The
Eastern Iowa DX Bulletin
Number
317, March 13, 2026
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 as conditions warrant) and a Contest Calendar of upcoming popular contests.
DX News
items are courtesy of:
The ARRL DX Bulletin
This bulletin is available via email
subscription only. See
http://www.arrl.org/bulletins
to subscribe. (The online archive is no
longer updated.)
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
3B8, MAURITIUS.
Matt, DL5PT, is QRV as 3B8/DL5PT
from Flic-en-Flac until
the end of March. Activity is in his spare time on 20
through 10 meters using FT8. QSL to DL5PT.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 4 January 29, 2026] (0130-0327)
3B8, MAURITIUS I.
Suvarna, VU3OPT (OMØGA) is currently QRV as 3B8G from Mauritius
Island (AF-049) until
March 30th. He operates CW and has been reported on 20, 15
and especially 10 meters so far. See https://www.9n7ga.com/
for more information.
-[425DXN # 1817 February 28, 2026] (0227-0403)
3Y, BOUVET. "We're currently focusing on getting everybody off the island this weekend", the 3YØK
team posted to Facebook on March 13th. "There is a forecasted WX window
Saturday and Sunday, and if that holds, we will be off air. The wind is
still quite strong, around 40 knots, but is expected to de- crease. If
weather does not permit full extraction, we will remain on air for some
more days, as next window may be Tuesday (uncertain)".
-[425DXN # 1819 March 14, 2026] (0313-0320)
4S, SRI LANKA.
Peter, DCØKK is QRV as 4S7KKG
until March 31st.
Activity is on 60 through 6 meters using FT8, and on Satellite QO-100.
QSL to DCØKK, ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 3 January 22, 2026] (0123-0403)
6Y, JAMAICA. Hiro-san, JH6GFY will be active as K3QJ/6Y from Jamaica (NA-097) on March 18th-24th. He will be QRV on 20-10 meters, hopefully also on 40m. QSL via operator's instructions.
-[425DXN # 1819 March 14, 2026] (0313-0327)
9J, ZAMBIA. Robert, DM7XX, will be active as 9J2RO from near Lusaka, Zambia on March 16th-30th. Activity will be on various HF bands and will include participation in CQ WW WPX SSB Contest (March 28th-29th). QSL via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1819 March 14, 2026] (0313-0403)
9M2, WEST
MALAYSIA. Mike, 9M2/KM9D
has been casual operating from Teluk Kelubi Beach on Rebak Island
(AS-058), West Malaysia since February 13th. Length of stay unknown.
He operates CW low power (10 watts) on various bands. QSL via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1817 February 28, 2026] (0227-0320)
C6, BAHAMAS. Paul, WA4PAW is active again as C6APS from Great Abaco (NA-080), Bahamas until April 12th. He operates FT8, CW and SSB on 20-10m. QSL via LoTW and ClubLog's OQRS, or via WA4PAW.
-[425DXN # 1819 March 14, 2026] (0313-0320)
CE9,KC4, ANTARCTICA. Alex, UG1A (ex RD1AV), has reached the station Novolazarevskaya and uses the callsign RI1ANI on CW. He plans to move to the Progress base after some days; exact schedules are not known. QSL via RN1ON.
-[DXNL # 2501 March 11, 2026] (0313-0403)
CE9,KC4, ANTARCTICA. Tom, VK2TBC, plans to be QRV as VKØTBC from Casey Station until the end of the year. Activity is in his spare time on the HF bands using SSB and FT8. QSL to VK2TBC.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 10 March 12, 2026] (0313-0403)
CYØ, SABLE I. The CYØS DXpedition to Sable Island is confirmed to take place on March 19th-31st, with the flights to the island scheduled for March 18th. Eight operators (KØIR, K4ZLE, K9NW, N2IEN, NE9U, WØGJ,
WA4DAN and WW2DX) will be QRV with up to six stations on 160-10 meters
CW, SSB, FT8 and RTTY, plus 6 meters FT8 and 23 cm EME. See https://t-rexsoftware.com/cy0s/ for more information, and https://www.facebook.com/groups/2087487168460843/ for updates. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS (preferred), LoTW, or direct to WA4DAN.
-[425DXN # 1819 March 14, 2026] (0313-0403)
D4, CAPE VERDE. Claudio, HB9OAU will be active holiday style as D44OA from Boa Vista (AF-086), Cape Verde on March 18th-25th. He will operate SSB, CW, FT8 (F/H) and RTTY on 40-6 meters. QSOs will be uploaded to ClubLog, LoTW, eQSL, and QRZ. QSL via I8KHC.
-[425DXN # 1817 February 28, 2026] (0313-0327)
DL, GERMANY.
Special callsign DA26WARD
by the DARC Team SES promotes World Amateur Radio Day from March 1st until April 30th.
WARD is celebrated annually on April 18th, the day when the IARU was
formed in 1925. The theme for this year's WARD is "Advancing the Spirit
of Amateur Radio Through Innovation". QSL via LoTW, DK5ON, and DCL
(DARC Community Logbook).
-[425DXN # 1818 March 7, 2026] (0306-0501)
DL, GERMANY.
Celebrating a half-century of German research in Antarctica, special
callsigns DAØANT,
DM5ØANT and DP5ØANT will be
active from February
15th to April 30th. In addition, DM5ØGFS will also be
active on April
1st-30th (for the 50th anniversary of the Georg Forster
Station, established by the GDR in 1976 and decommissioned in 1993), as
well as DP2ØØGVN
(for the bicentenary of the birth of Georg von Neumayer, after whom
three German Antarctic research stations have been named). See https://50ant.hamaward.de/en/german-antarctic-research/
for complete information on the "50 Years of German Antarctic Research"
award.
-[425DXN # 1814 February 7, 2026] (0213-0501)
DL, GERMANY.
To celebrate the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games Milano Cortina
2026, the DARC Team SES will be active as DD2Ø26OWG (February 1st - March 1st)
and DD2Ø26WPG
(March 1st - April 1st).
QSL via DK5ON, LoTW and
DCL (DARC Community Logbook).
-[425DXN # 1811 January 17, 2026] (0130-0403)
DXCC TOP TWENTY.
Here are the top 20 entities on ClubLog’s "DXCC Most Wanted" list as of
March 12, 2026:
1. P5 DPRK
(North Korea) 11. VKØM Macquarie
Island
2.
KH3 Johnston
Island 12.
EZ Turkmenistan
3. KH7K Kure
Island
13. PYØS Saint Peter And Paul Rocks
4. CEØX San Felix
Islands 14. VPØS South Sandwich
Islands
5. FT5/X Kerguelen
Island 15.
3Y/B Bouvet Island
6. BS7H Scarborough
Reef 16.
YK Syria
7. 3Y/P Peter 1
Island 17.
ZL9 New Zealand Subantarctic
Islands
8. YVØ Aves
Island
18. FT/T Tromelin Island
9. BV9P Pratas
Island 19.
VKØH Heard Island
10.
KH4 Midway
Island 20.
KH1 Baker Howland Islands
For the complete list, see
https://clublog.org/mostwanted.php
-[KØCF March 13, 2026 (0313-0403)
F, FRANCE.
The radio club Rambouillet F6KKR celebrates its 50th anniversary with
the callsign TM5ØKKR
on Saturdays only
from March until June.
-[DXNL # 2499 February 25, 2026] (0306-0410)
FG, GUADELOUPE.
Stefan, HB9JAB, operates holiday-style as FG/HB9JAB from March 7th to 12th
and then again March
20th to 27th. QRV on 20-10m (SSB, FT8). He also plans to
pay Dominica (J7) a visit. QSL via LoTW, eQSL.
-[DXNL # 2500 March 4, 2026] (0306-0327)
FH, MAYOTTE. Ivan, UR9IDX, is QRV as FH/UR9IDX until March 20th. Activity is on the HF bands. QSL to UR9IDX.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 10 March 12, 2026] (0313-0320)
FM, MARTINIQUE.
Francis, F6BWJ, is QRV as FM/F6BWJ
from Sainte Luce until
March 23rd. Activity is mostly on 12 and 10 meters using
CW. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 6 February 12, 2026] (0213-0327)
FO/A, AUSTRAL IS. Team TX5EU (DK2AMM, DL2AMD, DL2AWG, PA2KW, PA3EWP and PG5M) will be active from Raivavae (OC-114), Austral Islands on March 13th-25th. They will operate CW, SSB, RTTY and FT8/FT4 (MSHV) on 80-6 meters with three stations. See https://tx5eu-2026.topdx.de/ for more information. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS (preferred), LoTW, or via DL2AWG.
-[425DXN # 1811 January 17, 2026] (0313-0327)
GU, GUERNSEY. Ron, G4DIY and Jay, MØUNN will be active as MP7DX from Guernsey (EU-114) on March 13th-17th. They will operate 40-10 meter CW and SSB. QSOs will be uploaded to ClubLog, LoTW and QRZ Logbook. QSL direct to G4DIY.
-[425DXN # 1819 March 14, 2026] (0313-0320)
H4, SOLOMON IS.
Bernhard, DL2GAC, will be QRV as H44MS
from Manakwai Village on Malaita Island (OC-047) from January 18th to April 15th.
Activity will be on the HF bands. QSL to DL2GAC.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 2 January 15, 2026] (0116-0417)
I, ITALY.
Members of ARI Milano, ARI Cadore and ARI Brunico/Bruneck will activate
four special callsigns II2WOG,
II3COR, II3WOG, and II3BIA from February 6th to March 22nd
for the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games Milano Cortina 2026.
Certificates and eQSLs will be available on https://hamaward.cloud/.
QSL II2WOG via IQ2MI, II3COR
via IQ3DD, II3WOG
and II3BIA via IQ3ED).
-[425DXN # 1810 January 10, 2026] (0206-0327)
J3, GRENADA. Mike, G3VYI, will be active in the Commonwealth (BERU) Contest (March 14th-15th) as J38YT, and will remain on the air until March 16th. QSL via G3VYI.
-[DXNL # 2500 March 4, 2026] (0313-0320)
J5,
GUINEA-BISSAU. A group of operators are QRV as J51A from Bubaque
Island (AF-020) until
March 15th. Activity is on 160 to 6 meters using CW, SSB,
and FT8. See https://www.qrz.com/db/J51A
for updates. QSL via DJ4MX or ClubLog's OQRS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 8 February 26, 2026] (0227-0320)
J7, DOMINICA. Stefan, HB9JAB will be active holiday style as J79C from Dominica (NA-101) on March 13th-20th. He will operate SSB and FT8 on 20-10 meters. QSL via LoTW and eQSL.
-[425DXN # 1817 February 28, 2026] (0313-0320)
J7, DOMINICA.
Haluk, TA2LE will be active as J79H
from Dominica (NA-101) on March
10th-26th, and again periodically until March 2027.
This will be a recurring activation based on business travel. He will
operate CW, SSB and FT8 (F/H) on 40-10 meters. See https://j79h.ta2le.tr/
for more information and updates. QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW and
ClubLog. QSL via MØOXO's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1817 February 28, 2026] (0306-0327)
JD1/M, MINAMI
TORISHIMA. Take, JG8NQJ/JD1
expects to be back to the weather station on Minami Torishima (OC-073)
from February 26th
until mid-May.
In his limited spare time, he will operate mainly CW with some FT8
(note that he wants you to call with your signal report, not your grid
square). QSL via JA8CJY
(direct), JG8NQJ (bureau) and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1815 February 14, 2026] (0220-0508)
JD1/O, OGASAWARA. Takeshi, JA1UII will be active again as JD1BON from Chichijima (AS-031), Ogasawara on March 19th-22nd. Being a family trip, he plans to be QRV only around 1100-1500 UTC. QSL via LoTW (preferred), or direct to JA1UII.
-[425DXN # 1819 March 14, 2026] (0313-0327)
JD1/O, OGASAWARA. Watch for Masa, JAØRQV and Rio, JR2GYA to be active holiday style as JAØRQV/JD1 and JR2GYA/JD1 respectively, from Chichijima (AS-031), Ogasawara on March 13th-16th. They will operate FT8, FT4, CW, and SSB on 80-6 meters. QSL JAØRQV/JD1 via LoTW or ClubLog's OQRS; QSL JR2GYA/JD1 via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1818 March 7, 2026] (0313-0320)
JW, SVALBARD. Kaare, LA8EKA will be active again as JW8EKA from Longyearbyen (EU-026), Svalbard until March 15th,
operating from the JW5E club station. Usually, he operates SSB and
digital modes (SSB, RTYY, PSK31, FT8) mainly on 20-10 meters. It looks
like this time he'll be confirming QSOs via e-QSL only.
-[425DXN # 1818 March 7, 2026] (0313-0320)
KHØ, MARIANA IS. Hrane, YT1AD (N9YU), Sergey, R7KW, and Steva, YU3AA (NS3A), will be active on Saipan as KHØ/N9YU and KHØ/NS3A on March 17th-23rd using CW, SSB, FT8, and FT4. QSL KHØ/N9YU via YT1AD, KHØ/NS3A via YU3AA.
-[DXNL # 2500 March 4, 2026] (0313-0327)
KH2, GUAM. Hrane, YT1AD (N9YU), Sergey, R7KW, and Steva, YU3AA (NS3A), will be active on Guam as KH2/N9YU and KH2/NS3A on March 13th-17th using CW, SSB, FT8, and FT4 QSL KH2/N9YU via YT1AD, KH2/NS3A via YU3AA.
-[DXNL # 2500 March 4, 2026] (0313-0320)
LZ, BULGARIA.
Special callsign LZ75HSC
by the Bulgarian Highspeed Club celebrates the 75th anniversary of the
Radio Telegraphy Highspeed Club (HSC) until the end of the year.
The club was founded in 1951 as a community within the Deutscher
Amateur Radio Club (DARC). To date, membership has grown to include
over 1,400 operators spanning every continent: http://www.highspeedclub.org.
QSL via LZ2JE.
-[425DXN # 1818 March 7, 2026] (0306-0327)
P4, ARUBA. Chad, WE9V, remains active as P4/WE9V until March 17th. See his live stream at: https://clublog.org/livestream/P4/WE9V.
-[DXNL # 2501 March 11, 2026] (0313-0320)
PJ2, CURACAO.
Thaire, W2APF will be active as PJ2/W2APF
from Curacao (SA-099) from January
22nd to March 31st. He will operate CW, SSB and FT8 on
80-10 meters. QSL via LoTW, or direct to W2APF.
-[425DXN # 1811 January 17, 2026] (0116-0403)
PJ7, SINT
MAARTEN. Tom, AA9A will be active again as PJ7AA from Sint
Maarten (NA-105) from March
8th to April 4th. He will operate CW, FT8, FT4 and some
SSB on 40-6 meters. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW, or direct to AA9A.
-[425DXN # 1817 February 28, 2026] (0306-0403)
S2, BANGLADESH. Members of the Amateur Radio DX Bangladesh group (S21DX) plan to operate from locator grid NL-51 from March 11th to 14th
as part of their "17 Grids of Glory" operation via QO-100, which plans
to activate in total 17 grids during 2026, some of them quite
challenging with limited access options on heavy terrain. QRV this time
with the callsigns: S21ACP, S21AM, S21FIA, S21HMX, S21MOB, S21OM, S21RC, S21RED, and S21YLJ. For more information see: https://s21dx.org/
-[DXNL # 2501 March 11, 2026] (0313-0320)
SV, GREECE.
Special callsign SZ4ØA
celebrates "forty years of continuous presence, service, and
contribution to amateur radio" by the Radio Amateur Association of
Western Greece (SZ1A). Look for activity across multiple HF bands and
modes from March 1st to May 31st. See https://awards.sz1a.org
for the award program. QSL via ON3UN.
-[425DXN # 1818 March 7, 2026] (0306-0327)
T8, PALAU.
Czech DXpedition Team members OK1BOA, OK2ZA, OK3RM and OK6DJ will be
active as T8OK
from Palau on March
4th-19th. They will operate CW, FT8, SSB and RTTY on
160-10 meters, plus 6m. Full LoTW upload after six months. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS
(preferred), or via OK6DJ.
-[425DXN # 1815 February 14, 2026] (0227-0320)
TY, BENIN.
Red, DL1BUG is QRV as TY5FR
from Cotonou until
April 5th. Activity is on 80 through 10 meters using CW
and SSB. QSL to DL1BUG, ClubLog's OQRS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 9 March 5, 2026] (0306-0410)
TY, BENIN.
Gerard, F5NVF, is QRV as TY5GG
until April 6th.
Activity is on the HF bands. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 4 January 29, 2026] (0130-0410)
V3, BELIZE. Mike, VE2XB, will be active as V31ZY from Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker (NA-073) from March 16th to 27th. QRV on 40-10m on CW and SSB. QSL via VE2XB.
-[DXNL # 2501 March 11, 2026] (0313-0327)
V3, BELIZE.
Paula, OK2YL and Vlad, OK2WX will be active holiday style as V31YL and V31WX, respectively,
from IOTA group NA-073, Belize on
March 9th-22nd. They will operate SSB, CW and FT8 on
various bands. QSL via I8KHC.
-[425DXN # 1818 March 7, 2026] (0306-0327)
V4, ST. KITTS
& NEVIS. John, W5JON will be active as V47JA from St. Kitts
(NA-104) on March
10th-18th. He will operate SSB and FT8 on various bands.
QSL via LoTW, or direct only to W5JON.
-[425DXN # 1817 February 28, 2026] (0306-0320)
V4, ST. KITTS
& NEVIS. Thomas, KØYA, and Antoinette, W5RCX, are
QRV as V4/KØYA
and V4/W5RCX,
respectively, until
March 9th. They will be active as V47Y in the ARRL SSB
DX contest (March 7th-8th). QSL all callsigns via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 9 March 5, 2026] (0306-0320)
V5, NAMIBIA.
Gunter, DK2WH is QRV as V51WH
near Omaruru until
March 24th. Activity is on 160 to 6 meters, including 60
meters. QSL to DK2WH.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 8 February 26, 2026] (0227-0327)
VE, CANADA. Mike, VE2XB, is currently on the air as VYØBRR from Coral Harbour, Nunavut (NA-007), mostly on 15m CW. He stays there until March 15th and then moves on to Quaqtaqu in Northern Quebec with the callsign VYØZOO/VE2 until March 29th. For more information see: https://dx-pedition-to-quaqtuq-northern-quebec-1.jimdosite.com/. QSL via VE2XB.
-[DXNL # 2501 March 11, 2026] (0313-0403)
VE, CANADA.
Pierre, VK3KTB will be active again as VYØERC from the
Eureka Amateur Radio Club station on Ellesmere Island (NA-008) from March 5th to April 1st.
He operates SSB, CW and FT8 on various bands when time permits. QSL via
MØOXO's OQRS and
LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1817 February 28, 2026] (0227-0403)
VP2E, ANGUILLA. Craig, K5AYO will be active holiday style as VP2EYO from Anguilla (NA-022) on March 14th-22nd. He will operate CW, SSB and FT8 on 40-10 meters low power. QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW and ClubLog. QSL via K5AYO ("no SASE required", he says).
-[425DXN # 1817 February 28, 2026] (0313-0327)
VP2E, ANGUILLA.
Jacek MØPLX, Janusz SP9FIH, and teenager Adrian SQ2RAD will be active
as VP2ELX, VP2EWE, VP2EAD and
respectively from Anguilla (NA-022) on March 3-20. They
will operate SSB, CW and digital modes on 160-6 meters. See https://vp2.dxpeditions.org/
for more information. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1815 February 14, 2026] (0227-0320)
VP8/O,LU, SOUTH
ORKNEY IS. Ramon, LU1DMZ expects to be active as LU1DMZ/Z and LU1ZA from Base
Orcadas on Laurie Island, South Orkney Islands (AN-008) throughout 2026.
-[425DXN # 1818 March 7, 2026] (0306-0327)
XX9, MACAO.
A large multi-national team (EA1CJ, EA1SA, EA5BCQ, EA5KA, EA5KM, EA7KE,
EA7R, EA7X, F2JD, F8ATS, F8GGV, IK5RUN, IN3ZNR and JH4RHF) will be
active as XX9W from Macao (grid locator OL62sd) on March 19th-31st.
They will operate CW, SSB and FT8 on 160-6 meters (and RTTY on 20m)
with at least four stations on the air at the same time. See https://www.dxfriends.com/xx9w/ for more information. QSL via MØOXO's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1814 February 7, 2026] (0313-0403)
YJ, VANUATU. Aki, JK1JXZ will be active as YJ1JXZ from Port Vila (OC-035), Vanuatu from March 15th to April 3rd. He will be QRV on 80-6 meters, after 1700 local time during weekdays and all day during the weekends. QSL to JK1JXZ.
-[425DXN # 1818 March 7, 2026] (0313-0403)
YU, SERBIA.
Special event station YT17ØTESLA
celebrates Nikola Tesla's 170th birthday until the end of the year.
-[DXNL # 2499 February 25, 2026] (0227-0320)
Z8, SOUTH SUDAN.
Diya, YI1DZ, after a brief vacation in Bagdad, returns to Juba and
resumes his activities as Z81D
on SSB and FT8, 80-10 meters, including 60 meters. QSL via OM3JW.
-[DXNL # 2499 February 25, 2026] (0227-0320)
ZC4, UK SOVEREIGN BASE AREAS ON CYPRUS. The flights of ZC4C and ZC4Z to Cyprus were cancelled 12 hours before departure. Ops had to postpone their plans.
-[DXNL # 2501 March 11, 2026] (0313-0320)
ZD7, ST. HELENA. Jun, JL8AQH, is presently operating as ZD7AQH since March 4th. The duration of his stay is not known at present. QRV on 40-10m on CW so far. See also: https://sites.google.com/view/jl8aqh. QSL via JL8AQH, ClubLog's OQRS, LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2501 March 11, 2026] (0313-0327)
ZF, CAYMAN IS.
Colin, G4CWH will be active as ZF2CA
from the Cayman Islands (NA-016) on March 12th-17th,
with main activity during the Commonwealth Contest. Outside the contest
he will be "on most bands and modes". QSL via G4CWH.
-[425DXN # 1818 March 7, 2026] (0306-0320)
Propagation
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 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 Thursday, March 5th through Thursday, March 12th.
The average solar flux was 130, down 13 points from the previous week,
with a weekly high of 146 on Thursday, March 5th, followed by
a low of 121 on March 12th.
The average sunspot count was 86, up 19 from last week,
peaking at 120 on Wednesday, March 11th after a
weekly low of 71 on March 10th.
The Planetary K-index weekly average was 3.3 with a
maximum of 4.7 on Sunday, March 8th, indicating
generally quiet geomagnetic conditions. The most recent K-index maximum was 2.7 with generally quiet conditions.
Solar flare activity since March 6th has been quiet with only 1 major flare, which was an M 1.2 event on Friday, March 13th.
Propagation
Data
Major solar flares, Friday, March 6th through 1438 UTC, March 13th.
| # | Date | UTC | Mag. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mar 13 | 0955 | M 1.2 |
(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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 13 | 20% | 1% | 120 |
| Mar 14 | 20% | 1% | 115 |
| Mar 15 | 20% | 1% | 110 |
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 March 9, 2026).
|
|
|
Pi
Day Geomagnetic Storm Watch
Minor
G1-class
geomagnetic storms are possiblecon March 14th (Pi Day)
when a stream of solar wind is expected to hit Earth's magnetic field.
The gaseous material is flowing from a long narrow hole in the sun's
atmosphere.
(Copyright
© SpaceWeather.com
March 12, 2026. Republished by permission.)
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.
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma QSO Party | Mar 14 | 1400Z | Mar 15 | 2100Z | Rules |
| Stew Perry Topband Challenge | Mar 14 | 1500Z | Mar 15 | 1500Z | Rules |
| Idaho QSO Party | Mar 14 | 1900Z | Mar 15 | 1900Z | Rules |
| North American Sprint, RTTY | Mar 15 | 0000Z | Mar 15 | 0359Z | Rules |
| Wisconsin QSO Party | Mar 15 | 1800Z | Mar 16 | 0100Z | Rules |
| BARTG HF RTTY Contest | Mar 21 | 0200Z | Mar 23 | 0200Z | Rules |
| Russian DX Contest | Mar 21 | 1200Z | Mar 22 | 1200Z | Rules |
| Virginia QSO Party | Mar 21 | 1400Z | Mar 22 | 2400Z | Rules |
| CQ WW WPX Contest, SSB | Mar 28 | 0000Z | Mar 29 | 2400Z | Rules |
| Louisiana QSO Party | Apr 4 | 1400Z | Apr 5 | 0200Z | Rules |
| SP DX Contest | Apr 4 | 1500Z | Apr 5 | 1500Z | Rules |
| QRP ARCI Spring QSO Party | Apr 11 | 0000Z | Apr 11 | 2359Z | Rules |
| JIDX CW Contest | Apr 11 | 0700Z | Apr 12 | 1300Z | Rules |
| OK/OM DX Contest, SSB | Apr 11 | 1200Z | Apr 12 | 1159Z | Rules |
| New Mexico QSO Party | Apr 11 | 1400Z | Apr 12 | 0200Z | Rules |
| Georgia QSO Party | Apr 11 | 1800Z | Apr 12 | 2359Z | Rules |
| CQMM DX Contest | Apr 18 | 0900Z | Apr 19 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Michigan QSO Party | Apr 18 | 1600Z | Apr 19 | 0400Z | Rules |
| Ontario QSO Party | Apr 18 | 1800Z | Apr 19 | 1800Z | Rules |
| Quebec QSO Party | Apr 19 | 1200Z | Apr 19 | 2200Z | Rules |
| ARRL Rookie Roundup, SSB | Apr 19 | 1800Z | Apr 19 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Florida QSO Party | Apr 25 | 1600Z | Apr 26 | 2159Z | Rules |
| 7th Call Area QSO Party | May 2 | 1300Z | May 3 | 0700Z | Rules |
| Indiana QSO Party | May 2 | 1600Z | May 3 | 0400Z | Rules |
| Delaware QSO Party | May 2 | 1700Z | May 3 | 2359Z | Rules |
| New England QSO Party | May 2 | 2000Z | May 3 | 2400Z | Rules |
| CQ-M International DX Contest | May 9 | 1200Z | May 10 | 1159Z | Rules |
| His Maj. King of Spain Contest, CW | May 16 | 1200Z | May 17 | 1200Z | Rules |
| Arkansas QSO Party | May 16 | 1400Z | May 17 | 0200Z | Rules |
| CQ WW WPX Contest, CW | May 30 | 0000Z | May 31 | 2400Z | Rules |
| Atlantic Canada QSO Party | Jun 6 | 1200Z | Jun 7 | 0200Z | Rules |
| Kentucky QSO Party | Jun 6 | 1300Z | Jun 7 | 0100Z | Rules |
| ARRL Inter. Digital Contest | Jun 6 | 1800Z | Jun 7 | 2400Z | Rules |
| ARRL June VHF Contest | Jun 13 | 1800Z | Jun 15 | 0300Z | Rules |