The
Eastern Iowa DX Bulletin
Number
276, May 30, 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
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
3A, MONACO.
Special event call sign 3A1ØØA
will be QRV from April
15th to June 30th
to commemorate the centenary of the IARU. Activity will be on 80 to 10
meters using CW, SSB, and various digital modes. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 15 April 10, 2025] (0411-0627)
3DA, KINGDOM OF
ESWATINI. Morten, LA9GY will be QRV as 3DAØGY from May 22nd to June 2nd.
Activity will be holiday style on 80 to 10 meters, with a focus on 20,
15 and 10 meters, using CW and SSB. QSL direct to LA9GY.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 20 May 15, 2025] (0516-0606)
3V, TUNISIA.
Giovanni, IT9PZM is now QRV as 3V8LL
from Djerba Island (AF-083). Activity is on the HF bands. QSL via
operator's instructions.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 20 May 15, 2025] (0516-0606)
4U/ITU, ITU HQ.
Special callsign 4UØITU
will be activated by the International Amateur Radio Club at ITU HQ in
Geneva from May 16th
through the end of the year in celebration of the 160th
anniversary of the International Telecommunication Union. QSL via LoTW,
ClubLog's OQRS,
or direct to IARC, P.O. Box 6, 1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland.
-[425DXN # 1775 May 10, 2025] (0516-0606)
4X, ISRAEL.
Members of the Holyland DX Group operate as 4X8MG on May 30th and 31st
from the UNESCO Heritage site Tel Megiddo (also 4XFF-0037). QSL via 4Z5FI.
-[DXNL # 2460 May 28, 2025] (0530-0606)
5R,
MADAGASCAR. Gianpi, IK1TTD will be active holiday style as
5R8TD from
Madagascar. He will be QRV from Nosy Be (AF-057) on May 27th to June
4th, and from Tsarabanjina, Mitsio Islands (AF-057) on June 4th to
11th. QSOs will be uploaded to ClubLog and hopefully
livestreamed on
https://www.qsohunter.net/it/Index/353.
QSL via IK1TTD.
-[425DXN # 1776 May 17, 2025] (0523-0606)
7P, LESOTHO.
Mark, KW4XJ and Arina, KO4PZT are QRV as 7P8AB and 7P8NB, respectively,
until mid-2025.
QSL via KW4XJ.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 18 May 1, 2025] (0502-0613)
9G, GHANA.
Tommy, ON2TD is now QRV as 9G5TD.
Activity is holiday style mostly on 20 meters using SSB. His length of
stay is unknown. QSL to ON2TD.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 20 May 15, 2025] (0516-0606)
9U, BURUNDI.
Antonio IK7WUL (ex 5VØDX, TY3AA, and 9G5IK) has now received the
callsign 9UØDX
for Burundi. He plans to work during his spare time, mostly on 10m
(SSB). QSL direct via IK7WUL.
-[DXNL # 2460 May 28, 2025] (0530-0620)
9X, RWANDA.
Antonio IK7WUL (ex 5VØDX, TY3AA, and 9G5IK) has now received the
callsign 9XØDX
for Rwanda. He plans to work during his spare time, mostly on 10m
(SSB). QSL direct via IK7WUL.
-[DXNL # 2460 May 28, 2025] (0530-0620)
CEØX, SAN FELIX
& SAN AMBROSIO. Felipe, XQ7IR is planning to
activate San Ambrosio Island (SA-013) sometime in October or November 2025.
Plans are for two stations (one operated locally using SSB and FT8 and
one operated remotely on CW and FT8) to be active as 3GØXQ on 160-10
meters. This DXCC Entity is #3 on the
Most Wanted list and has been silent since the XRØX
DXpedition in 2002. See https://www.sanambrosio-project.com
for updates.
-[425DXN # 1777 May 24, 2025] (0523-0606)
DL, GERMANY.
Special callsign DMØLIMES
will be active from May
1st to July 1st for this year's German World Heritage Day
(June 1st). Also active will be DM3LIMES
on May 31st - June
1st.
The Limes was the border line of the Roman Empire at its greatest
extent. In 2005, the remnants of the Upper German-Raetian Limes were
inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list as "Frontiers of the Roman
Empire". QSL both via the bureau.
-[425DXN # 1773 April 26, 2025] (0425-0627)
DU, PHILIPPINES.
Ed, 4F1OZ, remains active as DXØWPS
from Lubang Island (OC-126) until
May 31st on 160-10m (CW, SSB, FT8). QSL via 4F1OZ.
-[DXNL # 2460 May 28, 2025] (0530-0606)
DXCC TOP TWENTY.
Here are the top 20 entities on ClubLog’s "DXCC Most Wanted" list as of
May 29, 2025:
1. P5 DPRK
(North Korea) 11. VKØM Macquarie
Island
2. BS7H Scarborough
Reef 12.
KH4 Midway Island
3. CEØX San Felix
Islands 13. PYØS Saint Peter
And Paul Rocks
4. BV9P Pratas
Island 14.
KP5 Desecheo Island
5.
KH7K Kure
Island
15.
VPØS South Sandwich Islands
6.
KH3 Johnston
Island 16.
ZL9 New Zealand Subantarctic
Islands
7. 3Y/P Peter 1
Island 17.
FK/C Chesterfield Islands
8. FT5/X Kerguelen
Island 18.
VKØH Heard Island
9. YVØ Aves
Island
19.
FT/T Tromelin Island
10. 3Y/B Bouvet
Island 20.
EZ Turkmenistan
For the complete list, see
https://clublog.org/mostwanted.php
-[KØCF May 30, 2025 (0530-0620)
E6, NIUE.
Bob, ZL1RS will be active as E6RS
from Niue (OC-040)
from
May 27th to June 2nd.
He will be QRV primarily on 6 meters FT8, with
the main focus on ionospheric propagation and some activity on 10
meters if the Magic Band is closed. He will also be on 6m EME for about
one hour at each moonrise and moonset. For more information see
https://www.qsl.net/zl1rs/e6_eme.html. QSOs will be uploaded
to ClubLog
and LoTW. QSL via ZL1RS, LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1776 May 17, 2025] (0523-0606)
EA, SPAIN.
Members of Cartagena Team will be active as AO5APA on June 1st-15th.
The special callsigns marks the 40th anniversary of the Patrulla Aguila
("Eagle Patrol"), the aerobatic demonstration team of the Spanish Air
and Space Force. QSL via EA5GTU.
-[425DXN # 1778 May 31, 2025] (0530-0620)
EA8, CANARY IS.
Mike, HB9MBS plans to be QRV as EA8/HB9MBS
from Los Quemados from June
1st to 29th. QSL to HB9MBS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 22 May 29, 2025] (0530-0704)
F, FRANCE.
Once again the Association des Radioamateurs de la Sarthe (F6KFI) will
operate a special event station for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Look for TM24H on June 1st-15th,
with activity on various bands and modes. QSL via F6KFI.
-[425DXN # 1778 May 31, 2025] (0530-0620)
F, FRANCE.
Special callsign TM61TC
will be activated on June
1st-5th
celebrating Claude Chappe's invention of the optical telegraph, the
first practical telecommunications system of the industrial age. QSL
via the bureau.
-[425DXN # 1778 May 31, 2025] (0530-0606)
F, FRANCE.
Members of the F4KIS radio club will be active as TM41GM from May 27th to June 10th.
The suffix stands for "greve des mineurs", the strike of 100,000 miners
of Nord-Pas-de-Calais in 1941 which was one of the earliest acts of
collective resistance to Nazi occupation in France. Electronic QSLs
will be available for download on https://log-et-qsl.associations-radioamateurs.org/wp/boutique/
-[425DXN # 1777 May 24, 2025] (0523-0613)
F, FRANCE.
Special event callsign TM1ØREF,
one of many celebrating the REF centenary, will be active from April 25th to 27th,
May 8th to 11th,
and May 29th until
June 1st.
-[DXNL # 2455 April 23, 2025] (0425-0606)
F, FRANCE.
Special callsigns TM1ØØI,
TM1ØØA, TM1ØØR and TM1ØØU by the Radio
Club Pierre Coulon (F5KMB) celebrate the centenary of the International
Amateur Radio Union from April
12th to July 13th. QSL via eQSL only; paper cards will not
be provided.
-[425DXN # 1771 April 12, 2025] (0411-0711)
FJ,
SAINT BARTHELEMY. Otis, NP4G will be QRV as FJ/NP4G from May 27th to
June 2nd from the new POTA reference BL-0001. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 21 May 22, 2025] (0523-0606)
FO,
FRENCH POLYNESIA. Didier, F6BCW will be active as TX5U from Tikehau
(OC-066), French Polynesia from May
26th to June 8th. He will operate
CW and SSB (no FT8) on 40-6 meters. Full LoTW upload after six months.
QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1773 April 26, 2025] (0523-0613)
FS, ST. MARTIN.
John, K9EL will be active holiday style as FS/K9EL from St.
Martin (NA-105) on June
4th-18th. He will focus on 6 meters when the band is open,
with limited activity on 40-10 meters. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS
(preferred), LoTW, or via K9EL.
-[425DXN # 1778 May 31, 2025] (0530-0620)
HI, DOMINICAN
REPUBLIC. The Radio Club Dominicano (HI8RCD) celebrates
its 99th anniversary with the callsign HI99RCD from May 31st until June 15th.
QSL via e-mail or qrz.com.
-[DXNL # 2460 May 28, 2025] (0530-0620)
HP, PANAMA.
Special event call sign 3E7D
is QRV until June 1st.
QSL via HP1AVS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 17 April 24, 2025] (0425-0606)
HS, THAILAND.
Special callsign HS3ØDXA
commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Thailand DX Association (E28AC
and E2X). Look for activity from May 23rd to June 21st,
on all HF bands and the 2m band, including the amateur radio
satellites. QSL via HS6MYW.
-[425DXN # 1777 May 24, 2025] (0523-0620)
I, ITALY.
Antonio, IK8VRH and Antonio, IW8BVN will be active from Ventotene
Island (EU-045) from May
30th to June 2nd. They will operate SSB and digital as IBØDX on 40-10
meters, and as IRØDX
on 6 meters. QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW and ClubLog. QSL via IK8VRH.
-[425DXN # 1777 May 24, 2025] (0530-0606)
ISØ, SARDINIA.
Luca, IK5AEQ will be QRV as ISØ/IK5AEQ
from Sinis Peninsula from June
2nd to 6th.
Activity will be on 40 to 6 meters using SSB, RTTY, and FT8. His
operation will cover several parks that are new to the POTA program,
and will be valid for the province of Oristano for the WAIP program.
QSL to IK5AEQ.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 22 May 29, 2025] (0530-0606)
J6,
SAINT LUCIA. Matts, SMØFPR, operates holiday-style as J6/SMØFPR from
May 26th to June 8th,
mostly on CW, some SSB. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2459 May 21, 2025] (0523-0613)
JA, JAPAN.
Take, JI3DST will be active again as JS6RRR from Miyako
Island (AS-079) from April
23rd to June 18th. Other callsigns to be used are JI3DST/6, JJ5RBH/6 and JA3YEC/6, as well as
JI3DST/p, JJ5RBH/p and JA3YEC/p on FT8.
QSOs will be made available for ClubLog and LoTW matching on the IOTA
website. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1774 May 3, 2025] (0502-0620)
JD1/M, MINAMI
TORISHIMA. Take, JG8NQJ is QRV as JG8NQJ/JD1 until June 20th.
Activity is in his spare time on the HF bands using CW and
FT8. QSL via JA8CJY
(direct), JG8NQJ (bureau) and LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 16 April 17, 2025] (0418-0620)
KH8,
AMERICAN SAMOA. Bob, KØNR and Joyce, KØJJW will be QRV as KH8/KØNR and
KH8/KØJJW,
respectively, from May
27th to June 9th. Activity is
primarily on 20 to 10 meters using SSB, FT8, and FT4 while activating
various SOTA and POTA locations. QSL via LoTW only.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 21 May 22, 2025] (0523-0613)
OE, AUSTRIA.
Special callsign OE7ØOE
celebrates the Austrian
State Treaty of 70 years ago until
the end of June.
-[DXNL # 2459 May 21, 2025] (0523-0627)
OJØ, MARKET REEF.
Diego, IZØEWJ will be QRV as OJØL
from May 31st to
June 7th. Activity is on 80 to 6 meters using SSB and
various digital modes. QSL via I8KHC.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 22 May 29, 2025] (0530-0606)
ON, BELGIUM.
Special callsign OT25EPIC
by the Antwerp Port Contest Club (ON8APC) promotes this year's edition
of the Antwerp Port Epic cycling race. Look for activity from May 10th until June 9th
(the actual day of the race). QSL via ON8JJ.
-[425DXN # 1774 May 3, 2025] (0509-0613)
OX, GREENLAND.
Bo, OZ1DJJ will be active as OX3LX
from two locations on the main island of Greenland (NA-018):
Kangerlussuaq (GP47pa) on June
5th-9th, and Nuuk (GP44de) on June 10th-22nd. As
always, this will be a working trip, and he will be QRV only in his
spare time. QSL via OZØJ, ClubLog's OQRS
and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1778 May 31, 2025] (0530-0627)
OY, FAROE IS.
A group of operators will be QRV as OY6FRA,
OY/W9MK, and
OY/K4LT from
June 1st to 10th.
Activity will be on 160 to 6 meters using CW, SSB, and FT8. They will
also be active as OY6A
in the upcoming ARRL Digital contest (June 7th-8th). See https://faroeis.com/
for more information. Full upload to LoTW 6 months after the
expedition. QSL all calls via WB2REM or ClubLog's OQRS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 22 May 29, 2025] (0530-0613)
PA, NETHERLANDS.
Special event station PA2Ø25NATO
will be QRV during the month
of June to highlight the 2025 NATO Summit to be held in
the Hague. QSL via bureau or direct to PA2Ø25NATO.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 22 May 29, 2025] (0530-0704)
PA, NETHERLANDS.
Peter, PD1RP is QRV with special event station PD8ØFREE until June 30th
to celebrate the 80 years of liberation since World War II. Activity is
on 40, 20, 10, and 2 meters using CW, SSB, and digital modes. QSLs sent
to all contacts via the bureau. No QSL or request needed.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 15 April 10, 2025] (0411-0627)
S7, SEYCHELLES.
Chris, DC6GF is QRV as S79/DC6GF
from Praslin and LaDigue, all IOTA AF-024, until June 6th.
Activity is on 20, 17, 15, 12, and 10 meters using FT8 and FT4 with low
power. QSL to DC6GF.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 22 May 29, 2025] (0530-0606)
T8,
PALAU. Operators Kaz, JR2JGR, Tetsu, JF1GHX and Yoshi,
JK1SZX are QRV
as T88DZ, T88HF, and T88SG, respectively,
from Koror (OC-009) until
June 1st. Activity is on various bands using SSB and FT8.
QSL T88DZm
via JR2JGR, T88HF
via JF1GHX, and
T88SG via JK1SZX.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 21 May 22, 2025] (0523-0606)
TI,
COSTA RICA. Guy, N7ZG is QRV as TI8/N7ZG from Playa
Zancudo. His length
of stay is unknown. This includes being a Single Op/All Band/High Power
entry in the CQ WPX CW contest (May 24th-25th). QSL via EA3GL.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 21 May 22, 2025] (0523-0613)
TR, GABON.
Roland, F8EN, QRV as TR8CR
is currently one of the few active stations in the country. He plans to
celebrate his 97th birthday in Libreville and then in mid-June return
to France permanently. QSL via F6AJA.
-[DXNL # 2460 May 28, 2025] (0530-0620)
V4, ST. KITTS
& NEVIS. Rick, W4IO is QRV as V4/W4IO from St,
Kitts (NA-104) until
June 7th. Activity is on 40 to 10 meters using mostly FT8.
QSL to W4IO or LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 22 May 29, 2025] (0530-0606)
V5, NAMIBIA.
Remo, HB9SHD is QRV as V51/HB9SHD
until June 15th.
Activity is holiday style on 40 to 6 meters using SSB and various
digital modes. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 18 May 1, 2025] (0502-0620)
VE, CANADA.
To celebrate the 65th anniversary of the Dobson Trail, Canada's longest
volunteer-maintained trail, special event station VC9DT will be active
throughout June.
It will be operated by VE9ACC and friends from various locations along
the 60-kilometer trail, including several WWFF (World Wide Flora
&
Fauna) sites. Operators will be QRV on multiple bands on SSB and
FT8/FT4. See https://www.qrz.com/db/VC9DT
for award information and further details. QSL via VE9CF.
-[425DXN # 1777 May 24, 2025] (0530-0627)
VP8, FALKLAND IS.
Gerry, G3WIP, now that he is retired, has moved from Ascension Island
(ZD8GB) to Port Stanley and plans to operate as VP8DPD from May 10th until July 12th,
mostly on 20-10m. QSL via EA5GL.
-[DXNL # 2458 May 14, 2025] (0516-0711)
VU, INDIA.
A group of Indian amateurs plans to activate Arnala Island (AS-169)
with the callsign AU2M
until May 31st
on 80-10m (CW, SSB, digital modes) and via QO-100. This will be the
first activation since 2006! QSL via MØOXO's OQRS.
-[DXNL # 2460 May 28, 2025] (0530-0606)
ZC4, UK
SOVEREIGN BASE AREAS ON CYPRUS. Martin, MWØBRO will be
active again as ZC4GW
from Dhekelia from May
28th to June 9th. He will operate CW, some SSB and
"definitely no digital modes" on 40-6 meters. QSL via MØURX's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1777 May 24, 2025] (0523-0613)
ZL, NEW ZEALAND.
Special callsign ZL1ØØIARU
will be used by New Zealand's IARU member society, NZART, to celebrate
the 100th anniversary of the International Amateur Radio Union until July 31st.
QSOs will be uploaded to QRZ Logbook and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1776 May 17, 2025] (0516-0801)
ZL7,
CHATHAM IS. Holger, DL3IO is QRV as ZL7IO from Waitangi
(OC-038) until
June 26th
while working on equipment repairs. He may be active as a
Single Op/Single Band/Low Power 40 meter entry in the CQ WPX CW contest
(May 24th-25th). QSL via LoTW, ClubLog's OQRS
(preferred), or via DK7AO.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 21 May 22, 2025] (0523-0627)
ZP, PARAGUAY.
Vlad, OK2WX is QRV as ZP6WX
until June 8th.
Activity is on 80 to 6 meters. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 22 May 29, 2025] (0530-0613)
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 Friday, May 23rd through yesterday, May 30th.
The average solar flux was 140, up 21 points from the previous week,
with a weekly high of 157 on Friday, May 30th, following
a low of 122 on May 23rd.
The average sunspot count was 112, up 33 from last week,
peaking at 126 on Wednesday, May 28th after a
weekly low of 93 on May 25th.
The Planetary K-index weekly average was 3.6 with a
maximum of 6.7 on Thursday, May 29th, indicating
a moderate geomagnetic storm. Yesterday's K-index maximum was 5.0 with a minor geomagnetic storm.
Solar flare activity since May 24th has been moderate with 11
major flares, the largest of which was a major X 1.1 event on Sunday,
May 25th.
Propagation
Data
Major solar flares, Saturday, May 24th through 1318 UTC, May 31st.
| # | Date | UTC | Mag. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | May 31 | 0818 | M 4.5 |
| 2 | May 31 | 0518 | M 2.4 |
| 3 | May 31 | 0005 | M 8.1 |
| 4 | May 30 | 0613 | M 3.4 |
| 5 | May 26 | 1337 | M 1.4 |
| 6 | May 26 | 1306 | M 2.9 |
| 7 | May 25 | 1630 | M 8.9 |
| 8 | May 25 | 1018 | M 3.4 |
| 9 | May 25 | 0635 | M 1.7 |
| 10 | May 25 | 0152 | X 1.1 |
| 11 | May 24 | 2023 | M 2.1 |
(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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 31 | 50% | 10% | 155 |
| Jun 1 | 50% | 10% | 150 |
| Jun 2 | 50% | 10% | 145 |
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 May 26, 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.
Strong Geomagnetic Storm Watch
A CME is heading straight for Earth--see below. A NASA model
predicts it will strike Earth during the early hours of June 1st. The
impact could spark strong (G3-class) geomagnetic storms with auroras at
mid-latitudes.
(Copyright © SpaceWeather.com May 31, 2025.
Republished by
permission.)
Major Solar Flare and Halo CME
Big old sunspot 4100 finally exploded--and it was a doozy. On May 31st
at 00:05 UTC, Earth-orbiting satellites detected an M8.2-class solar
flare. The explosion lasted more than 3 hours:
Although the flare is not technically X-class, it's
close. Moreover, it was a slow explosion with lots of power "under the
curve." This is the type of flare that produces a significant CME with
strong geomagnetic storms if the CME hits Earth.
Spoiler alert: The CME will
definitely hit Earth. Shortly after the explosion, SOHO coronagraphs
recorded a bright halo CME heading directly for our planet:
Type II radio emissions from shock waves within this CME suggest it is
traveling 1,938 km/s--which is to say, very fast. When it strikes Earth,
the CME could spark strong geomagnetic storms with mid-latitude
auroras. Stay tuned for updates about this potentially significant
Earth-directed event.
(Copyright © SpaceWeather.com May 31, 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky QSO Party | Jun 7 | 1300Z | Jun 8 | 0100Z | Rules |
| ARRL Inter. Digital Contest | Jun 7 | 1800Z | Jun 8 | 2400Z | Rules |
| ARRL June VHF Contest | Jun 14 | 1800Z | Jun 16 | 0300Z | Rules |
| Stew Perry Topband Challenge | Jun 21 | 1500Z | Jun 22 | 1500Z | Rules |
| West Virginia QSO Party | Jun 21 | 1600Z | Jun 22 | 0400Z | Rules |
| ARRL Kids Day | Jun 21 | 1800Z | Jun 21 | 2359Z | Rules |
| His Maj. King of Spain Contest, SSB | Jun 28 | 1200Z | Jun 29 | 1200Z | Rules |
| ARRL Field Day | Jun 28 | 1800Z | Jun 29 | 2100Z | Rules |
| RAC Canada Day Contest | Jul 1 | 0000Z | Jul 1 | 2359Z | Rules |
| IARU HF World Championship | Jul 12 | 1200Z | Jul 13 | 1200Z | Rules |
| North American QSO Party, RTTY | Jul 19 | 1800Z | Jul 20 | 0600Z | Rules |
| CQ Worldwide VHF Contest | Jul 19 | 1800Z | Jul 20 | 2100Z | Rules |
| North American QSO Party, CW | Aug 2 | 1800Z | Aug 3 | 0600Z | Rules |
| WAE DX Contest, CW | Aug 9 | 0000Z | Aug 10 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Maryland-DC QSO Party | Aug 9 | 1400Z | Aug 10 | 0400Z | Rules |
| North American QSO Party, SSB | Aug 16 | 1800Z | Aug 17 | 0600Z | Rules |
| ARRL Rookie Roundup, RTTY | Aug 17 | 1800Z | Aug 17 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Ohio QSO Party | Aug 23 | 1600Z | Aug 24 | 0400Z | Rules |
| YO DX HF Contest | Aug 30 | 1200Z | Aug 31 | 1200Z | Rules |
| World Wide Digi DX Contest | Aug 30 | 1200Z | Aug 31 | 1200Z | Rules |
| Kansas QSO Party | Aug 30 | 1400Z | Aug 31 | 2000Z | Rules |