The
Eastern Iowa DX Bulletin
Number
242, October 4, 2024
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
3D2/R, ROTUMA I.
Members of the Rebel DX Group are QRV as 3D2V and 3D22 until October 30th.
Activity is on 160 to 10 meters using primarily FT8 in the SuperFox and
MSHV modes. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 37 October 3, 2024] (1004-1101)
3V, TUNISIA.
Ash, 3V9A,
reports that 3 years after obtaining his callsign he has now
received permission to operate from his permanent home. Currently he is
active only on 20m (SSB) but hopes to add more bands later. QSL via LX1NO.
-[DXNL # 2425 September 25, 2024] (0927-1018)
5H, TANZANIA.
Maurizio, IK2GZU will be active again as 5H3MB from Tanzania
from October 10th to
November 11th,
while doing volunteer work at a local school. In his spare time, he
will operate SSB, CW and digital modes on 80-10 meters. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW and eQSL, or via IK2GZU.
-[425DXN # 1741 September 14, 2024] (1004-1115)
5H, TANZANIA.
Vlad, OK2WX will be active as 5H1WX
from Mafia Island (AF-054), Tanzania from September 18th to October 6th.
He will operate CW, SSB and FT8 on 80-10 meters. Detailed QSL policy as
well as other information on https://www.mdxc.support/5h1wx/.
QSL via I8KHC.
-[425DXN # 1733 July 20, 2024] (0913-1011)
5R, MADAGASCAR.
Eric, F6ICX will be active again as 5R8IC
from Sainte-Marie Island (AF-090), Madagascar from October until the end of the
year.
He will operate mainly CW on 40-10 meters; during the last two weeks of
December he will also be QRV on the QO-100 satellite. QSL via LoTW, ClubLog's OQRS,
or via F6ICX.
-[425DXN # 1742 September 21, 2024] (0927-0103)
5W, SAMOA.
Pete, ZL4TE will be active holiday style as 5WØTE from Upolu,
Samoa (OC-097) on October
3rd-10th.
He plans to operate mainly CW on 40, 20 and 10 meters, and "to activate
at least one of the POTA parks (more if I get time)". QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
or direct to ZL4TE.
-[425DXN # 1741 September 14, 2024] (0927-1011)
8Q, MALDIVES.
Francesco, IKØFUX will be QRV as 8Q7UX
from October 6th to
14th.
Activity is holiday style on the HF bands using CW and FT8. This may
include being an entry in the upcoming Oceania DX CW Contest (October
12th-13th). QSL via IKØFUX, LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 37 October 3, 2024] (1004-1018)
9J, ZAMBIA.
Tom, DL2RMC is currently on a work assignment in Lusaka, Zambia, and
has received the callsign 9J2FI.
"Since I am working on a time-consuming project, I won't be very
active", he says. "Still, you can hear me in many contests". QSL via DL1RTL.
-[425DXN # 1743 September 28, 2024] (0927-1018)
9X, RWANDA.
Harald, DF2WO will be QRV as 9X2AW
from Kigali from October
9th to 23rd. Activity will be on the HF bands and 6
meters. He will also have equipment for Satellite QO-100. QSL via MØOXO's OQRS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 37 October 3, 2024] (1004-1025)
A2, BOTSWANA,
Pista, HA5AO is QRV as A25AO
from Chobe National Park until
October 14th. Activity is on 80 to 6 meters using CW, SSB,
and FT8. QSL to HA5AO.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 36 September 26, 2024] (0927-1018)
A6, UNITED ARAB
EMIRATES. In recognition of World Space Week, the Emirates
Amateur Radio Society will operate special callsign A6ØWSW on October 4th-10th.
Also expect activity by A6ØWSW/Ø,
A6ØWSW/1, etc. See https://www.qrz.com/db/A60WSW
for the QSL routes for the various suffix extensions. QSL A6ØWSW via EA7FTR.
-[425DXN # 1744 October 5, 2024] (1004-1011)
C2, NAURU.
"Out of nowhere, Nauru Airlines cancelled all our confirmed flights due
to a change in their flight schedule!", team C21MM reported on
August 29th. The new dates for the DXpedition to Nauru (OC-031) are October 10th-29th,
and the silver lining is that C21MM will participate in the CQ WW DX
SSB Contest (October 26th-27th). The whole group (14 operators) has had
to rearrange all flights, including those from Europe to Australia, as
well as the accommodation. "These rearrangements produced unexpected
additional costs of around 8,000 USD", and they "hope to get special
support from the DX community to bring this rare DXCC country on the
air". As Phill, C21TS has been quite active on FT8 for more than one
year, C21MM will focus on CW on 160-6 meters, as well as SSB and RTTY
on several bands. See https://c21mm.mydx.de/
for more information and updates.
-[425DXN # 1739 August 31, 2024] (1004-1101)
DL, GERMANY.
Max DJ4EL/p
and Joerg DJ1JB/p
are going to put several locations in the Wadden Sea on the air until October 7th,
including Suederoog (EU-042, DID: N-29, Grid: JO44gl) on October 4th.
For more information see their qrz.com profiles. QSL via DJ4EL and DJ1JB
respectively.
-[DXNL # 2426 October 2, 2024] (1004-1011)
DXCC TOP TWENTY.
Here are the top 20 entities on ClubLog’s "DXCC Most Wanted" list as of
October 4, 2024:
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 October 4, 2024 (1004-1025)
EA, SPAIN.
Special callsigns EG3AMCUP
(from September 15th
to October 14th) and AO3AMCUP
(from October 15th
to October 28th)
will be used by members of URE's Unio de Radioaficionats de Barcelona i
Baix Llobregat (EA3MM) during the 37th America's Cup. A certificate
will be available, see https://www.ure.es/diploma-cq-americas-cup-2024/
for information. QSL via EA3MM, LoTW,
eQSL and QRZ Logbook.
-[425DXN # 1742 September 21, 2024] (0920-1101)
EA, SPAIN.
Special event station EG2AMCUP
is QRV until October
29th during the 37th America's Cup being held in
Barcelona. QSL via EA3MM, ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 35 September 19, 2024] (0920-1101)
EK, ARMENIA. Artem,
R2GEO, operates from Eriwan during his spare time as EK2/R2GEO on 20m
(SSB, digital). QSL via R2GEO, EA5GL, LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2425 September 25, 2024] (0927-1018)
F, FRANCE.
Look for Vic, I2GPT and other three operators to be active as F/I2GPT from Sainte
Marguerite Island (EU-058) from around 0700 UTC on October 5th until
1400 UTC on October 6th. They will be QRV on 80-10m CW and
SSB.
-[425DXN # 1744 October 5, 2024] (1004-1011)
F, FRANCE.
Dominique, F5PTI, and other ops will use the callsign TM5RT to draw
attention to a military jubilee in France from September 29th until October
13th. For other information see qrz.com. QSL via F5PTI.
-[DXNL # 2425 September 25, 2024] (0927-1018)
F, FRANCE.
To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Wingles during
WWII (September 2, 1944), the local radio club (F4KLR) will be active
as TM8ØLW
on August 31st,
September 2nd and for another 13 days until November 9th.
All SSB and CW QSOs will be confirmed automatically via the bureau and
eQSL; FT8 QSOs will be confirmed via eQSL.
-[425DXN # 1738 August 24, 2024] (0830-1108)
FO, FRENCH
POLYNESIA. Fred, DH5FS will be active as FO/DH5FS from French
Polynesia from October
4th-23rd as follows:
October 4th-11th Manihi
(OC-131)
October 11th-18th Rangiroa (OC-066)
October 18th-23th Tikehau (OC-066)
He will operate CW and FT8 on 20-10 meters. Updates will be posted to https://mastodon.radio/@dh5fs.
QSL via DH5FS.
-[425DXN # 1744 October 5, 2024] (1004-1025)
FR, REUNION I.
Stephane, F5UOW will be active holiday style as FR/F5UOW from
Reunion Island (AF-016) on October
9th-28th. He will operate CW only on 17-10 meters. QSL
only via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1743 September 28, 2024] (1004-1101)
FR, REUNION I.
Michal, OM2DX is QRV as TO2DX
until October 7th.
This includes being an entry in the CQ Worldwide DX RTTY contest
(September 28th-29th). QSL to OM2DX.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 36 September 26, 2024] (0927-1011)
GM, SCOTLAND.
Special event station GB2ZL
(Scotland) will operate CW only on October 1st-28th
to mark the 100th anniversary of the first amateur radio contact
between Great Britain and New Zealand (October 18, 1924). See https://www.qrz.com/db/GB2ZL
for more information. QSL via LoTW only.
-[425DXN # 1742 September 21, 2024] (0927-1101)
HBØ,
LIECHTENSTEIN. Ops Roman and Leo will be active as HBØ/DL3TU and HBØ/DL2COM
respectively from the end
of September to the beginning of October on CW. QSL via DL3TU and DL2COM
respectively.
-[DXNL # 2424 September 18, 2024] (0920-1011)
HH,
HAITI. Special callsign 4V1SAVANNAH will be
used by the Radio Club
d'Haiti to commemorate the 245th anniversary of the Battle of Savannah
from September 16th
to October 20th. In 1779, more than 500 volunteers
from Saint-Domingue (the French colony which later became Haiti),
fought alongside American colonial troops against the British Army
during the siege of Savannah, an encounter of the American War of
Independence. QSOs will be uploaded to ClubLog. QSL via N2OO.
-[425DXN # 1740 September 7, 2024] (0913-1018)
HZ, SAUDI ARABIA.
Special callsign HZ9WSW
will be used by the Saudi Amateur Radio Society (HZ1SAR) to promote
World Space Week on October
4th-10th.
Officially recognized by the United Nations in 1999, World Space Week
honors the contributions of science and technology to the betterment of
humanity, coinciding with significant milestones in space history: the
launch of Sputnik 1 (October 4, 1957), and the signing of the Outer
Space Treaty (October 10, 1967).
-[425DXN # 1744 October 5, 2024] (1004-1011)
I, ITALY.
Members of ARI Bologna will be active as II4RCDN from October 1st to December 31st.
The special callsign marks the 60th Anniversary of the Northern Cross
Radio Telescope, one of the largest transit radio telescopes in the
world. Gianfranco Sinigaglia (I4BBE, SK), after whom the Bologna ARI
Section is named, was a professor of radioastronomy and applied
electronics at the Physics Institute of Bologna University, and
responsible for the electronics of the Northern Cross. A certificate
will be available, see https://www.qrz.com/db/II4RCDN
for information. QSL via IZ4FUE.
-[425DXN # 1744 October 5, 2024] (1004-1025)
I, ITALY.
Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the start of regular radio
broadcasting in Italy (October 6, 1924), ARI local branches across
Italy will be using special callsigns from October 1st to December 29th.
The callsigns will be in the format II#Rxyz
(e.g. II9RCAT for ARI Catania) and IR#Rxyz
(e.g. IR1RVDB for ARI Valbormida). In addition, special event station I1MRTV
will be active from the RAI Radio and Television Museum in Torino.
Certificates and electronic QSLs will be available for download from
the HamAward platform (direct link from each special callsign's qrz.com
page).
-[425DXN # 1743 September 28, 2024] (0927-1227)
ISØ, SARDINIA.
Luca, IK5AEQ will be QRV as ISØ/IK5AEQ
on September
26th-28th from POTA sites in the rare province of Oristano
on mainland Sardinia (EU-024). Then from September 29th to October 6th
he will be active as IMØ/IK5AEQ
from San Pietro Island (EU-165). He will operate SSB, RTTY and FT modes
on 40-2 meters. QSL via LoTW, ClubLog's OQRS,
or via IK5AEQ.
-[425DXN # 1742 September 21, 2024] (0920-1011)
J8, ST. VINCENT.
Special event call sign J8AA
is active until
January 31, 2025,
for contest activity. Look for Franco, J88BTI who will be QRV as J8AA
as a Single Op/All Band, except 160 meters, entry in the Oceania DX SSB
contest (October 5th-6th). QSL via EA5GL.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 37 October 3, 2024] (1004-1025)
JA, JAPAN.
Take, JI3DST is active as JS6RRR
from Miyako Island (AS-079) until
November 25th, including activity during the CQ WW DX SSB
and CW contests. Other callsigns to be used are JI3DST/6, JJ5RBH/6 and JR8YLY/6 on CW and
SSB, as well as JI3DST/p,
JJ5RBH/p and
JR8YLY/p on
FT8. QSOs will be made available for ClubLog and LoTW Matching on the
IOTA website.
-[425DXN # 1744 October 5, 2024] (1004-1129)
JA, JAPAN.
Hide, JO1CRA will be active again as JO1CRA/7 from Oshima
(AS-206), Miyagi Prefecture on October
5th-7th.
He will operate CW and FT8 on 40, 30, 20, 17, 10 and 6 meters (50303
kHz FT8 as a beacon, QSOs on 50313 or 50303 kHz, plus SSB on 50260 kHz
for JA stations). QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW, or via JO1CRA.
-[425DXN # 1743 September 28, 2024] (1004-1011)
JW, SVALBARD.
Look for JW7XK,
JW9DL and JW6VM to be active
from the Svalbard Amatorradioklubb in Longyearbyen (EU-026) on October 9th-14th.
They will participate in the Scandinavian Activity Contest, SSB
(October 12th-13th) as JW5X.
QSL JW5X via ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW, or via LA5X. QSL JW7XK
via LA7XK, ClubLog's OQRS
and LoTW. QSL JW9DL via LA9DL and LoTW.
QSL JW6VM via LA6VM.
-[425DXN # 1743 September 28, 2024] (1004-1018)
K, UNITED STATES.
Mike AB5EB, Mike AD5A, Dragan KØAP and Hector XE2K (AD6D) will be
active from two IOTA groups in early October. The plan is for the team
to be QRV as N5D
from Timbalier Island (NA-119) on October 4th-6th,
and as K5M
from Marsh Island (NA-120) on October
7th-8th.
The latter operation will be conducted only during the day, due to the
restrictions on staying overnight on the island. They will operate SSB,
CW and FT8 on 40, 20, 15, 10 and 6 meters.
-[425DXN # 1742 September 21, 2024] (1004-1011)
K, UNITED STATES.
Special event stations NØF,
N1F, N2F, N3F, N4F, N5F, N6F, N7F, N8F and N9F, plus KF2IRE and VE3FIRE (Canada)
will be active on October
6th-12th for the Fire Prevention Week 2024. See https://hamfire.com/
for more information on the event. QSL cards for any of the FPW
stations should be sent direct to Fire Prevention Week Special Event,
c/o Siemens Fire Safety USA, 2 Gatehall Drive, Parsippany NJ 07054,
USA.
-[425DXN # 1743 September 28, 2024] (1004-1011)
OX, GREENLAND.
Bo, OZ1DJJ is QRV as OX3LX
until October 15th.
Activity is in his spare time and from Kangerlussuaq, Qaqortoq and
Christian IV Island (NA-151). QSL via OZØJ, ClubLog's OQRS
and LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 37 October 3, 2024] (1004-1018)
PA, NETHERLANDS.
Special callsign PH8ØLIB
will be in use from various locations from September 11th until November
10th
to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of southern
Netherlands in the autumn of 1944. Activity will be on 80-10 meters
SSB, CW and digital modes. See https://www.qrz.com/db/PH80LIB
for detailed information. QSL via the bureau.
-[425DXN # 1740 September 7, 2024] (0906-1108)
PYØF, FERNANDO
DE NORONHA. Ben, DA1DX (ex DL6FBL) and other four
operators will be active as PXØFF
from Fernando de Noronha (SA-003) sometime in October.
They will operate CW, SSB and FT8 (MSHV) on 160-6 meters. Updates will
be posted to https://www.qrz.com/db/PX0FF.
QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
or via DJ4MX.
-[425DXN # 1743 September 28, 2024] (1004-1025)
PZ, SURINAME.
While doing training stints in Suriname, PZ5JT will be put on
the air during
October and November by members of the Dutch army as a
spare time activity.
-[DXNL # 2425 September 25, 2024] (1004-1122)
SV, GREECE.
Dirk, ON5CT will be active as SV8/ON5CT
from Samos Island (EU-049) until
October 6th.
He operates SSB, FT8 and RTTY on 80-6 meters. Paper QSLs will not be
available, but QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW, eQSL and ClubLog.
-[425DXN # 1741 September 14, 2024] (0913-1011)
SV, GREECE.
Special callsign SX8ØFF
will be used from various locations (including Crete as SV9/SX8ØFF) on October 1st-31st.
The purpose of this activity is to honor the 80 fallen Greek
firefighters and aerial firefighting crews who lost their lives in the
line of duty. QSL via LoTW, eQSL and QRZ Logbook; paper cards will not
be available.
-[425DXN # 1743 September 28, 2024] (0927-1101)
T32, E. KIRIBATI.
Watch for T32AZ
during the Oceania DX SSB Contest (October 5th-6th).
QSL via KH6QJ.
-[DXNL # 2426 October 2, 2024] (1004-1011)
TU, COTE
D'IVOIRE. Mustafa, TA2IMG, a resident in Abidjan since
2016, has now received the callsign TU5ML.
QRV on 160-6m (SSB, FT8) and via QO-100. QSL via TA2YGT or
direct to TU5ML.
-[DXNL # 2425 September 25, 2024] (0927-1018)
V4, ST. KITTS
& NEVIS. Dale, W4AUV and Bob, K4RLC will be QRV as
V4/W4AUV and V4/K4RLC
respectively from St. Kitts (NA-104) from October 1st to 12th.
Activity will be on 40 meters using CW, and 20 meters QRP CW,
respectively, from three POTA sites. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 36 September 26, 2024] (0927-1011)
V5, NAMIBIA.
A team headed by LA7THA signs V55LA
from September 30th
to October 11th on HF (CW, SSB). QSL via MØOXO's OQRS.
-[DXNL # 2425 September 25, 2024] (0927-1011)
V5, NAMIBIA.
Gunter, DK2WH is QRV as V51WH
from Omaruru until
November 12th. Activity is on 160 to 10 meters, including
60 meters, using SSB, FT8, and possibly CW. He will be active as V55Y in various
contests. QSL to DK2WH.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 35 September 19, 2024] (0920-1115)
VK9N, NORFOLK I.
Nick, VK2DX is QRV as VK9DX
and has been active on 10 meters using SSB around 0845 to 0915z. QSL to
VK2DX.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 37 October 3, 2024] (1004-1025)
VU, INDIA.
Special event station AT78I
is QRV until
November 13th to celebrate 78 years of independence for
India. Activity is on the HF bands using CW and SSB. QSL via VU2JOS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 31 August 22, 2024] (0823-1115)
YB, INDONESIA.
Team 7D4N
will be active from Kemaro Island, Sumatra (OC-143) on October 5th-6th.
They will operate SSB, FT8 and RTTY on 40, 20, 15 and 10 meters. QSOs
will be uploaded to Club Log and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1744 October 5, 2024] (1004-1011)
ZD9, TRISTAN DA
CUNHA & GOUGH I. Lance, W7GJ, operating
as ZD9GJ
had dismantled and packed all his equipment on September 29th, ready to
leave Tristan da Cunha on October 1st. However, adverse sea conditions
have delayed his departure. "The forecast for the departure of the MV
'Lance' is now next Wednesday October 10th", he says. "I have decided
to instead stay here for an additional 2-1/2 weeks until October 27th
and try to return on the little MFV Edinburgh". He is
rebuilding the 6m antenna and station.
-[425DXN # 1744 October 5, 2024] (1004-1025)
ZL, NEW ZEALAND.
Special event station ZM1ØØDX
will be QRV from September
29th to December 26th
to celebrate the very first trans-world QSO between Z4AA and G2SZ.
Activity will be on 160 to 6 meters using all modes. In addition,
special event station ZL4AA
will also be active for this event. QSL via operators' instructions.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 36 September 26, 2024] (0927-1227)
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.
|
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! |
 |
Propagation
Summary
For the 8 day period from Sunday, September 29th through yesterday,
October 6th.
The average solar flux was 268, up 87 points from the previous week,
with a weekly high of 312 on Thursday, October 3rd, following
a low of 197 on September 29th.
The average sunspot count was 184, up 24 from last week,
peaking at 229 on Thursday, October 3rd after a
weekly low of 150 on September 30th.
The Planetary K-index weekly average was 3.3 with a
maximum of 5.0 on Sunday, October 6th, resulting
in minor geomagnetic storm conditions.
Solar flare activity since September 30th has been extremely high
with 26 major flares, the largest of which was a major X 9.0 event on
Thursday, October 3rd.
Propagation
Data
Major solar flares, Monday, September 30th through 2141 UTC, October 7th.
| # | Date | UTC | Mag. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oct 07 | 2101 | X 1.0 |
| 2 | Oct 07 | 1913 | X 2.1 |
| 3 | Oct 06 | 2119 | M 1.6 |
| 4 | Oct 06 | 1859 | M 1.4 |
| 5 | Oct 06 | 1521 | M 1.3 |
| 6 | Oct 05 | 2320 | M 2.4 |
| 7 | Oct 05 | 0844 | M 1.6 |
| 8 | Oct 04 | 2211 | M 1.2 |
| 9 | Oct 04 | 2104 | M 1.1 |
| 10 | Oct 04 | 1103 | M 1.2 |
| 11 | Oct 04 | 0455 | M 4.0 |
| 12 | Oct 04 | 0017 | M 1.2 |
| 13 | Oct 03 | 2141 | M 2.3 |
| 14 | Oct 03 | 2028 | M 6.7 |
| 15 | Oct 03 | 1218 | X 9.0 |
| 16 | Oct 03 | 0828 | M 1.5 |
| 17 | Oct 03 | 0341 | M 1.5 |
| 18 | Oct 03 | 0234 | M 1.1 |
| 19 | Oct 02 | 2051 | M 3.3 |
| 20 | Oct 02 | 1338 | M 3.2 |
| 21 | Oct 02 | 0624 | M 1.1 |
| 22 | Oct 02 | 0538 | M 3.6 |
| 23 | Oct 02 | 0239 | M 1.2 |
| 24 | Oct 01 | 2220 | X 7.1 |
| 25 | Oct 01 | 1917 | M 1.5 |
| 26 | Sep 30 | 2359 | M 7.6 |
(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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 7 | 75% | 30% | 265 |
| Oct 8 | 75% | 25% | 260 |
| Oct 9 | 75% | 25% | 255 |
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 October 7, 2024).
|
|
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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.
Chance
of Flares Today
Earth is in the crosshairs of the sun. Today
there are 6
sunspots with unstable magnetic fields that harbor energy for
Earth-directed solar flares. NOAA forecasters estimate a 75% chance of M-class
flares and a 30% chance of X-flares on
Oct. 7th.
(Copyright © SpaceWeather.com October 7, 2024.
Republished by
permission.)
CME
Impact Sparks Auroras in the USA
As predicted, a CME struck Earth's magnetic
field on Oct 6th. At first, it seemed like a
dud. Nothing happened for hours. Then, auroras spread across
more than a dozen US states. "We were at the Chatham Lighthouse in Cape
Cod, when the sky behind us lit up red!," reports Ray Majoran. "My
friend Tom, yelled 'Northern Lights!' and we took this picture."
"They lasted brightly for about 5-10 minutes and then faded back," he
says. "What a great sight to see in Cape Cod."
Auroras were also seen or photographed in both
Dakotas,
Illinois,
Missouri,
Wyoming,
Wisconsin, Virginia,
Minnesota,
Idaho,
New
York, California,
and North
Carolina.
The CME was hurled toward Earth by a powerful
X9.1-class solar flare on Oct. 3rd. Considering the size of the flare,
the CME did not deliver much of a blow. The forecast was rescued by the
autumnal "Russell-McPherron
effect." At this time of year, even weak CMEs can cause a
geomagnetic storm. G1-storm
conditions were observed for approximately 6 hours.
(Copyright © SpaceWeather.com October 7, 2024.
Republished by
permission.)
A
Propagation Mystery Solved
In
QST magazine for October 2024, there is an excellent article by Frank
Donovan, W3LPL, about radio propagation during the current Solar Cycle
25 surge. I highly recommend that you find and read this article. It is
very informative.
The part of it that I found most
interesting is the paragraph titled, “20-Meter Propagation”. He
explains something that I have been wondering about: Why, when
propagation should be great, 20 meters during the day has been
terrible. Perhaps you have noticed that as well.
Frank
makes it perfectly clear! During the summertime, for a period of
several hours either side of local solar noon, the sun is very nearly
overhead. This increases the ability of solar radiation to penetrate
deeper into the ionosphere, beyond the normal F2 region which provides
global DX propagation, and into the E- and even D-layers. These layers
are at much lower altitudes and, if strongly ionized, reflect radio
signals shorter distances – typically around 1,200-1,300 miles maximum.
Under these conditions, signals will be reflected rather than passing
through the D- and E-layers, denying access to the F2 layer and global
DX.
In fact, you can see the cause of this phenomenon in
one of the links that I publish every day in this DX Bulletin: Global D
Region Absorption. If you click on this thumbnail (above), a video of
the D-Region absorption over the past 8 hours will be available. It is
very intriguing to watch the full 8 hours of this video. When the
central part of the absorption circle is deep blue, it likely will have
minimal effect on 20 meters; however, if it becomes light blue to pale
green, 20 meters can be seriously affected, resulting in conditions as
described above.
-[Craig Fastenow, KØCF September 25, 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oceania DX Contest, Phone | Oct 5 | 0600Z | Oct 6 | 0600Z | Rules |
| California QSO Party | Oct 5 | 1600Z | Oct 6 | 2200Z | Rules |
| Makrothen RTTY Contest | Oct 12 | 0000Z | Oct 13 | 1559Z | Rules |
| Nevada QSO Party | Oct 12 | 0300Z | Oct 13 | 2100Z | Rules |
| Oceania DX Contest, CW | Oct 12 | 0600Z | Oct 13 | 0600Z | Rules |
| Scandinavian Activity Contest, SSB | Oct 12 | 1200Z | Oct 13 | 1200Z | Rules |
| Arizona QSO Party | Oct 12 | 1500Z | Oct 13 | 0500Z | Rules |
| Pennsylvania QSO Party | Oct 12 | 1600Z | Oct 13 | 0400Z | Rules |
| Oct 13 | 1300Z | Oct 13 | 2200Z | ||
| South Dakota QSO Party | Oct 12 | 1800Z | Oct 13 | 1800Z | Rules |
| 10-10 Int. Fall Contest, CW | Oct 19 | 0001Z | Oct 20 | 2359Z | Rules |
| New York QSO Party | Oct 19 | 1400Z | Oct 20 | 0200Z | Rules |
| Stew Perry Topband Challenge | Oct 19 | 1500Z | Oct 20 | 1500Z | Rules |
| Illinois QSO Party | Oct 20 | 1700Z | Oct 21 | 0100Z | Rules |
| ARRL School Club Roundup | Oct 21 | 1300Z | Oct 25 | 2359Z | Rules |
| CQ Worldwide DX Contest, SSB | Oct 26 | 0000Z | Oct 27 | 2400Z | Rules |
| Ukrainian DX Contest | Nov 2 | 1200Z | Nov 3 | 1200Z | Rules |
| ARRL Sweepstakes Contest, CW | Nov 2 | 2100Z | Nov 4 | 0300Z | Rules |
| WAE DX Contest, RTTY | Nov 9 | 0000Z | Nov 10 | 2359Z | Rules |
| 10-10 Int. Fall Contest, Digital | Nov 9 | 0001Z | Nov 10 | 2359Z | Rules |
| JIDX Phone Contest | Nov 9 | 0700Z | Nov 10 | 1300Z | Rules |
| OK/OM DX Contest, CW | Nov 9 | 1200Z | Nov 10 | 1200Z | Rules |
| North American SSB Sprint Contest | Nov 10 | 0000Z | Nov 10 | 0400Z | Rules |
| LZ DX Contest | Nov 16 | 1200Z | Nov 17 | 1200Z | Rules |
| ARRL Sweepstakes Contest, SSB | Nov 16 | 2100Z | Nov 18 | 0300Z | Rules |
| CQ Worldwide DX Contest, CW | Nov 23 | 0000Z | Nov 24 | 2400Z | Rules |
| ARRL 160-Meter Contest | Dec 6 | 2200Z | Dec 8 | 1600Z | Rules |
| ARRL 10-Meter Contest | Dec 14 | 0000Z | Dec 15 | 2359Z | Rules |
| OK DX RTTY Contest | Dec 21 | 0000Z | Dec 21 | 2400Z | Rules |
| Croatian DX Contest | Dec 21 | 1400Z | Dec 22 | 1400Z | Rules |
| ARRL Rookie Roundup, CW | Dec 22 | 1800Z | Dec 22 | 2359Z | Rules |
| RAC Winter Contest | Dec 28 | 0000Z | Dec 28 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Stew Perry Topband Challenge | Dec 28 | 1500Z | Dec 29 | 1500Z | Rules |