The
Eastern Iowa DX Bulletin
Number
287, August 15, 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 (The online archive is no
longer updated.)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
4U/ITU, ITU HQ. Special callsign 4UØITU continues to mark the 160th anniversary of the ITU until the end of 2025, operating from the 4U1ITU club station.
-[DXNL # 2471 August 13, 2025] (0815-0905)
4X, ISRAEL. The following Israeli lighthouses will be activated during the upcoming weekend (August 16th-17th): Lh Jaffa (4XØ1LH, IL0001), Lh Stela Maris (4XØ2LH, IL0002), Lh Ashold (4XØ3LH, IL0003), Lh Akko (4XØ4LH, IL0004), and Lh Tel-Aviv (4XØ5LH, IL0005). An award is also available: https://iarc.org/lighthouse/. QSL for all calls via 4X6ZM.
-[DXNL # 2471 August 13, 2025] (0815-0822)
5B, CYPRUS.
Paul, GØKPH, is QRV as 5B4ARQ
from Paphos (AS-004) for
3 weeks. Activity is on the HF bands using some CW, SSB,
and mostly FT8. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 32 August 7, 2025] (0808-0829)
5H, TANZANIA. Alex, SQ9UM is QRV as 5H1UM until August 24th. Activity is holiday style on the HF bands using SSB and FT8. QSL to SQ9UM, ClubLog's OQRS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 33 August 14, 2025] (0815-0829)
8R, GUYANA. Aldir, PY1SAD, is QRV as 8R1TM until September 23rd.
Activity is on 160 to 10 meters using CW, SSB, and various digital
modes. This includes some Satellite activity as well. QSL to PY1SAD, LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 33 August 14, 2025] (0815-0926)
9A, CROATIA.
Special callsign 9A169TESLA
will be used until
December 31st
in celebration of the 169th anniversary of the birth of Nikola Tesla
(July 10, 1856). QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW, ClubLog, and QRZ
Logbook.
-[425DXN # 1786 July 26, 2025] (0725-0829)
9M2, WEST MALAYSIA. In celebration of Malaysia's national holiday, special event stations 9M25MA, 9M25MB, 9M25MC, 9M25MD, 9M25MJ, 9M25MK, 9M25MM, 9M25MN, 9M25MP, 9M25MR, 9M25MT, and 9M25MW are QRV until September 30th. QSL via operators' instructions.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 33 August 14, 2025] (0815-1003)
9M2, WEST MALAYSIA. Team 9M4LHU will participate in the International Lighthouse Lightship Weekend (August 16th-17th) from the lighthouse on Undan Island (AS-097), West Malaysia. QSL direct to 9M2HUS.
-[425DXN # 1788 August 9, 2025] (0815-0822)
9M2, WEST
MALAYSIA.
Celebrating the 68th anniversary of Malaysia's independence (August 31,
1957), members of Terengganu DX (West Malaysia) will be active as 9M1957M from August 1st to September 30th.
They will operate SSB, CW and FT8 on 80-10 meters. QSL direct to 9M2RDX (see https://www.qrz.com/db/9M1957M).
-[425DXN # 1785 July 19, 2025] (0801-1003)
9M6, EAST MALAYSIA. In celebration of Malaysia's national holiday, special event stations 9M25MS and 9M25MQ are QRV from Sabah and Sarawak, respectively until September 30th. QSL via operators' instructions.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 33 August 14, 2025] (0815-1003)
9X, RWANDA.
Tony, IK7WUL, will be QRV as 9XØDX
from August 10th to
19th while on his humanitarian mission. Activity is mostly
on 10 meters using SSB. QSL via IK7WUL.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 32 August 7, 2025] (0808-0822)
A9, BAHRAIN. Members of the Bahrain Amateur Radio Society celebrate the IARU centenary with special call sign A91ØØIARU, and the 75th anniversary of IARU Region 1 with special call sign A975IARU. They are active 6 to 10 days each month. QSL via EC6DX.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 33 August 14, 2025] (0815-0905)
CE, CHILE. VE3LYC, XQ7IR, and PA3EXX will be paying a visit to Ilotes Pajaros (SA-100P) from August 18th to 23rd, operating as 3G1P on 40-10m (CW, SSB). For more information on these small-size islands and the risky trip see: https://3g1psa-00.weebly.com/. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[DXNL # 2471 August 13, 2025] (0815-0822)
CE9, ANTARCTICA. Alex, DL2ALY, is currently QRV as DPØGVN from the Neumayer III station (AN-16). QSL via DL4BBH.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 33 August 14, 2025] (0815-0905)
CEØ, EASTER I. Jorge, CEØYHF, remains on the air until the end of August. QSL direct to: Jorge Jana, Alcoy 2270, Parque Alcantara, P.O. Box 36, Puente Alto, 8206219 Santiago, Chile
-[DXNL # 2471 August 13, 2025] (0815-0829)
CN, MOROCCO.
Michel, F5LRL will be QRV as CN2DX
near Kenitra from June
25th to August 30th.
Activity is on 40 to 6 meters using CW, SSB, and FT8 generally during
his early morning (0500-1000 UTC) and evening (1800-2200 UTC) hours.
QSL via F5LRL.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 25 June 19, 2025] (0620-0829)
CT, PORTUGAL.
The special event station CR5OCEAN
has been active around the national maritime Scout camp Oceanos since August 3rd.
QRV on 40 and 20m. QSL direct via CR6CNE or
qrz.com.
-[DXNL # 2470 August 6, 2025] (0808-0822)
CX, URUGUAY. Special event callsign CW2ØØDI
is for members of Radio Club Uruguayo to celebrate the bicentennial of
Uruguayan declaration of independence (August 25, 1825) from August 20th to September 18th. QSL via the bureau, LoTW, or direct to CX1AA.
-[425DXN # 1789 August 16, 2025] (0815-0919)
D4, CAPE VERDE. Special station D45ØICV celebrates the 50th anniversary of Cape Verde's independence until the end of the year. QSL via IK2NCJ.
-[DXNL # 2471 August 13, 2025] (0815-0905)
DL, GERMANY.
Ops Andreas (DK5ON), Michael (DK9BM), Ecki (DH8AF), Frank (DJ3FK), and
Rudi (DL3FF) will be active from the lightship Laesoe Rende during the
coming weekend (August 16th-17th) with the callsign DAØLH (special DOK 25ILLW). QRV on 160-6m (CW, SSB, FT4/8) and via QO-100. QSL via DK5ON, ClubLog's OQRS, LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2471 August 13, 2025] (0815-0822)
DXCC TOP TWENTY.
Here are the top 20 entities on ClubLog’s "DXCC Most Wanted" list as of
August 14, 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 August 15, 2025 (0815-0905)
E5/S, SOUTH COOK
IS. Steve, ZL2KE, will be QRV as E51KEE from
Rarotonga Island (OC-013) from August
3rd to 18th. Activity will be on 40 to 10 meters using
mostly CW. QSL via IK2DUW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 31 July 31, 2025] (0801-0822)
EA8, CANARY IS. Leigh, MØKZT, will be QRV as EA8/MØKZT from August 18th to 25th from Corralejo, POTA ES-0216. QSL to MØKZT.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 33 August 14, 2025] (0815-0829)
F,
FRANCE. For the tenth year in a row, a German team (DJ5KX,
DJ8EI,
DK5OPA, DL1DCT, DL4MME, DL5KA and DL8KR) will be active as TMØBSM from
the lighthouse at Berck-sur-Mer on August 14th-19th.
QSL via LoTW
(preferred), or direct to DK5OPA.
-[425DXN # 1788 August 9, 2025] (0808-0822)
FO, FRENCH POLYNESIA. David, F1SXC, and Herve, F4DPA, operate as TX14TOM from August 17th to 31st from Vaitona island in French Polynesia.
-[DXNL # 2471 August 13, 2025] (0815-0829)
H4Ø, TEMOTU
PROVINCE. Lance, W7GJ will be active as H4ØGJ from Pigeon
Island (OC-065), Temotu Province on August 8th-27th.
This will be a 6m EME DXpedition, using Q65-60A in the "Q65 Pileup"
mode. For detailed information & instructions, see https://www.bigskyspaces.com/w7gj/H40%202025.htm.
"When I am not aimed up at the moon, I will be monitoring 50.313 on FT8
mode", Lance says. "Please take the initiative to call my direction
when you think there may be ionospheric propagation. If propagation is
good and there are many callers, I may switch to FT4 or FT8 F/H on a
frequency to be announced". Bookmark https://www.facebook.com/lance.collister/
for updates. QSL via LoTW, or direct to W7GJ.
-[425DXN # 1779 June 7, 2025] (0808-0829)
HL, SOUTH KOREA. Chul, 6K2GRX, and Oh, 6K2CFI, are QRV as home calls/4 from Jaeun Island (AS-060) until August 17th. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS (preferred), or direct to 6K2GRX, and 6K2CFI.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 33 August 14, 2025] (0815-0822)
HL, SOUTH KOREA.
Special event station HL8ØV
will be QRV during the month
of August to mark the 80th anniversary of South Korea's
liberation. QSL via bureau.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 31 July 31, 2025] (0801-0829)
I, ITALY. ARI section Fidenza honors Marconi's memory with the following callsigns during 2025: II4LDMA in August; II4RADS in September; II4WLTX in October; II4EACC in November; II4TJTB in December. QSL via IQ4FE and LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2471 August 13, 2025] (0815-0905)
I, ITALY. Special callsign IR3LH is for International Lighthouse Lightship Weekend (August 16th-17th), operated by IU3EDK and his team from the lighthouse at Porto Piave Vecchia. QSL via the bureau, or direct to IU3EDK.
-[425DXN # 1788 August 9, 2025] (0815-0822)
JX, JAN MAYEN.
Peter, LB2OG is QRV as JX/LB2OG
for another one to
two weeks. Activity is in his spare time mostly on 20 and
17 meters using SSB and FT8, respectively. QSL via bureau.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 32 August 7, 2025] (0808-0822)
KH9, WAKE I.
Jim, K9HEI is QRV as KH9/K9HEI
from August 8th to
22nd. Activity will be in his spare time on 40 to 10
meters using SSB and FT8. QSL via K9HEI.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 32 August 7, 2025] (0808-0822)
LA, NORWAY. The special event callsign LA1ØØA
commemorates the first amateur radio contact between Norway and the USA
in 1925. On November 25, 1925 Johannes Diesen (LA1A) conducted that
first QSO with U1YB at Dartmouth College (NH), USA.
-[DXNL # 2471 August 13, 2025] (0815-0905)
OH, FINLAND. Special station OH1ØØIARU (ops OH2BCI, OH2BH, OH2KI, OH2KM, OH2KW, OH3JR, OH5BM, OH5BQ, and OH7GGX) continues to celebrate IARU's centenary until the end of 2025. QSL via bureau or direct via OH3JR.
-[DXNL # 2471 August 13, 2025] (0815-0905)
OHØ, ALAND IS. A group of operators will be QRV as OGØC from August 17th to 24th. Activity will be on 160 meters to 70 centimeters using CW, SSB, JT65, MSK144, FT8, and FT4. QSL direct to OH5CW or LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 33 August 14, 2025] (0815-0829)
OY, FAROE IS. Michael, DM6MA, is QRV as OY/DM6MA until August 20th. Activity is on 40 to 6 meters using SSB and FT8. QSL to DM6MA.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 33 August 14, 2025] (0815-0822)
OZ, DENMARK. Rene (DL2JRM) will be back on the air as OV7X from Bago Island (EU-172) for the Lighthouse/ship weekend (August 16th-17th).
-[DXNL # 2471 August 13, 2025] (0815-0822)
PY, BRAZIL. Special station PW2PF
(operators Renato/PY2TIM, Lupercio/PU2TNT, Marcelo/PY2MDF,
Marcelo/PU2USM, Ronaldo/PS8RV, Alex/PY2WAS, and Marcelo/PY2AE)
activates the Porto Ferreira State Park (WWFF PYFF-0362) on August 16th, 17th, 23rd, and 24th.
-[DXNL # 2471 August 13, 2025] (0815-0829)
SM, SWEDEN. The radio club SK3GK commemorates the first radio broadcast from the city Gaevle in 1925 until the end of the year. QSL via bureau.
-[DXNL # 2471 August 13, 2025] (0815-0905)
SP,
POLAND. Special event stations SN13ØLHK, SN15ØLHC and SN15ØLRN will be
active on August
9th-17th to celebrate the anniversaries of three
Polish lighthouses (Krynica Morska, Czolpino and Rozewie II,
respectively). See https://ot09.pzk.org.pl/akcje/2025LH/3LH.php
for
more information. QSL via SP2PGB.
-[425DXN # 1788 August 9, 2025] (0808-0822)
SV5, DODECANESE. Darrell, N3JWJ, will be QRV as SV5/N3JWJ from Rhodes Island on August 17th to 25th. Activity is on the HF bands using FT8. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 33 August 14, 2025] (0815-0829)
T3Ø, WEST
KIRIBATI. Members of the Rebel DX Group are QRV as T3ØTTT from North
Tarawa until
September 8th. Activity is on 160 to 6 meters using CW,
SSB, FT8, and FT4 with up to 10 stations active. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 25 June 19, 2025] (0620-0905)
T8, PALAU. Operators JH6GFY and JK6DXD will be QRV as T88GF and T88XD, respectively, from August 18th to 22nd. Activity will be on the HF bands. QSL T88GF via JH6GFY, and T88XD via JK6DXD.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 33 August 14, 2025] (0815-0822)
TA, TURKEY. A YL team (Merzuke TA7YLY, Eva HB9FPM, Gizem TA2RAG, Zehra TA2ZEH, Emine TA3EMN, and Ezgi TA3YL) operates as TC88YL from the club station TC2E on August 16th and 17th. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS, LoTW, eQSL.
-[DXNL # 2471 August 13, 2025] (0815-0822)
TA, TURKEY. Special station TC17LIGHT activates the lighthouse Cardak during the coming weekend (August 16th-17th). QSL via bureau, LoTW, eQSL.
-[DXNL # 2471 August 13, 2025] (0815-0822)
TG, GUATEMALA. Dennis, KT8X, operates holiday-style as TG4/KT8X from August 16th to 23rd on 40-6m CW and digital modes. QSL via LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2471 August 13, 2025] (0815-0822)
TJ, CAMEROON.
Darek, SP3GDH is QRV as TJ1GD
while here working on humanitarian missions. He has been active in his
spare time on 40 to 10 meters using FT8. This includes some activity on
Satellite QO-100. QSL via SP3EOL.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 32 August 7, 2025] (0808-0829)
TY, BENIN. Antonio, IK7WUL plans to be QRV as TY2AA from August 18th to September 7th. Activity will be in his spare time on 20 meters using SSB. QSL via I8KHC, LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 33 August 14, 2025] (0815-0905)
UAØ, ASIATIC RUSSIA. Anton, RGØC, is currently operating from Ptichiy (Bird Island; (AS-044) RR-13-30) as RGØC/p
on 20m CW with QRP power. The duration of his stay depends on weather
conditions. An additional one-day trip to Malyy Shantar in the same
group is also possible. QSL via RN3RQ.
-[DXNL # 2471 August 13, 2025] (0815-0905)
VE, CANADA.
Celebrating the International Amateur Radio Union's 100th anniversary,
members of the Atlantic Coast DX & Contest Group will be active
as CG9IARU throughout August.
They will conduct special activations of Parks on the Air (POTA), World
Wide Flora & Fauna (WWFF), and Canadian Historical Sites On the
Air
locations, alongside other commemorative events. See https://www.qrz.com/db/CG9IARU
for more information. QSL via VE9CF.
-[425DXN # 1786 July 26, 2025] (0801-0829)
XE, MEXICO.
Special call sign 4A2MAX
will be QRV during the month
of August
in remembrance of St. Maximilian Maria Kolbe. Activity will be on 80 to
6 meters using CW, SSB, and various digital modes. QSL via LoTW or EA5GL.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 31 July 31, 2025] (0801-0829)
XU, CAMBODIA.
Franco, IUØCRW, is QRV as XU7AKP
from Kampong Thom. Activity is on 40 to 10 meters using CW, SSB, and
occasionally the digital mode Olivia. QSL via IUØCRW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 32 August 7, 2025] (0808-0829)
YB, INDONESIA.
Celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia's
proclamation of independence (August 17, 1945), HQ station 8A8ØRI and 34
special event stations will be active on August 14th-20th
from various Indonesian provinces:
8A8ØBL Bali
8E8ØKG Kalimantan
Tengah
8A8ØJK Jakarta
8E8ØNT Nusa
Tenggara Timur
8A80SB Sumatera
Barat
8E8ØSG Sulawesi
Tengah
8B80JB Jawa
Barat
8F8ØSU Sulawesi
Utara
8B8ØJG Jawa
Tengah
8G8ØGR Gorontalo
8B8ØJI Jambi
8G8ØKR Kepulauan
Riau
8B8ØJT Jawa
Timur
8G8ØKT Kalimantan
Timur
8B8ØKB Kalimantan
Barat 8G8ØLP Lampung
8B8ØSL Sulawesi
Selatan 8G8ØPA Papua
8C8ØAC Aceh
8G8ØSU Sumatera
Utara
8C8ØKS Kalimantan
Selatan 8H8ØBT Banten
8C8ØNB Nusa
Tenggara Barat 8H8ØMA Maluku
8C8ØSB Sulawesi
Barat
8H8ØYK DI
Yogyakarta
8C8ØSL Sumatera
Selatan 8I8ØBK Bengkulu
8D8ØRI Riau
8I8ØKU Kalimantan
Utara
8D8ØSR Sulawesi
Tenggara 8I8ØMU Maluku
Utara
8E8ØBL Bangka
Belitung
8I8ØPB Papua
Barat
See https://hamaward.cloud/awards
for eQSLs and the "Indonesia Award 2025".
-[425DXN # 1788 August 9, 2025] (0808-0822)
YO, ROMANIA.
Special callsign YR16ØØVT
will be used by members of Radio Club YO6KGS until March 31, 2026,
to
popularize Via Transilvanica, the long-distance trail (1600 km) used
for hiking, cycling and horse riding that crosses Romania. More
information can be found on https://www.qrz.com/db/YR1600VT.
QSL via eQSL.
-[425DXN # 1788 August 9, 2025] (0808-0905)
Z8, SOUTH SUDAN. Diya, YI1DZ is back in Juba and QRV as Z81D mostly during his weekends. Activity is on various HF bands using SSB and FT8. QSL via OM3JW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 33 August 14, 2025] (0815-0905)
ZL, NEW ZEALAND. Special callsign ZL1ØØC
celebrates the centenary of the New Zealand Association of Radio
Transmitters (NZART), which was formed on August 16, 1926. The callsign
is valid until August 6, 2026. QSL via the bureau and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1789 August 16, 2025] (0815-0905)
ZS, SOUTH AFRICA. Special event stations ZS1ØØSARL, ZS6SRL, and ZS9HQ are QRV until the end of 2025 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the South African Radio League. QSL via bureau.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 33 August 14, 2025] (0815-0905)
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 Thursday, August 7th through yesterday, August 14th.
The average solar flux was 144, down 5 points from the previous week,
with a weekly high of 153 on Sunday, August 10th, followed by
a low of 130 on August 14th.
The average sunspot count was 158, up 31 from last week,
peaking at 177 on Friday, August 8th followed by a
weekly low of 137 on August 9th.
The Planetary K-index weekly average was 4.0 with a
maximum of 6.0 on Saturday, August 9th, indicating
a moderate geomagnetic storm. Yesterday's K-index maximum was 3.3 with generally quiet conditions.
Solar flare activity since August 8th has been moderate with 11
major flares, the largest of which was an M 2.8 event on Friday, August
8th.
Propagation
Data
Major solar flares, Friday, August 8th through 1324 UTC, August 15th.
| # | Date | UTC | Mag. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aug 12 | 0123 | M 1.8 |
| 2 | Aug 12 | 0059 | M 1.5 |
| 3 | Aug 11 | 1536 | M 1.6 |
| 4 | Aug 11 | 1435 | M 1.5 |
| 5 | Aug 11 | 0352 | M 1.3 |
| 6 | Aug 10 | 2304 | M 1.8 |
| 7 | Aug 10 | 1507 | M 2.2 |
| 8 | Aug 10 | 0312 | M 1.7 |
| 9 | Aug 09 | 1640 | M 1.7 |
| 10 | Aug 09 | 1621 | M 1.6 |
| 11 | Aug 08 | 0353 | M 2.8 |
(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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 15 | 35% | 5% | 130 |
| Aug 16 | 30% | 5% | 130 |
| Aug 17 | 30% | 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 August 11, 2025).
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|
|
Ten
Sunspots in Decay
The
solar disk is peppered with sunspots--ten groups in total. All ten are
in decay. This means the chance of a solar flare today is low. Solar
activity should remain low for the rest of the week.
(Copyright © SpaceWeather.com August 14, 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North American QSO Party, SSB | Aug 16 | 1800Z | Aug 17 | 0600Z | Rules |
| ARRL Rookie Roundup, RTTY | Aug 17 | 1800Z | Aug 17 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Ohio QSO Party | Aug 23 | 1600Z | Aug 24 | 0400Z | Rules |
| YO DX HF Contest | Aug 30 | 1200Z | Aug 31 | 1200Z | Rules |
| World Wide Digi DX Contest | Aug 30 | 1200Z | Aug 31 | 1200Z | Rules |
| Kansas QSO Party | Aug 30 | 1400Z | Aug 31 | 2000Z | Rules |
| Tennessee QSO Party | Sep 7 | 1700Z | Sep 8 | 0300Z | Rules |
| ARRL September VHF Contest | Sep 13 | 1800Z | Sep 15 | 0300Z | Rules |
| Scandinavian Activity Contest, CW | Sep 20 | 1200Z | Sep 21 | 1200Z | Rules |
| New Jersey QSO Party | Sep 20 | 1400Z | Sep 21 | 0159Z | Rules |
| Texas QSO Party | Sep 20 | 1400Z | Sep 21 | 2000Z | Rules |
| Wisconsin Parks on the Air | Sep 20 | 1600Z | Sep 20 | 2300Z | Rules |
| Washington State Salmon Run | Sep 20 | 1600Z | Sep 21 | 2400Z | Rules |
| New Hampshire QSO Party | Sep 20 | 1600Z | Sep 21 | 2200Z | Rules |
| North American Sprint, RTTY | Sep 21 | 0000Z | Sep 21 | 0359Z | Rules |
| CQ Worldwide DX Contest, RTTY | Sep 27 | 0000Z | Sep 28 | 2400Z | Rules |
| Maine QSO Party | Sep 27 | 1200Z | Sep 28 | 1200Z | Rules |
| 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 |