swap net. Along the way, I came across an older sounding chap, with a tremendous signal and a golden voice. You know the kind, he sounded like he should be in the broadcasting business. He was telling whoever he was talking with something about "a thousand marbles".

I was intrigued and stopped to listen to what he had to say. "Well, Tom, it sure sounds like you're busy with your job. I'm sure they pay you well but it's a shame you have to be away from home and your family so much. Hard to believe a young fellow should have to work sixty or seventy hours a week to make ends meet. Too bad you missed your daughter's dance recital".

He continued, "Let me tell you something Tom, something that has helped me keep a good perspective on my own priorities".

And that's when he began to explain his theory of a thousand marbles.

Congratulations to the MSP 92nd RTT

Congratulations to the Massachusetts State Police 92nd Recruit Training Troop which graduated on January 7.  

Stay safe out there!

Massachusetts State Police Museum and Learning Center

Last week I toured the Massachusetts State Police Museum and Learning Center which is located in my own town of Northbridge, MA.  The Museum is privately funded through donations and its mission is to provide  an opportunity for visitors to explore the Massachusetts State Police’s rich historical past through its interactive exhibits and Learning Center activities. Many past and present Troopers, local police officers, and dedicated citizens have invested thousands of volunteer hours towards preserving the unique history of those who have worn the French and Electric Blue, from its humble beginnings as the State Constabulary enforcing prohibition and labor laws in 1865 up through the modern era of cybercrime, homeland security, and the challenges of policing in this era.  Over the years, many State Police related items and historic memorabilia have been recovered and restored. Some of these items are currently on display in the Museum, with much more in storage awaiting permanent display.

The Museum's exhibits were very well done and were augmented by guided tours offered by retired troopers.  The experience was very special to me given that I'm a former police dispatcher myself and my dad was a member of the Registry of Motor Vehicles Police which merged into the State Police in the early 90s.  I was moved to see the following display of the RMV uniform that my dad wore prior to his retirement in 1988:

If you're ever passing through the Central Mass area, be sure to take advantage of this gem of a museum.  

Scientific Tooth

If you're a schoolkid of the right age, you can’t wait to lose a baby tooth. In many cultures, there is a ritual surrounding it, like the tooth fairy, a mouse who trades your tooth for a gift, or burying the tooth somewhere significant. But in 1958, a husband and wife team of physicians wanted children’s teeth for a far different purpose: quantifying the effects of nuclear weapons testing on the human body.

Louise and Eric Reiss, along with some other scientists, worked with Saint Louis University and the Washington School of Dental Medicine to collect and study children’s discarded teeth. They were looking for strontium-90, a nasty byproduct of above-ground nuclear testing. Strontium is similar enough to calcium that consuming it in water and dairy products will leave the material in your bones, including your teeth.

This is what happens after almost 50 years of ham radio.

Happy Birthday St. Max!

Regular readers of this blog (if indeed there are any!) know of my devotion to St. Maximilian Kolbe, the Patron Saint of Amateur Radio as well as the heroic saint who died in Auschwitz on August 14 1941.  (The info panels on the right side of the blog include a discussion titled "Who is St. Max, SP3RN?")

Today is St. Maximilian's birthday.  The video below does a good job, I think, of portraying St. Max's heroic life.  Happy birthday, St. Max!

Lockerbie 1988: Amateur Radio's Pivotal Communications Remembered

Thirty-seven years after the devastating Lockerbie bombing, the extraordinary efforts of amateur radio enthusiasts who provided a crucial communication lifeline amid the chaos continue to resonate. As the world reflects in 2025, their vital role underscores the enduring importance of volunteerism and resilient communication networks in times of crisis.

On December 21, 1988, the small Scottish town of Lockerbie became the site of an international tragedy when Pan Am Flight 103 exploded, scattering debris and claiming 270 lives. The immediate aftermath plunged the area into disarray, overwhelming local infrastructure and conventional communication systems.

In the face of unprecedented destruction, a unique group emerged to bridge the communication gap. Amateur radio operators, often called “hams,” swiftly mobilized, transforming their hobby into an indispensable emergency service, connecting first responders and coordinating relief efforts when other means failed.

One Month To Go

One month to go.  Artemis II is scheduled to launch on February 6, marking mankind's return to lunar orbit.

Godspeed.

A Milestone in Radio History

On December 23, 2025, the Charles County Amateur Radio Club (CCARC) in Maryland braved the cold and commemorated the 125th anniversary of inventor Reginald Aubrey Fessenden’s achievement of performing the first transmission of the human voice by wireless.  They performed the same transmission in the same area where Fessenden once did via radio on Cobb Island, Maryland.

When group members were asked why they celebrated the day, they all shared similar sentiments. They agreed it was important to remember the birth of human speech translated into radio and the beginning of a new era of communication that shaped the world for generations — all from this small island in Southern Maryland.

Members were also asked what attracted them to the hobby of operating a radio. Dennis, a retired bus mechanic, said, “I just love to tinker. It’s fun,” adding that he found it to be a practical skill in emergencies. Others were drawn to the technology itself.

The Moon Meets Jupter

Another celestial show!

Look East on January 4 for a stunning cosmic show! 🌌

A dazzling quartet will rise together: the near-full Moon, bright Jupiter, and the famous twin stars, Castor and Pollux.  A near full moon will glide past Jupiter and the Gemini twins, Castor and Pollux.  This celestial lineup rises in the east shortly after sunset.

It is a beautiful celestial alignment you don't want to miss! ✨

Clear skies to everyone!

The Sky Erupts in Fireballs

 

QUADRANTID METEOR SHOWER

The cosmos is putting on its first big show of 2026  and it’s going to be spectacular.

The peak nights: January 2–3, 2026 with up to 100 meteors per hour!

The Quadrantids are known for explosive fireballs typically  brighter, bolder, and faster than usual meteors.

WHERE AND WHEN TO WATCH:

Best after midnight until dawn.  Face northeast near the constellation Boötes.  Escape city lights for darkest skies.

Let your eyes adjust 20–30 mins  and don’t blink!

Whether you're a skywatcher, stargazer, or simply want a magical night under the stars, this is the one to see.

Tip: Use a wide-angle lens and long exposure to catch fireballs streaking across the sky.

U.S. and Venezuela Jam GPS

Military brinkmanship between President Trump and Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela has led to an increase in electronic warfare in the region.

An escalating standoff between the United States and Venezuela has led both countries’ militaries to jam satellite navigation signals in the Caribbean to guard against a potential attack, data show, putting air and sea traffic in the region at greater risk of a collision or accident.

At least some of the U.S. warships that have deployed to the Caribbean in recent months have been jamming GPS signals in their vicinity, according to an analysis of data provided by Stanford University and a U.S. official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss operational matters.

The Trump administration says the warships, which include the Navy’s most modern aircraft carrier, the U.S.S. Gerald R. Ford, are targeting drug trafficking to the United States orchestrated by the Venezuelan government.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The world transitioning from one quarter century to the next on New Year’s Day 2026 may be a nice bit of trivia in itself. 

As the clock chimes midnight on January 1, 2026, exactly 9131 days will have passed since the beginning of the century on January 1, 2001.

But strictly speaking, that’s not quite true for some island dwellers in the South Pacific Ocean. A lot has changed in the world of time and date in the past 25 years, and that includes Samoa and Tokelau redrawing the International Date Line. In 2011, the Pacific islands switched from the east of the line to the west, effectively skipping December 30.

In the same way, they will have one day less overall this century. This means that, based on the number of hours, they will reach the quarter-century mark at 18:00:00 local time on January 1.

Of course, the same could be said about people who have moved to a different time zone since 2001. But who’s splitting hairs?  Well, if you insist: if we’re counting seconds, we don’t yet know when the quarter-way point of the century will fall.

But Wait, There's More...And It Gets Worse!

Jeff Sherman of NIST posted the following information on December 19 about an apparent equipment failure at NIST's Boulder, Colorado campus:

In short, the atomic ensemble time scale at our Boulder campus has failed due to a prolonged utility power outage. One impact is that the Boulder Internet Time Services no longer have an accurate time reference. [empasis added] At time of writing the Boulder servers are still available due a standby power generator, but I will attempt to disable them to avoid disseminating incorrect time.

 The affected servers are: