The
Eastern Iowa DX Bulletin
Number
258, January 24, 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
5N, NIGERIA.
The Rebel DX Group's 5N9DTG
operation from Nigeria, which was expected to start on January 25th,
has been postponed
due to flight cancellations. "It looks like the next available flight
for us will be around
January 30th", they say. Bookmark https://www.facebook.com/rebeldxgroup
for updates.
-[425DXN # 1760 January 25, 2025] (0124-0131)
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)
8Q, MALDIVES.
Ilian, LZ5KW is QRV as 8Q7KW
for two weeks.
Activity is on 80 to 10 meters using mainly CW with some SSB and FT8.
QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 4 January 23, 2025] (0124-0207)
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)
9X, RWANDA.
Harold, DF2WO will be active again as 9X2AW from Rwanda
from January 27th to
February 15th. Usually he operates CW, SSB and FT8/FT4 on
160-6 meters, and via QO-100. QSL via MØOXO's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1760 January 25, 2025] (0124-0214)
A9, BAHRAIN.
Special callsign A91ØØIARU
is for the Bahrain Amateur Radio Society's
celebration of
the 100th anniversary of the International Amateur Radio Union. Look
for activity for five
days each month during 2025. QSL via EC6DX.
-[425DXN # 1760 January 25, 2025] (0124-0214)
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.
David, F4FKT is QRV as FT4YM
from Concordia Base (AN-017) until
the end of January.
Activity is in his spare time on 20, 17, and 15 meters. Visits to the
Zuccheli, Cassey or Dumont d'Urville bases are also possible. QSL via F5PFP.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 4 January 23, 2025] (0124-0131)
CE9, ANTARCTICA.
Oleg, ZS1ANF, signs ZS7ANF
during January
from Wolf's Fang Runway (WAP MNB-12) or Echo Camp (WP MNB-20). QSL via RK1PWA or DL5EBE.
-[DXNL # 2442 January 22, 2025] (0124-0131)
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)
DXCC TOP TWENTY.
Here are the top 20 entities on ClubLog’s "DXCC Most Wanted" list as of
January 23, 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 24, 2025 (0124-0214)
DL, GERMANY.
Special callsign DAØLH
(special DOK 25ILLW), associated with the lighship Laesoe Rende, will
be active throughout
2025. QSL via DK5ON, ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2442 January 22, 2025] (0124-0214)
DL, GERMANY.
Special callsign DL1ØØDM
celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Deutsches Museum (German
Museum) in Munich during
2025. QSL via DL8FA.
-[DXNL # 2442 January 22, 2025] (0124-0214)
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)
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)
HR, HONDURAS.
Sejo, N3UA is QRV as HQ9Y
from Roatan Island (NA-057) until
February 1st. Activity is on all bands. QSL via E73Y.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 4 January 23, 2025] (0124-0131)
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)
J5,
GUINEA-BISSAU. Livio, IZ3BUR will be active again as J52EC from
Guinea-Bissau from January
26th to March 1st. In his spare time, he will be QRV on
20, 15 and 10 meters SSB and possibly digital modes. QSL direct to IZ3BUR.
-[425DXN # 1757 January 4, 2025] (0124-0228)
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)
JW, SVALBARD.
Kristoffer, LBØVG and Stian, LB5SH will be active from Longyearbyen
(EU-026), Svalbard from about 1500
UTC on January 24th until around 1000 UTC on January 26th (https://lb5sh.no/).
They will operate SSB and CW as JW2T,
and FY8/FT4 as JW/LB5SH,
with two stations on 160-10 meters. QSOs will be uploaded to ClubLog,
whose Livestreams feature will be enabled. QSL JW2T via LoTW, QRZ
Logbook, or via EA5GL. QSL
JW/LB5SH via LoTW and QRZ Logbook (no paper cards).
-[425DXN # 1759 January 18, 2025] (0124-0131)
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
marks the centenary of the first amateur radio contact between Norway
and the USA in 1925, when Johannes Diesen, LA1A, and U1YB (Dartmouth
College) had a QSO on November 25th of that year. QSL via LA1ØØA,
LoTW, qrz.com.
-[DXNL # 2442 January 22, 2025] (0124-0214)
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)
P2, PAPUA NEW
GUINEA. Xu, BG5DON is QRV as P29XZ
near Port Moresby while on work assignment. Activity is in his spare
time, mostly during the weekends, on 20, 17, 15, 10, and 6 meters using
FT8 with low power. QSL to BG5DON.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 4 January 23, 2025] (0124-0214)
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)
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)
PJ7, SINT
MAARTEN. Jeff, VA3QSL will be active holiday style as PJ7/VA3QSL from Sint
Maarten (NA-105) from January
27th to February 16th. He will operate SSB, CW and digital
modes on 40-6 meters. QSLs via LoTW, or VA3QSL.
-[425DXN # 1756 December 28, 2024] (0124-0221)
SU, EGYPT.
Vladimir, UA4WHX is QRV as SU9VB
and has been active on 20, 12, and 10 meters using CW. QSL to UA4WHX.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 4 January 23, 2025] (0124-0214)
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)
TZ, MALI.
Ulmar, DK1CE will be active again as TZ1CE from Bamako,
Mali from January
28th until February 20th.
Usually, he operates mainly SSB and FT8 on 160-6 meters. QSOs will be
uploaded to ClubLog and LoTW and will be confirmed automatically via
the bureau.
-[425DXN # 1759 January 18, 2025] (0124-0221)
V4, ST. KITTS
& NEVIS. John, W5JON, returns to St. Kitts
(NA-104) and operates as V47JA
from January 26th to
February 5th on 160-6m (SSB, FT8). QSL via W5JON, LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2442 January 22, 2025] (0124-0207)
VK, AUSTRALIA.
Reminder: under a permanent agreement with the Australian
Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), all Australian radio
amateurs may use the alternative AX
callsign prefix instead of VK
on Australia Day (January
26th), ANZAC Day (April
25th) and World Telecommunication and Information Society
Day (May 17th).
-[425DXN # 1760 January 25, 2025] (0124-0207)
VP5, TURKS
& CAICOS. Tony, KD8RTT will be QRV as VP5/KD8RTT from
Providenciales Island (NA-002) from January 28th to February 2nd.
Activity will be on the HF bands using some FT8 and FT4, with a focus
on various Satellites. QSL to KD8RTT.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 4 January 23, 2025] (0124-0207)
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.
Special callsign AU75BSG
will be used by members of the Rajapalayam International Radio
Communicator's Club (VU2IRD) to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the
Bharat Scouts & Guides. QSL via VU2JFF.
-[DXNL # 2442 January 22, 2025] (0124-0214)
YB, INDONESIA.
Emmanuel, F5LIT expects to be active again as YB9/F5LIT from Bali
Island (OC-022) from January
28th to February 18th. He usually operates SSB on 40-10
meters. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW, or direct to F5LIT.
-[425DXN # 1760 January 25, 2025] (0124-0221)
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)
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.
Special event stations ZS1ØØSARL,
ZS6SRL, and ZS9HQ are QRV during all of 2025
to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the South African Relay League.
QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 4 January 23, 2025] (0124-0214)
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 Wednesday, January 22nd through yesterday, January 29th.
The average solar flux was 183, down 40 points from the previous week,
with a weekly high of 215 on Thursday, January 23rd, followed by
a low of 162 on January 27th.
The average sunspot count was 144, down by 29 from last week,
peaking at 169 on Thursday, January 23rd followed by a
weekly low of 128 on January 28th.
The Planetary K-index weekly average was 2.6 with a
maximum of 3.7 on Tuesday, January 28th, indicating
generally quiet geomagnetic conditions. Yesterday's K-index maximum was 2.7 with generally quiet conditions.
Solar flare activity since January 23rd has been quiet with only
3 major flares, the largest of which was an M 2.7 event on Friday,
January 24th.
Propagation
Data
Major solar flares, Thursday, January 23rd through 1342 UTC, January 30th.
| # | Date | UTC | Mag. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jan 28 | 1945 | M 1.7 |
| 2 | Jan 27 | 0812 | M 2.6 |
| 3 | Jan 24 | 2104 | M 2.7 |
(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 30 | 35% | 5% | 170 |
| Jan 31 | 35% | 5% | 170 |
| Feb 1 | 35% | 5% | 165 |
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 27, 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
Hole in the Sun's Atmosphere
A large hole in the sun's atmosphere is directly
facing Earth and blowing a stream of solar wind in our
direction. Estimated time of arrival: Jan. 31st or Feb. 1st. Minor G1-class
geomagnetic storms are possible when the gaseous material reaches Earth.
(Copyright © SpaceWeather.com January 29, 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Florida QSO Party | Apr 26 | 1600Z | Apr 27 | 2159Z | Rules |