The
Eastern Iowa DX Bulletin
Number
257, January 17, 2025
Craig Fastenow, KØCF, Editor
This bulletin is a compilation of currently active DX operations (or those that will become active within the current week) from recent issues of the three DX bulletins listed below and other sources. Credit for the source is given at the end of each article.
Articles are ordered by the entity's callsign prefix from the ARRL DXCC Entities List. Callsigns used are in bold with dates of operation highlighted in red. Clickable links are provided for QSL and other information wherever possible. Note that articles may be edited for grammar, language, style and accuracy and will remain in The Bulletin while active; articles that are announcements of ongoing operations, or that have no specified end date, will be removed after three weeks.
Also included is a Propagation section, updated daily; and a Contest Calendar of upcoming popular contests.
DX News
items are courtesy of:
The ARRL DX Bulletin
The bulletin is available at http://www.arrl.org
425 DX News, A.R.I. DX Bulletin (425DXN)
Edited by Mauro Pregliasco, I1JQJ
& Valeria Pregliasco, IK1ADH
425 DX News Home Page: https://www.425dxn.org/
425 DX News Google Group: https://groups.google.com/g/425eng
DX Newsletter (DXNL)
Edited by Andreas Salder, DK5ON
A weekly service of DARC Committee
"DX", http://www.darcdxhf.de
Ohio-Penn DX Bulletin (OPDX)
Edited by Tedd Mirgliotta, KB8NW.
Although OPDX is no longer
published as a weekly bulletin, Tedd
still sends DX news emails.
We will occasionally publish some of
them.
Propagation data is from:
National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration's
Space Weather Prediction
Center
Dr. Tony Phillips' SpaceWeather.com,
used by permission
Contest data
courtesy of the WA7BNM
Contest Calendar
DX
News
3X, GUINEA.
Jean-Philippe, F1TMY (ex-J28PJ), will be back on the air as 3X1A until mid-2026
from Conakry on 80-6m and via QO-100. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[DXNL # 2439 January 1, 2025] (0103-0124)
5Z, KENYA.
Scott, WA5A is QRV as 5Z4/WA5A
from Ruaka. Activity is on 40 to 10 meters using mostly SSB. His length
of stay is unknown. QSL via WA5A.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 2 January 9, 2025] (0110-0131)
7P, LESOTHO.
Mark, KW4XJ, and his daughter Arina, KO4PZT (13 years old), are active until mid-2025
as 7P8AB
and 7P8NB.
QSL via KW4XJ.
-[DXNL # 2439 January 1, 2025] (0103-0207)
8R, GUYANA.
Aldir, PY1SAD will be active again as 8R1TM from
Georgetown, Guyana from January
1st to February 8th. He will operate CW, SSB and digital
modes on all bands and via satellite. QSL via LoTW, eQSL, QRZ Logbook,
or direct via PY1SAD.
-[425DXN # 1755 December 21, 2024] (1227-0207)
9A, CROATIA.
Throughout 2025 Tom, 9A2AA will use 9A68AA
to mark his 68 years of activity on the amateur radio bands. QSL via 9A2AA.
-[425DXN # 1759 January 18, 2025] (0117-0207)
9V,
SINGAPORE. Olafur, TF1OL is QRV as 9V1OL until January 20th.
Activity
is on 80 to 6 meters using some SSB, with FT8, and FT4. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 3 January 16, 2025] (0117-0124)
C5, THE GAMBIA.
Przemo, SP3PS is QRV as C5SP
until mid-March.
Activity is on 20 to 10 meters using SSB and FT8. QSL to SP3PS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 3 January 16, 2025] (0117-0314)
CE9,
ANTARCTICA. Denney, VU2DGR is QRV with special callsign AT44I from the
Bharati Research Station at Larsemann Hills to commemorate the 44th
Indian Scientific Expedition to the southern continent. QSL to VU2DGR.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 3 January 16, 2025] (0117-0207)
CE9, ANTARCTICA.
Felix, DL5XL will be QRV as DP1POL
from the German research station Neumayer III, IOTA AN-016, from January 12th to February 25th.
Activity will be in his spare time on the HF bands using mostly CW with
some SSB and various digital modes. QSL via DL1ZBO.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 2 January 9, 2025] (0110-0228)
CN, MOROCCO.
Ralf, DB4REB will be active as CN2REB
while vacationing in Morocco from November 30th to January 30,
2025. He plans to operate CW, FT8 and SSB on various bands
from Agadir and some POTA sites along the coast. See https://www.qrz.com/db/CN2REB
for updates. QSL via eQSL, or DB4REB.
-[425DXN # 1751 November 23, 2024] (1129-0131)
CT3,
MADEIRA I. A team consisting of Csaba/HA2KMR, Feri/HA2KF, Zoli/HA4FF,
and Joe/OE6JOZ
(HA2EAV) is currently active from Madeira (AF-014),
signing CT9/homecalls
until January 22nd.
During the HA DX Contest
(January 18th-19th) they will use the callsign CR3HA. QSL for CR3HA
via
HA bureau, eQSL; others via homecalls.
-[DXNL # 2441 January 15, 2025] (0117-0124)
DXCC TOP TWENTY.
Here are the top 20 entities on ClubLog’s "DXCC Most Wanted" list as of
January 17, 2025:
1. P5 DPRK
(North Korea) 11.
ZS8 Prince Edward &
Marion Islands
2. BS7H Scarborough
Reef 12.
KH4 Midway Island
3. CEØX San Felix
Islands 13. VKØM Macquarie
Island
4. BV9P Pratas
Island 14.
PYØS Saint Peter And Paul Rocks
5. KH7K Kure
Island
15. KP5 Desecheo Island
6.
KH3 Johnston
Island 16.
VPØS South Sandwich Islands
7. 3Y/P Peter 1
Island 17.
ZL9 New Zealand Subantarctic
Islands
8. FT5/X Kerguelen
Island 18.
FK/C Chesterfield Islands
9. YVØ Aves
Island
19. VKØH Heard Island
10. 3Y/B Bouvet
Island 20.
FT/T Tromelin Island
For the complete list, see
https://clublog.org/mostwanted.php
-[KØCF January 17, 2025 (0117-0207)
DL, GERMANY.
Special callsign DL2Ø25C
celebrates Chemnitz as one of
the European Capitals of Culture 2025 from January 18th until March
31st. In addition, DL2Ø25B,
DL2Ø25E, DL2Ø25W, and DL2Ø25S will also be
active, marking previous German cities similarly honored (Berlin,
Essen, Weimar) and the DARC district Saxony, where Chemnitz is located.
An award program is also available; see https://www.2025c.de.
QSL only
in various digital forms.
-[DXNL # 2441 January 15, 2025] (0117-0328)
DL, GERMANY.
Radio amateurs in Kamenz (DOK S22) celebrate their city's 800th
anniversary with the callsign DM8ØØKM
(special DOK 800KM) throughout
2025. QSLs will be sent automatically via the bureau; logs
are uploaded to ClubLog and qrz.com.
-[DXNL # 2439 January 1, 2025] (0103-0124)
DL, GERMANY.
The Deutsches Museum in Munich, one of the largest science and
technology museums in the world (https://www.deutsches-museum.de),
celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2025. DL1ØØDM is the
special callsign to be used throughout
the year
by the amateur radio station which is part of and regularly active from
the museum's "Electronics" permanent exhibition. QSL via DL8FA.
-[425DXN # 1756 December 28, 2024] (0103-0124)
FG, GUADELOUPE.
Jeff, VA3QSL will be active holiday style as FG/VA3QSL from
Guadeloupe (NA-102) on January
9th-26th. He will operate SSB, CW and digital modes on
40-6 meters. QSLs via LoTW, or VA3QSL.
-[425DXN # 1756 December 28, 2024] (0103-0124)
FM, MARTINIQUE.
Dom, F4IFF will be active as FM/F4IFF
from Martinique (NA-107) on January
19th to 27th. He will operate SSB and digital modes on the
HF bands, and will use ClubLog's Live Stream. QSL direct to EB7DX.
-[425DXN # 1759 January 18, 2025] (0117-0131)
FO/M, MARQUESAS
IS. A large multi-national team will be active as TX7N from Hiva Oa,
Marquesas Islands (OC-027) on January
12th-27th.
They will operate CW, SSB and digital modes on 160-6 meters with five
stations. In addition to TX7N, other three special callsigns will be
used: TX7MAS
to be used for EME and satellite; TX7WW
to be used during the CQ WW 160-Meter CW Contest (January 24th-26th);
TX1ØØREF in
celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Reseau des Emetteurs
Francais, to be used during the French HF Championship CW (January 26th-27th).
See https://tx7n.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/TX7N25
for more information and updates. QSL exclusively via ClubLog's OQRS
and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1756 December 28, 2024] (0110-0131)
G, ENGLAND.
Special callsign GB7ØRS
is celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Radio Society of Great
Britain's weekly news service (GB2RS), which has been running
continuously since September 25, 1955 (https://rsgb.org/main/gb2rs/).
GB7ØRS is operated by the radio amateurs who work to deliver GB2RS each
week, both the editorial staff at RSGB HQ and the newsreaders spread
around the UK and Crown Dependencies who transmit it every Sunday. QSL
via the bureau, LoTW and eQSL.
-[425DXN # 1758 January 11, 2025] (0110-0131)
GM, SCOTLAND.
Terry, GM3WUX will be QRV as GB2ØØLB
from January 4th to
31st to celebrate the bicentenary of the invention of the
Braille code. Activity is on the HF bands using mainly CW. QSL via MØOXO's OQRS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 1 January 2, 2025] (0103-0131)
GW, WALES.
Kev, GWØPUH will be active as GB9KW
on January 1st-28th
using vintage equipment manufactured by KW Electronics Ltd during the
1960s and 1970s. Main activity will be over the "KW Weekend" (January 4th-5th).
Other special callsigns are expected to be on the air, notably GB2KW from Scotland,
GB5KWD and GB6KW from England,
and possibly others. QSL via operator's instructions.
-[425DXN # 1756 December 28, 2024] (1227-0131)
HB, SWITZERLAND.
Special callsign HB2ØSOTA
celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Swiss SOTA Group (HB9SOTA) throughout 2025.
A certificate will be available, see https://hb9sota.ch/en/
for more information.
-[425DXN # 1758 January 11, 2025] (0110-0131)
HC,
ECUADOR. Rick, NE8Z/HC1MD/SP9E, is back on the air as HC1MD/2 until
January 18th. QRV on 160-6m (CW, SSB, FT4/8), mostly on
WARC bands. QSL
via K8LJG, LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2441 January 15, 2025] (0117-0124)
HI,
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. Special event callsign HI59UD is active until
January 25th to celebrate the 59th anniversary of the
Union Dominicana
de Radioaficionados, the second oldest amateur radio club in the
Dominican Republic. Activity is on the HF bands using SSB and various
digital modes. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 3 January 16, 2025] (0117-0124)
HR, HONDURAS.
Dave, VE3VSM will be QRV as VE3VSM/HR9,
from Roatan Island (NA-057) from January 6th to 25th.
Activity will be on 30 and 20 meters using CW and FT8. QSL to K6VHF.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 1 January 2, 2025] (0103-0124)
I,
ITALY. Team IG9/S51V
will participate in the CQ WW 160-Meter CW Contest
(January 24th-25th) as a Multi-Single entry from Lampedusa Island
(AF-019). Outside the contest from January 19th-29th,
look for team
members S51V, S52OT, S52P, S54W, S56DX, S57UN, S58MU, S59A, S59ZZ,
IV3CTS and YT3H to be QRV as IG9/home
call on the HF bands. QSL via
home calls.
-[425DXN # 1758 January 11, 2025] (0117-0131)
I, ITALY.
Throughout 2025 ARI Fidenza will use a series of special callsigns,
each representing one of the many patents registered by Guglielmo
Marconi between 1897 and 1926: II4FPEN
(January), II4FPUS
(February), II4SHLD
(March), II4GHPR
(April), II4JGGR
(May), II4RXOS
(June), II4COHR
(July), II4LDMA
(August), II4RADS
(September), II4WLTX
(October), II4EACC
(November) and II4TJTB
(December). Information about the "Marconi - Patented By" award: http://www.arifidenza.it/.
QSL via IQ4FE and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1757 January 4, 2025] (0103-0207)
JD1/M, MINAMI
TORISHIMA. Take, JG8NQJ/JD1
is currently QRV from Minami Torishima until March 1st.
His QSL manager reports that at the end of January Take will QRT on 10
meters and be active on 12 meters instead. Also, sometime in late
January to early February he will be able to be QRV on 20 meters. Take
operates mainly CW in his spare time. QSL via the bureau to JG8NQJ, or
direct to JA8CJY.
-[425DXN # 1759 January 18, 2025] (0117-0207)
K, UNITED STATES.
The Straight Key Century Club's annual on-air event, commemorating the
club's founding in 2006 and celebrating the original instruments of
early radiotelegraphy (straight key, bug and cootie keys), will run on January 2nd-31st.
Look for K3Y
to be aired from the ten US call areas (K3Y/Ø through K3Y/9), plus /KH6, /KL7 and /KP4. Information on
the event and QSL instructions can be found on https://skccgroup.com/k3y/k3y.php.
-[425DXN # 1756 December 28, 2024] (1227-0131)
LA, NORWAY.
Special callsign LA1ØØA
is the for NRRL's Midt-Troms Gruppen (LA6M, https://www.la6m.no/)
to use throughout
2025
to mark the 100th anniversary of the first amateur radio two-way
contact between Norway and the US, made by Johannes Diesen, LA1A from
Moen in Malselv municipality and UlYB at Dartmouth College, Hanover,
New Hampshire (November 25, 1925). QSL via the bureau, QRZ Logbook, or
via LA1ØØA.
-[425DXN # 1756 December 28, 2024] (1227-0124)
LZ, BULGARIA.
Radio Club Blagovestnik (LZ1KCP) will use six special callsigns during
2025 to honor as many different Orthodox saints: LZ4Ø3ES (January and
February), LZ372SG
(March and April), LZ286MDK
(May and June), LZ591MK
(July and August), LZ117ME
(September and October) and LZ3Ø6WW
(November and December). Details on the "All Saints 2025 Award" can be
found at https://www.lz1kcp.com/.
QSL via the bureau or direct to P.O. Box 36, 4300 Karlovo, Bulgaria.
-[425DXN # 1758 January 11, 2025] (0110-0131)
OH, FINLAND.
Special callsign OF6ØAP
celebrates the Central Uusimaa Radio Amateurs Association (OH2AP) 60th
anniversary throughout
2025. A certificate will be available, see https://oh2ap.fi/?page_id=491.
QSL via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1758 January 11, 2025] (0110-0131)
P4,
ARUBA. Mathias, DL4MM is QRV as P4ØAA until January 28th.
Activity is
on the HF bands. This includes being an entry in the upcoming CQ 160
Meter CW contest (January 24th-26th). QSL to DL4MM.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 3 January 16, 2025] (0117-0131)
PA, NETHERLANDS.
Special event station PA25MC
will be active on
January 23rd
to introduce the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps to the world of amateur
radio. Organized and supported by PI4VBD, the club station of the Royal
Army's Signal Regiment, activity will be on SSB on the HF bands.
-[425DXN # 1759 January 18, 2025] (0117-0124)
PA, NETHERLANDS.
Special callsign PC8ØTT
is the for members of VERON Leiden (PI4LDN) to celebrate the 80th
anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands during World War II
(May 5, 1945). Look for activity from January 1st until June 1st.
The special callsign honors the memory of Rudolf Tappenbeck (PCTT), a
pioneer of Dutch amateur radio who died in Neuengamme concentration
camp on December 21, 1944. QSL via the bureau to PI4LDN.
-[425DXN # 1756 December 28, 2024] (1227-0124)
PACIFIC TOUR.
Reportedly, Gerhard, OE3GEA will be active holiday style from New
Caledonia, Fiji, Vanuatu, Samoa, American Samoa and Hawaii from December 20th to January 21st:
January
9th-12th
5WØGE
Apia (OC-097)
January
12th-15th KH8/OE3GEA
Pago Pago (OC-045)
January
18th-21st KH6/OE3GEA
Hawaii
He will operate CW on 30-10 meters. QSL via OE3GEA.
-[425DXN # 1754 December 14, 2024] (1220-0124)
PJ2, CURACAO.
PD1DRE will be active as PJ2/PD1DRE
from January 14th to
February 4th. He will operate SSB on 40, 20 and 10 meters.
QSL via eQSL.
-[425DXN # 1757 January 4, 2025] (0110-0207)
PJ2, CURACAO.
Thaire, W2APF will be active as PJ2/W2APF
from January 12th to
April 8th. He will operate CW, SSB and FT8 on 80-10
meters. QSL via LoTW or W2APF.
-[425DXN # 1757 January 4, 2025] (0110-0404)
PJ4, BONAIRE.
Masumi/JA3AVO, Nakasako/JA3UJR, Jusei/JA3IVU, Kunio/JA1CJA,
Shozo/JA3HJI, and Hiroko/JH3PBL, of the JA3 DX Vacation Group, activate
the PJ4G QTH from January
13th to 20th with the callsign PJ4JA
on 160-6m using CW, SSB and digital modes; and via satellites. Some
group members may use their US callsigns individually: JA3AVO as PJ4/W7AVO, JA1CJA as
PJ4/AE6XY,
JA3IVU as PJ4/K1TAI,
JA3HJI as PJ4/W3HJI,
and JH3PBL as PJ4/W7PBL.
For more information see: https://bccweb.bai.ne.jp/~asg99501/pj4ja.htm.
QSL via LoTW, ClubLog's OQRS,
or direct to JA3AVO.
-[DXNL # 2440 January 8, 2025] (0110-0124)
TG,
GUATEMALA. Dwight, VE7BV is QRV as TG9BBV until January 28th.
Activity
is on 40 to 6 meters using CW, SSB, and FT8. QSL to VE7BV, LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 3 January 16, 2025] (0117-0131)
TJ,
CAMEROON. Thierry, TK1CX is QRV as TJ/TK1CX until the end of February.
Activity is in his spare time on 20 to 10 meters using mostly FT8 and
low power. QSL via LoTW, eQSL, or EA5ZD.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 47 December 19, 2024] (1220-0228)
TY, BENIN.
Gerard, F5NVF is QRV as TY5C
from Godomey until
April 2nd. Activity is holiday style on 80 to 6 meters
using CW, SSB, and FT8. QSL direct to F5RAV, or via
LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 2 January 9, 2025] (0110-0404)
VP5,
TURKS & CAICOS. Gerhard, OE3GEA will be QRV as VP5/OE3GEA from
Providenciales Island (NA-002) from January 23rd to 26th.
Activity is
on the HF bands. QSL via OE3GEA,
ClubLog, LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 3 January 16, 2025] (0117-0131)
VU, INDIA.
Members of the West Bengal Radio Club are QRV with special event
callsign AU2WBRC
until January 20th
for the Ganaga Sagar Mela Festival. QSL via VU2SB.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 1 January 2, 2025] (0103-0124)
YB, INDONESIA.
Jozef, ON6HX is guest operating as YB9/ON6HX
from Lombok Island (OC-150) until
February 6th. QSL via ON6HX, LoTW,
and eQSL.
-[425DXN # 1757 January 4, 2025] (0103-0207)
YB, INDONESIA.
Indra, YB8QT,
remains active from Siau Barat, Sangihe Island (OC-210) into 2025. QSL
via IK2DUW.
-[DXNL # 2439 January 1, 2025] (0103-0124)
Z8,
SOUTH SUDAN. Ken, K4ZW will be QRV as Z81Z from January 20th to 24th.
Activity will be on the HF bands using CW and some SSB. QSL to K4ZW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 3 January 16, 2025] (0117-0124)
ZD7,
ST. HELENA. Giovanni, IZ2DPX will be QRV
as ZD7DPX
from January 21st to
February 3rd. Activity will be on the HF bands using SSB
and FT8. QSL
via IK2DUW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 3 January 16, 2025] (0117-0207)
ZS, SOUTH AFRICA.
On May 20, 2025, the South African Radio League will celebrate its
100th anniversary. The SARL Centenary Marathon QSO Party is set to kick
off for a year-long operating event starting from 0000 UTC on January 1st and
ending at 2359 UTC on December 31st.
Throughout the year, the SARL, with the aid of its members and
associated clubs, will be on the air with a special event callsign ZS1ØØSARL, as well
as the permanent callsigns ZS6SRL
and ZS9HQ,
and possibly other special event callsigns. A number of awards will be
available, see https://mysarl.org.za/centenary-marathon/
for more information.
-[425DXN # 1756 December 28, 2024] (1227-0124)
Propagation (Updated daily)
The Weekly Solar Data chart plots Solar Flux Index (SFI), Sunspot number (SSN) and Planetary K-Index (Kp) for the past 8 days. With 8 Planetary K-index readings each day, only the minimum, average and maximum K-index values are plotted. Note: You may click here or on the chart above to see the same data for the past month.
The Daily Solar Flux Index, Sunspot number, Planetary
K-index,
Solar Flux predictions and Solar Flare data used in this bulletin have
been collected by
KØCF from from the U.S. Department of Commerce's NOAA
Space Weather Prediction Center.
The propagation graphs above are the creations of KØCF and are unique
in space weather reporting.
Please Note: The graphs are high resolution .PNG files which you may view in greater detail using your browser's "zoom" feature. Alternatively, right click on the graph and select "Open Image in New Tab" to enlarge it, or "Save Image As..." to save it to your computer for further analysis.
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NASA's current view of the Sun at a wave- length of 131 Angstroms. This wavelength shows incredible solar detail. Click here or on the image to view as a full screen 48-hour video loop. It is fascinating! |
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Propagation
Summary
For the 8 day period from Sunday, January 12th through yesterday, January 19th.
The average solar flux was 199, up 37 points from the previous week,
with a weekly high of 234 on Sunday, January 19th, following
a low of 158 on January 12th.
The average sunspot count was 119, up 5 from last week,
peaking at 149 on Friday, January 17th after a
weekly low of 99 on January 12th.
The Planetary K-index weekly average was 3.4 with a
maximum of 4.0 on Friday, January 17th, indicating
generally quiet geomagnetic conditions. Yesterday's K-index maximum was 3.7 with generally quiet conditions.
Solar flare activity since January 13th has been moderate with 11
major flares, the largest of which was an M 7.4 event on Friday,
January 17th.
Propagation
Data
Major solar flares, Monday, January 13th through 1355 UTC, January 20th.
| # | Date | UTC | Mag. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jan 19 | 0332 | M 2.4 |
| 2 | Jan 18 | 0307 | M 1.1 |
| 3 | Jan 18 | 0058 | M 1.7 |
| 4 | Jan 17 | 2001 | M 1.1 |
| 5 | Jan 17 | 1949 | M 1.8 |
| 6 | Jan 17 | 1850 | M 2.1 |
| 7 | Jan 17 | 1335 | M 7.4 |
| 8 | Jan 17 | 1137 | M 1.5 |
| 9 | Jan 17 | 0919 | M 2.0 |
| 10 | Jan 17 | 0320 | M 1.1 |
| 11 | Jan 17 | 0211 | M 1.3 |
(NOAA's graph of recent flare activity: GOES-X-Ray-Flux)
From the NOAA Space Weather Prediction
Center,
here are the probabilities of major solar flares and the predicted 10.7
cm Solar Flux for the next 3 days. NOAA updates this information daily.
| Date | M-Flares | X-Flares | Solar Flux |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 20 | 60% | 20% | 235 |
| Jan 21 | 60% | 20% | 235 |
| Jan 22 | 60% | 20% | 235 |
Looking farther ahead, here is the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center forecast of 10.7 cm radio flux and maximum Planetary K-index (Kp) for the next 12 days. This data is updated by NOAA every Monday (last updated on January 20, 2025).
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Global
D Region Absorption
Conditions in the D-region of the ionosphere
have a dramatic effect on HF communications. The D-Region Absorption
map combines the effects of solar particles and
photons. Yellow to red colors on the map depict increasing signal
attenuation, where the bar chart at the right displays attenuation
versus frequency. Click the
thumbnail below for an animated map of D-Region Absorption:
The Aurora
Borealis
The aurora is not only beautiful to see but can have a
profound impact on HF and VHF radio propagation. For the HF operator,
auroras can result in a complete shut-down of propagation. However, on
VHF, auroras present interesting DX possibilities. Beam antennas are
very desirable and should be pointed north, towards the aurora. Signals
are reflected by “back-scatter” and will be distorted with a rough
buzz. SSB is the best voice mode to use, but copy can be difficult. CW
will have a rough buzzy sound but be perfectly copyable. Click the
thumbnail below for an animated map of aurora versus time:
Highs
for Cycle 25
Solar Flux: 336 on
August 8, 2024.
Sunspots: 382 on August
10, 2024.
A Big Sunspot is Facing Earth
Sunspot 3961 is one of the largest sunspots of Solar Cycle 25. After days of impressive growth, it is now directly facing Earth with a 'beta-gamma-delta' magnetic field that harbors energy for X-class solar flares. A geoeffective explosion may be in the offing.
(Copyright © SpaceWeather.com January 20, 2025.
Republished by
permission.)
Popular
Propagation web sites
https://prop.kc2g.com/
(Excellent Maximum Usable Frequency map)
NOAA https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/
https://www.spaceweather.com/
https://www.solarham.com/
https://dx.qsl.net/propagation/
A Propagation
Tutorial
The solar X-ray flux tracks solar activity and solar flares.
Solar
flux, which can vary from as low as 50 to as high as 300, influences
the level of ionization in the F2 region of the ionosphere, providing a
very good prediction of HF DX conditions. The higher the solar flux,
the better conditions will be for the higher HF frequencies and even 6
meters. However, the levels need to be maintained for some days to
allow ionization in the F2 layer to build up. A solar flux of 150
results in good HF band conditions, while levels of 200 and up can
provide great conditions.
Large X-ray flares on the sun can
increase the ionization of the D layer of the ionosphere (a lower
layer) on the sunlit side of the Earth, greatly attenuating or blocking
HF radio transmissions for up to a half hour. Solar flares often
produce Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) which, if Earth directed, can
lead to geomagnetic storms. Some large flares are also accompanied by
strong radio bursts that may interfere with other radio frequencies and
cause problems for satellite communication and radio navigation (GPS).
The
Planetary K-index is a measure of the magnitude of geomagnetic storms
and is an excellent indicator of disturbances in the Earth's magnetic
field. A level of 1 or 2 represents quiet geomagnetic conditions; a
reading of 3 or 4 may cause some propagation deterioration; 5 and 6 are
minor to moderate geomagnetic storms; and 7 to 9 are strong, severe,
and extreme storm conditions. Strong geomagnetic storms can trigger
Auroral displays and cause HF radio blackouts. Higher geomagnetic
activity also has the adverse effect of lowering maximum usable
frequencies, much like lower solar flux does.
For
best conditions, the solar flux should be above 150 for a few days with
the K index below 2. When these conditions are met, some good DX is
likely!
-[Compiled from information on NOAA.gov and other sources]
Contest Calendar
Weekly Contests
| Contest | Start UTC | End | Web Site | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K1USN Slow Speed Test | Monday | 0000Z | 0100Z | Rules |
| ICWC Medium Speed Test | Monday | 1300Z | 1400Z | Rules |
| Monday | 1900Z | 2000Z | ||
| Tuesday | 0300Z | 0400Z | ||
| CWops Test (CWT) | Wednesday | 1300Z | 1400Z | Rules |
| Wednesday | 1900Z | 2000Z | ||
| Thursday | 0300Z | 0400Z | ||
| Thursday | 0700Z | 0800Z | ||
| Weekly RTTY Test | Friday | 0145Z | 0215Z | Rules |
| NCCC CW Sprint (NS) | Friday | 0230Z | 0300Z | Rules |
Sunday at 7:00 PM in the Central Daylight Saving Time zone, or
Sunday at 6:00 PM in the Central Standard Time zone.
Full Calendar
| Contest | Start | End | Web Site | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hungarian DX Contest | Jan 18 | 1200Z | Jan 19 | 1200Z | Rules |
| North American QSO Party, SSB | Jan 18 | 1800Z | Jan 19 | 0600Z | Rules |
| ARRL January VHF Contest | Jan 18 | 1900Z | Jan 20 | 0359Z | Rules |
| CQ 160-Meter Contest, CW | Jan 24 | 2200Z | Jan 26 | 2159Z | Rules |
| BARTG RTTY Sprint | Jan 25 | 1200Z | Jan 26 | 1200Z | Rules |
| Winter Field Day | Jan 25 | 1700Z | Jan 26 | 1700Z | Rules |
| Vermont QSO Party | Feb 1 | 0000Z | Feb 2 | 2400Z | Rules |
| 10-10 Int. Winter Contest, SSB | Feb 1 | 0001Z | Feb 2 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Mexico RTTY International Contest | Feb 1 | 1200Z | Feb 2 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Minnesota QSO Party | Feb 1 | 1400Z | Feb 1 | 2400Z | Rules |
| British Columbia QSO Party | Feb 1 | 1600Z | Feb 2 | 2400Z | Rules |
| North American Sprint, CW | Feb 2 | 0000Z | Feb 2 | 0359Z | Rules |
| CQ WW RTTY WPX Contest | Feb 8 | 0000Z | Feb 9 | 2400Z | Rules |
| ARRL School Club Roundup | Feb 10 | 1300Z | Feb 14 | 2359Z | Rules |
| ARRL Inter. DX Contest, CW | Feb 15 | 0000Z | Feb 16 | 2400Z | Rules |
| CQ 160-Meter Contest, SSB | Feb 21 | 2200Z | Feb 23 | 2159Z | Rules |
| South Carolina QSO Party | Feb 22 | 1500Z | Feb 23 | 0159Z | Rules |
| North American QSO Party, RTTY | Feb 22 | 1800Z | Feb 23 | 0600Z | Rules |
| North Carolina QSO Party | Feb 23 | 1500Z | Feb 24 | 0100Z | Rules |
| ARRL Inter. DX Contest, SSB | Mar 1 | 0000Z | Mar 2 | 2400Z | Rules |
| Open Ukraine RTTY Championship | Mar 1 | 1800Z | Mar 2 | 1359Z | Rules |
| YB DX RTTY Contest | Mar 8 | 0000Z | Mar 8 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Oklahoma QSO Party | Mar 8 | 1400Z | Mar 9 | 2100Z | Rules |
| Stew Perry Topband Challenge | Mar 8 | 1500Z | Mar 9 | 1500Z | Rules |
| Idaho QSO Party | Mar 8 | 1900Z | Mar 9 | 1900Z | Rules |
| North American Sprint, RTTY | Mar 9 | 0000Z | Mar 9 | 0359Z | Rules |
| Wisconsin QSO Party | Mar 9 | 1800Z | Mar 10 | 0100Z | Rules |
| BARTG HF RTTY Contest | Mar 15 | 0200Z | Mar 17 | 0200Z | Rules |
| Russian DX Contest | Mar 15 | 1200Z | Mar 16 | 1200Z | Rules |
| Virginia QSO Party | Mar 15 | 1400Z | Mar 16 | 2400Z | Rules |
| North American SSB Sprint Contest | Mar 23 | 0000Z | Mar 23 | 0400Z | Rules |
| CQ WW WPX Contest, SSB | Mar 29 | 0000Z | Mar 30 | 2400Z | Rules |
| Louisiana QSO Party | Apr 5 | 1400Z | Apr 6 | 0200Z | Rules |
| SP DX Contest | Apr 5 | 1500Z | Apr 6 | 1500Z | Rules |
| JIDX CW Contest | Apr 12 | 0700Z | Apr 13 | 1300Z | Rules |
| New Mexico QSO Party | Apr 12 | 1400Z | Apr 13 | 0200Z | Rules |
| Georgia QSO Party | Apr 12 | 1800Z | Apr 13 | 2359Z | Rules |
| ARRL Rookie Roundup, SSB | Apr 13 | 1800Z | Apr 13 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Holyland DX Contest | Apr 18 | 2100Z | Apr 19 | 2100Z | Rules |
| YU DX Contest | Apr 19 | 0700Z | Apr 20 | 0659Z | Rules |
| Michigan QSO Party | Apr 19 | 1600Z | Apr 20 | 0400Z | Rules |
| Ontario QSO Party | Apr 19 | 1800Z | Apr 20 | 1800Z | Rules |
| Quebec QSO Party | Apr 20 | 1200Z | Apr 20 | 2200Z | Rules |