Solar Outage time again

[tristen]

Solar outages (see ) occur twice each year, generally during March and September.

There are a number of software packages, which can be used to calculate the precise date, time and duration of the outage for a given region, so as it's about that time of year again, some might find this web-based Sun Outage Calculator to be useful.



I haven't compared it with the program which I use, but a quick comparison with the predictions for the earlier (March/April) outages of this year posted at the Austar website, indicates that it is fairly accurate.

It's fairly simple to use. Choose the Satellite of interest, your Location (corresponding to your nearest regional or capital city), Band (C or Ku), Season and Year. (Some might also wish to add the Antenna Size in metres). If you don't want to convert UTC to your local time zone, select PC Local Time as the default.
Once you have done that, click on Calculate and read the data presented in the window at the bottom of the page.

Note that the date designation is month, day, year - 24 hour time is used.

[porkop]

Good. Something to watch at last!!

[mickstv]

I was just about to bump the thread I did on this from the same time last year but you saved me the trouble.




Mick

[tristen]

Was it the same link Mick?

If so, I am sorry to steal your thunder.

Edit: Ah yes! Curiosity got the better of me and I used the wonderful SEARCH button I am so fond of telling others about!

Perhaps the old adage, "great minds think alike" has an element of truth in it after all.

[mickstv]

Was it the same link Mick?

If so, I am sorry to steal your thunder.

Just checked it is, but guess what your thread is better anyway because you go into more detail whereas mine was rather limited on information on how to use the calculator.



Mick