The
Eastern Iowa DX Bulletin
Number
294, October 3, 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
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 (The online archive is no
longer updated.)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.
Roman, 5B4AQN, signs 3B8/5B4AQN
until October 4th.
QSL direct via 5B4AGN.
-[DXNL # 2478 October 1, 2025] (1003-1010)
5R,
MADAGASCAR. Eric, F6ICX will be active again as 5R8IC from
Sainte-Marie
Island (AF-090), Madagascar from October until late December
or early
January. He will operate CW with some FT8 (F/H) and SSB on 40-10
meters; during the last two weeks of December and maybe the first week
of January he will also be QRV via QO-100. QSL via LoTW, ClubLog's OQRS,
or via F6ICX.
-[425DXN # 1795 September 27, 2025] (1003-1017)
5X, UGANDA.
Pista, HA5AO, will be back on the air as 5X2I from September 29th to October 10th.
QRV on 80-6m on CW, SSB, and FT8. For more information see: https://www.ha5ao.com/index.php/dxpeditions/5x2i-uganda-2025.
QSL via HA5AO's OQRS (https://ha5ao.com/oqrs/logsearch.php),
LoTW or direct to HA5AO.
-[DXNL # 2477 September 24, 2025] (0926-1010)
7P, LESOTHO.
Brandon, ZS6LZ, is QRV as 7P8LZ
while here on a hiking expedition in the Drakensberg mountains beginning September 17th.
He plans to activate various POTA and SOTA references. Activity is
mainly on 10 meters using SSB, with some activity on 40 meters. QSL to ZS6LZ.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 38 September 18, 2025] (0919-1010)
7Q, MALAWI.
Zachary, KJ5BIN, has set up a remote station during his volunteering at
a hospital in Embangweni, which he now uses with the callsign 7Q5BIN on 10 and 6m
(SSB, FT8/4). QSL direct via KJ5BIN, OQRS.
-[DXNL # 2477 September 24, 2025] (0926-1017)
9A, CROATIA.
Special callsign 9A1ØSOTA
celebrates ten years of SOTA Croatia. Look for activity from October 1st to September 30, 2026. A
certificate will be available for contacts made between October 1st and
December 31st, 2025. See https://9aff.wordpress.com/
for information. QSL via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1795 September 27, 2025] (0926-1017)
9N, NEPAL.
Suvarna, OMØGA has moved permanently to India, where he holds the
callsign VU3OPT. He will be QRV as 9N/OMØGA
from September 2nd
to October 13th. See https://www.9n7ga.com
for more information.
-[425DXN # 1794 September 20, 2025] (0919-1017)
A5, BHUTAN.
Gerben, PG5M now expects to be QRV as A52G from Bhutan on October 1st-8th
(local dates). (The DXpedition was originally scheduled for October
3rd-9th.) He will operate CW and some FT8 (MSHV) on 40-10 meters, and
maybe "some 6m". See https://dx.to/a52g/ for
more information. QSL via MØOXO's OQRS;
full LoTW upload after 6 months.
-[425DXN # 1795 September 27, 2025] (0926-1010)
C2, NAURU.
Phill, C21TS
now expects to remain on Nauru (OC-031) until November 30th.
After a 2-month leave, "I'll probably be back for a few months from
February 2026 with minimal gear", he says. He will be QRT for good no
later than June 2026. QSL via LoTW, or via MØOXO's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1795 September 27, 2025] (0926-1130)
CEØX,
SAN FELIX & SAN AMBROSIO. Felipe, XQ7IR, announces
his activation
of San Ambrosio Island (SA-013) in October or November
as 3GØXQ.
The
DXCC entity is among the most wanted worldwide, since its last
activation in 2002. At present, the islands are under military control
which does not allow the presence of a multi-person group on the
islands. Felipe plans to operate on 160-10m (SSB, FT8) and have a
second rig with him for remote operations on CW and FT8. See also:
https://www.sanambrosio-project.com.
QSL via ZL3SSB.
-[DXNL # 2478 October 1, 2025] (1003-1024)
DL, GERMANY.
Look for team DD4U
(namely DB1RUL, DJ1JB, DJ4EL, DJ5TM, DJ6MC, DK2BK, DL7ACN and DM1SV) to
be active 160-10 meters SSB. CW and FT8 from Ummanz Island (EU-057) on October 1st-5th.
QSOs will be uploaded to ClubLog. QSL via the bureau.
-[425DXN # 1795 September 27, 2025] (0926-1010)
DL, GERMANY.
The special event stations DC75DARC,
DD75DARC, DK75DARC, and DR75DARC continue to
celebrate DARC's 75th anniversary until the end of October.
An award program, involving QSOs with DARC members, DARC officials, and
club stations is also available via the DARC Community Logbook (DCL).
QSL for all for callsigns via DL2VFR.
-[DXNL # 2477 September 24, 2025] (0926-1031)
DXCC TOP TWENTY.
Here are the top 20 entities on ClubLog’s "DXCC Most Wanted" list as of
October 3, 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 October 3, 2025 (1003-1024)
E5/N, NORTH COOK
IS. Team E51MWA
(Robert N7QT, Jack N7JP,
James KC7EFP, Brian N9ADG, and YL operators Robin WA7CPA and Violetta
KN2P) will be active from Manihiki Atoll (OC-014), North Cook Islands
on October 9th-20th.
They will operate CW, SSB, and FT8 (F/H) on 160-10
meters with three stations. See https://www.e51mwa.com
for more
information and updates. Selective LoTW upload will be in place. QSL
via MØURX's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1787 August 2, 2025] (1003-1024)
EA, SPAIN.
Special callsign AN5CV
will be activated on October
6th-12th to celebrate the Day of the Valencian Community.
Certificates and eQSLs will be available on HamAward: https://hamaward.cloud/.
-[425DXN # 1796 October 4, 2025] (1003-1017)
F, FRANCE.
Special callsign TM46CDXC
operates around the 46th convention of the Clipperton DX Club (CDXC)
from September 27th
to October 11th. For more information see: https://cdxc.org/2025-sainte-victoire-pays-daix/.
QSL via operator's instructions.
-[DXNL # 2477 September 24, 2025] (0926-1010)
FO, FRENCH
POLYNESIA. Yann, F1SMB, is currently active as FO/F1SMB from Tahiti
(OC-046) on 20-10m on SSB and FT8. The duration of his stay is not
known at present. QSL via LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2476 September 17, 2025] (0919-1010)
H4, SOLOMON IS.
Bernhard, DL2GAC, will be QRV as H44MS
from Malaita Island (OC-047) from September 20th to November
25th, and then January
25th, 2026, to April 10th, 2026. Activity will be on 80 to
6 meters using SSB and FT8. QSL to DL2GAC.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 38 September 18, 2025] (0919-1010)
HH, HAITI.
Members of Radio Club d'Haiti will be active as 4V1SB on October 1st-31st.
The special callsign commemorates Simon Bolivar, who led several South
American countries to independence from the Spanish Empire. Haiti
played a crucial role in Bolívar's revolutionary efforts by offering
him refuge and providing significant military support. QSL via N2OO.
-[425DXN # 1796 October 4, 2025] (1003-1031)
HZ, SAUDI ARABIA.
In recognition of World Space Week, the Saudi Amateur Radio Society
(HZ1SAR) will activate the special callsign HZ9WSW on October 4th-10th.
Also active during the same period will be the Emirates Amateur Radio
Society as A6ØWSW
(individual operators may append a serial number to the special
callsign).
-[425DXN # 1796 October 4, 2025] (1003-1010)
I,
ITALY. A team (IT9BZW, IT9HTV, IT9JKT, IT9JTN, IT9KQV,
IT9NVA, IT9VPE
and IT9ZEC) will be active as II9ICP
from Isola di Capo Passero
(EU-166) on October
4th. They will operate SSB, CW and FT8/FT4 on 40-10
meters. QSL via the bureau.
-[425DXN # 1795 September 27, 2025] (1003-1010)
I, ITALY.
Members of ARI Gorizia (IQ3GO) will be active as II3GONG from October 1st to December 29th.
The special callsign's suffix stands for Gorizia (Italy) and Nova
Gorica (Slovenia), the first cross-border European Capital of Culture.
A certificate will be available, see https://www.qrz.com/db/II3GONG
for information. QSL via the bureau and eQSL.
-[425DXN # 1795 September 27, 2025] (0926-1024)
I, ITALY.
Celebrating 130 years of radio and IARU's centenary, several special
callsigns will be in use from September
15th to October 15th: IIØIARU
(Sardinia), II1IARU,
II2IARU, II3IARU, II4IARU, II5IARU, II6IARU, II7IARU, II8IARU, II9IARU, IRØIARU, IR2IARU, IR3IARU, IR7IARU and IR8IARU, as well as II1RVCO, II2RBUS, II3RTRE, IR2RGAL, IR2RIMV and IR2RMAG. See https://www.ari.it/
for more information. Certificates and eQSLs will be available on
HamAward.
-[425DXN # 1793 September 13, 2025] (0912-1017)
J3,
GRENADA. Eric, GM5RDX and Graham, 2MØIJU will be active as
J38DX and
J38LD,
respectively, from Grenada (NA-024) on October 8th-15th.
They
will operate mainly SSB, with some FT8, on 80-6 meters. QSL for both
callsigns via MØOXO's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1795 September 27, 2025] (1003-1017)
JA, JAPAN.
Mitsuru, JE1HXZ will be active as JE1HXZ/6
from Kita-Daito Island (AS-047) on October 8th-15th.
He will operate CW, SSB, RTTY and FT8/FT4 on 160-6 meters. QSL via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1796 October 4, 2025] (1003-1017)
JA, JAPAN.
Take, JI3DST will be active as JS6RRR
from Miyako Island (AS-079) from September 26th until December
3rd. He will operate SSB, CW and FT8 on 40-6 meters. Other
callsigns to be used are JI3DST/6,
JJ5RBH/6, JI3DST/p and JJ5RBH/p. QSOs will
be uploaded to ClubLog and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1796 October 4, 2025] (1003-1031)
JD1/M, MINAMI
TORISHIMA.
Take, JG8NQJ has been back to the weather station on Minami Torishima
(OC-073) since September 18th, and will remain there until December,
his QSL manager reports. Take is QRV as JG8NQJ/JD1
in his limited spare time. He operates CW and some FT8 (please note
that he wants you to call with your signal report, not your grid
square). QSL via JA8CJY
(direct), JG8NQJ
(bureau) and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1794 September 20, 2025] (0919-1024)
JW,
SVALBARD. Look for JW7XK, JW9DL and JW6VM to be active
from the
Svalbard Amatorradioklubb in Longyearbyen (EU-026), Svalbard on October
8th-13th. They will participate in the Scandinavian Activity Contest,
SSB (October 11th-12th) as JW5X.
Outside the contest, JW9DL
will be
mostly active on FT8 and FT4, JW6VM
on CW, and JW7XK
via satellite
(RS-44) on CW, SSB and FT4. QSL JW7XK via LA7XK, ClubLog's OQRS
and
LoTW. QSL JW9DL via LA9DL, ClubLog's OQRS
and LoTW. QSL JW6VM via
LA6VM. QSL JW5X
via ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW, or via LA5X.
-[425DXN # 1795 September 27, 2025] (1003-1017)
K,
UNITED STATES. Radio club NI6BB aboard the USS
Iowa marks the 200th
anniversary of the US Navy from October
4th to 19th. See also
https://biara.org.
-[DXNL # 2478 October 1, 2025] (1003-1024)
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 5th-11th
for the Fire Prevention Week 2025. 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 # 1795 September 27, 2025] (1003-1010)
K, UNITED STATES.
Special event callsign WWØWWV
will be in use on October
2nd-5th
to mark the 106th anniversary of the time and frequency standard
station WWV, one of the oldest continuously operating radio stations in
the world. See https://wwvarc.org/WWV_106th_SES
for more information. QSL via LoTW, ClubLog's OQRS,
or direct to WWV ARC, PO Box 273226, Fort Collins, CO 80527, USA.
-[425DXN # 1795 September 27, 2025] (0926-1010)
KHØ,
MARIANA IS. Harry, JG7PSJ is QRV as WHØRU from Saipan
(OC-086)
until October 12th.
Activity is on 40 to 10 meters using CW, SSB, and
various digital modes. QSL via LoTW or direct to JG7PSJ.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 40 October 2, 2025] (1003-1017)
LX, LUXEMBOURG.
Special callsigns LX25GDH
(September 3rd -
October 3rd) and LX25GDG
(October 3rd -
November 3rd)
are the for Radioamateurs du Luxembourg (RL, Luxembourg's IARU society)
to mark the "Trounwiessel" - the accession to the throne of Prince
Guillaume, who is set to become Grand Duke on October 3rd upon the
abdication of his father the Grand Duke Henri. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1792 September 6, 2025] (0905-1107)
OX, GREENLAND.
Bo, OZ1DJJ will be active again as OX3LX
from Greenland (NA-018) from October
3rd to 21st. As always, this will be a working trip, and
he will be QRV only in his spare time. QSL via LoTW, ClubLog's OQRS
or via OZØJ.
-[425DXN # 1796 October 4, 2025] (1003-1024)
PA, NETHERLANDS.
Special callsign PA8ØVERON
celebrates the 80th anniversary of the Dutch IARU society, Vereniging
voor Experimenteel Radio Onderzoek in Nederland (VERON). QSL via PA1AW.
-[425DXN # 1796 October 4, 2025] (1003-1024)
PYØF,
FERNANDO DE NORONHA. Mario, PY2DV as PYØFB (80-6 meters
SSB and some
FT8) and Bruce, PY2BS as PYØFBS
(23cm EME) will be active from Fernando
de Noronha (SA-003) on October
8th-15th. QSLs via MØURX's OQRS
and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1791 August 30, 2025] (1003-1017)
PYØS,
ST. PETER & ST. PAUL ROCKS. Ops KO8SCA, PY2XB,
AA7JV, KN4EEI,
PY5CC, and HA7RY activate St. Peter and St. Paul Rocks (SA-014) during
October and November. The actual dates will be announced later. They
will deploy Radios in Boxes (RIB) on the island and use them from
aboard a vessel. For their actual callsign and other updated
information see: http://py0s2025.com.
-[DXNL # 2478 October 1, 2025] (1003-1024)
S7, SEYCHELLES.
Kasimir, DL2SBY will be active as S79/DL2SBY
from the Seychelles from September
28th to October 12th.
He will be QRV on the HF bands with verticals and an inverted vee, and
on 6 meters with 5-element Yagi. QSOs will be uploaded to ClubLog. QSL
via LoTW, or direct to DL2SBY.
-[425DXN # 1794 September 20, 2025] (0926-1017)
SM, SWEDEN.
Eight special callsigns (7S1ØØSSA,
8S1ØØSSA, SB1ØØSSA, SC1ØØSSA, SD1ØØSSA, SE1ØØSSA, SF1ØØSSA and SM1ØØSSA) will be in
use from September
10th to October 12th
in celebration on the 100th anniversary of the Foreningen Sveriges
Sandareamatorer (SSA), Sweden's IARU member society. Look for activity
on 160-6 meters CW, SSB and digital modes. Details of the award program
will be published on https://hamaward.cloud/awards.
-[425DXN # 1791 August 30, 2025] (0905-1017)
T32, E. KIRIBATI.
Ken, KH6QJ, is currently operating as T32AZ from Kiribati
(OC-024) on 20m SSB. QSL via KH6QJ.
-[DXNL # 2476 September 17, 2025] (0919-1010)
T32, E. KIRIBATI.
Darren, VK4MAP, is QRV as T32K
from Kiritimati (OC-024) and is here for two weeks.
Activity is holiday style on 80, 40, 20, 15, 12, and 10 meters using
SSB. It is possible that he may be active as T32K/p from the smaller
islands of Cook, Wood, or Arthur. QSL to VK4MAP.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 38 September 18, 2025] (0919-1010)
T8,
PALAU. Nobu, JAØJHQ is QRV as T88PB from Koror
Island (OC-009) until
October 5th. This includes being an entry in the Oceania
DX SSB contest
(October 4th-5th). QSL via LoTW (preferred), or direct to JAØJHQ.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 40 October 2, 2025] (1003-1010)
TG,
GUATEMALA. Dwight, VE7BV will be QRV as TG9BBV from October 5th to
25th. Activity will be on 40 to 6 meters using CW, SSB,
and possibly
FT8. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 40 October 2, 2025] (1003-1024)
UAØ, ASIATIC
RUSSIA.
Commemorating the 500th anniversary since Russian diplomat Dmitrij
Gerasimov first proposed the idea of a sea route connecting Europe and
China via the Arctic Ocean, special callsign R5ØØSMP (Severnogo
Morskogo Puti, i.e. Northern Sea Route) will be QRV from September 10th to October 10th.
Also active will be seven memorial stations from the regions along
whose coasts Gerasimov had imagined it would be possible to reach Asia:
R5ØØO
(Arkhangelsk Oblast), R5ØØM
(Murmansk Oblast), R5ØØX
(Komi Republic), R5ØØK
(Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug), R5ØØZ
(Kamchatka Krai), R5ØØF
(Sakhalin Oblast), R5ØØL
(Primorsky Krai). Gerasimov's geographical hypothesis was recorded by
the Italian humanist Paolo Giovio in 1525. See https://hamlog.online/club/srr/1604/
for the certificate. All QSOs will be confirmed automatically via the
bureau. QSL manager for all stations is RN3RQ.
-[425DXN # 1793 September 13, 2025] (0912-1010)
V6, MICRONESIA.
Nine operators (DG2RON, DJ7TO, DJ9KH, DK5WL, DL1KWK, DL2RNS, DL4SVA,
DL7JOM and DL7VEE) will be active as V6D from Chuuk
(OC-011), Micronesia from September
22nd to October 6th.
Plans are to be QRV 24/7 on 160-6 meters CW, SSB, FT8 (MSHV), and RTTY
with five stations. full LoTW upload after six months. See https://v6d.mydx.de
for more information. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS
(preferred), or DL4SVA.
-[425DXN # 1775 May 10, 2025] (0919-1010)
VE, CANADA.
Watch for Mike, VE2XB, operating as VYØZOO
from Coral Harbor on Southampton Island (NA-007), Nunavut until December 18th,
QRV mostly on 40m CW. QSL via VE2XB.
-[DXNL # 2476 September 17, 2025] (0919-1017)
VK9X,
CHRISTMAS I. A group of operators (BA7LVG, BH6BEZ, JA1COU,
JA3GEP)
are QRV as VK9QO
until October 7th.
Activity is on 80 to 6 meters using
CW, SSB, FT8, and FT4, and on Satellite QO-100. QSL via JA3GEP and
LoTW
(daily uploads).
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 40 October 2, 2025] (1003-1010)
VU, INDIA.
Special callsign AT25GOA
celebrates HamFest India 2025. Look for activity from September 29th to October 13th
on 80-10 meters SSB, CW and FT8/FT4. See https://www.qrz.com/db/AT25GOA
for more information. QSOs will be uploaded to QRZ Logbook and ClubLog.
-[425DXN # 1796 October 4, 2025] (1003-1017)
XT,
BURKINA FASO. Harald, DF2WO will be active again as XT2AW from Burkina
Faso on October
4th-27th. Usually he operates CW, SSB and FT8/FT4 on
various bands, 6 meters included, and via QO-100. QSL via MØOXO's OQRS
and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1795 September 27, 2025] (1003-1031)
YJ, VANUATU.
Bob, ZL1RS will be active again as YJØRS
from Efate (OC-035), Vanuatu on October
1st-10th. He will be QRV primarily on 6 meters (EME
included), with some activity on 10m. More information and updates on https://www.qrz.com/db/YJ0RS.
QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
or direct to ZL1RS.
-[425DXN # 1795 September 27, 2025] (0926-1010)
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 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 Monday, September 29th through yesterday, October 6th.
The average solar flux was 164, down 9 points from the previous week,
with a weekly high of 187 on Tuesday, September 30th, followed by
a low of 133 on October 6th.
The average sunspot count was 149, down by 6 from last week,
peaking at 171 on Tuesday, September 30th followed by a
weekly low of 127 on October 5th.
The Planetary K-index weekly average was 5.0 with a
maximum of 7.3 on Tuesday, September 30th, indicating
a strong geomagnetic storm. Yesterday's K-index maximum was 2.3 with generally quiet conditions.
Solar flare activity since September 30th has been moderate with
8 major flares, the largest of which was an M 2.7 event on Tuesday,
September 30th.
Propagation
Data
Major solar flares, Tuesday, September 30th through 2134 UTC, October 7th.
| # | Date | UTC | Mag. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oct 03 | 1436 | M 1.2 |
| 2 | Oct 03 | 0523 | M 1.5 |
| 3 | Oct 02 | 0209 | M 1.2 |
| 4 | Oct 01 | 1650 | M 1.2 |
| 5 | Oct 01 | 0226 | M 1.2 |
| 6 | Sep 30 | 1227 | M 1.8 |
| 7 | Sep 30 | 0940 | M 2.7 |
| 8 | Sep 30 | 0056 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 7 | 40% | 10% | 130 |
| Oct 8 | 40% | 10% | 130 |
| Oct 9 | 35% | 5% | 125 |
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 6, 2025).
|
|
|
A
Minor CME is Approaching Earth
An
M1-class solar flare from sunspot 4236 hurled a CME into space on Oct.
3rd. A NASA
model predicts it will strike Earth on Oct. 8th.
Although it's only a minor CME, it could spark a geomagnetic storm
thanks to the Russell-McPherron
effect, which links the magnetic fields of the sun and Earth
around the equinoxes.
(Copyright © SpaceWeather.com October 4, 2025.
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oceania DX Contest, Phone | Oct 4 | 0600Z | Oct 5 | 0600Z | Rules |
| California QSO Party | Oct 4 | 1600Z | Oct 5 | 2200Z | Rules |
| QRP ARCI Fall QSO Party | Oct 11 | 0000Z | Oct 11 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Makrothen RTTY Contest | Oct 11 | 0000Z | Oct 12 | 1559Z | Rules |
| Nevada QSO Party | Oct 11 | 0300Z | Oct 12 | 2100Z | Rules |
| Oceania DX Contest, CW | Oct 11 | 0600Z | Oct 12 | 0600Z | Rules |
| Scandinavian Activity Contest, SSB | Oct 11 | 1200Z | Oct 12 | 1200Z | Rules |
| Arizona QSO Party | Oct 11 | 1500Z | Oct 12 | 0500Z | Rules |
| Pennsylvania QSO Party | Oct 11 | 1600Z | Oct 12 | 0400Z | Rules |
| Oct 12 | 1300Z | Oct 12 | 2200Z | ||
| South Dakota QSO Party | Oct 11 | 1800Z | Oct 12 | 1800Z | Rules |
| 10-10 Int. Fall Contest, CW | Oct 18 | 0001Z | Oct 19 | 2359Z | Rules |
| New York QSO Party | Oct 18 | 1400Z | Oct 19 | 0200Z | Rules |
| Worked All Germany Contest | Oct 18 | 1500Z | Oct 19 | 1459Z | Rules |
| Stew Perry Topband Challenge | Oct 18 | 1500Z | Oct 19 | 1500Z | Rules |
| Illinois QSO Party | Oct 19 | 1700Z | Oct 20 | 0100Z | Rules |
| ARRL School Club Roundup | Oct 20 | 1300Z | Oct 24 | 2359Z | Rules |
| CQ Worldwide DX Contest, SSB | Oct 25 | 0000Z | Oct 26 | 2400Z | Rules |
| ARRL Sweepstakes Contest, CW | Nov 1 | 2100Z | Nov 3 | 0300Z | Rules |
| WAE DX Contest, RTTY | Nov 8 | 0000Z | Nov 9 | 2359Z | Rules |
| 10-10 Int. Fall Contest, Digital | Nov 8 | 0001Z | Nov 9 | 2359Z | Rules |
| JIDX Phone Contest | Nov 8 | 0700Z | Nov 9 | 1300Z | Rules |
| OK/OM DX Contest, CW | Nov 8 | 1200Z | Nov 9 | 1200Z | Rules |
| ARRL Sweepstakes Contest, SSB | Nov 15 | 2100Z | Nov 17 | 0300Z | Rules |
| LZ DX Contest | Nov 22 | 1200Z | Nov 23 | 1200Z | Rules |
| North American SSB Sprint Contest | Nov 23 | 0000Z | Nov 23 | 0400Z | Rules |
| CQ Worldwide DX Contest, CW | Nov 29 | 0000Z | Nov 30 | 2400Z | Rules |
| ARRL 160-Meter Contest | Dec 5 | 2200Z | Dec 7 | 1600Z | Rules |
| ARRL 10-Meter Contest | Dec 13 | 0000Z | Dec 14 | 2359Z | Rules |
| ARRL Rookie Roundup, CW | Dec 21 | 1800Z | Dec 21 | 2359Z | Rules |
| RAC Winter Contest | Dec 27 | 0000Z | Dec 27 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Stew Perry Topband Challenge | Dec 27 | 1500Z | Dec 28 | 1500Z | Rules |
| RAEM Contest | Dec 28 | 0000Z | Dec 28 | 1159Z | Rules |
| ARRL Kids Day | Jan 3 | 1800Z | Jan 3 | 2359Z | Rules |
| ARRL RTTY Roundup | Jan 3 | 1800Z | Jan 4 | 2400Z | Rules |