The
Eastern Iowa DX Bulletin
Number
230, July 12, 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
7Q, MALAWI.
Marc, MØCMC, is working at the University Mzuzu and has been assigned
the callsign 7Q5MLV.
QRV on 80-10m (CW, SSB) with 100W and an end fed antenna. QSL via eQSL.
-[DXNL # 2412 June 26, 2024] (0628-0719)
8Q, MALDIVE IS.
Christian, OE3DEC, to be active as 8Q7EC,
is now scheduled for July
1st-12th.
-[DXNL # 2412 June 26, 2024] (0628-0719)
C5, GAMBIA.
Jean-Louis, F6ITS left France in August 2023 for a 2-3 year
around-the-world voyage. He recently obtained his Gambian license and
will be active as C5GM
until the end of the
year. For the time being he operates SSB and CW (QRS); the
station is located on his sailing boat, the "Sharkif", which means that
his
operations cannot be accepted for DXCC credit. QSL via EA7FTR.
-[425DXN # 1730 June 29, 2024] (0628-0719)
CT, PORTUGAL.
Special event station CR6B
will be active on July
15th-21st
for the 42nd International Motorcycle Rally in Faro, Portugal. Expect
activity on 160-6 meters SSB, CW and digital modes. QSL via CT1EHX.
-[425DXN # 1732 July 13, 2024] (0712-0726)
DL, GERMANY.
Special callsign DLØSOP
will be active on July
1st-31st for the 66th edition of the Sea of Peace Award
(see https://dl0sop.darc.de/
for full details). QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW, eQSL, or direct to DL4SVA.
-[425DXN # 1730 June 29, 2024] (0628-0802)
DL, GERMANY.
The following special event callsigns will be active from June 14th to July 17th
around the European Football Championship: DL2Ø24E, DL2Ø24U, DL2Ø24R, and DL2Ø24O. Awards are
available: https://www.darc.de/der-club/referate/dx/sonderdiplome/.
QSL via DARC QSL bureau, DL2VFR.
-[DXNL # 2409 June 5, 2024] (0607-0719)
DU, PHILIPPINES.
Christian, F4EBK is QRV as DU3/F4EBK
from Luzon Island, IOTA OC-042, until
January 2025. Activity is on 20, 15 and 10 meters
typically around 0900 and then after 2100z. QSL via F4EUO.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 25 July 11, 2024] (0712-0802)
DXCC TOP TWENTY.
Here are the top 20 entities on ClubLog’s "DXCC Most Wanted" list as of
July 12, 2024:
1. P5 DPRK (North
Korea) 11. 3Y/B Bouvet Island
2. BS7H Scarborough
Reef 12.
ZS8 Prince Edward & Marion Islands
3. CEØX San Felix
Islands 13. KH4
Midway Island
4. BV9P Pratas
Island 14.
VKØM Macquarie Island
5. KH7K Kure
Island
15. PYØS Saint Peter And Paul Rocks
6. KH3 Johnston
Island 16.
KP5 Desecheo Island
7. FT/G Glorioso
Island 17.
VPØS South Sandwich Islands
8. 3Y/P Peter 1
Island 18.
KH5 Palmyra & Jarvis Islands
9. FT5/X Kerguelen
Island 19.
ZL9 New Zealand Subantarctic Islands
10. YVØ Aves
Island
20. FK/C Chesterfield Islands
For
the complete
list, see https://clublog.org/mostwanted.php
-[KØCF July 12, 2024] (0712-0802)
ES, ESTONIA.
Ric, DL2VFR signs ESØ/DL2VFR
from Hiiumaa (EU-034) from July
12th to 15th, and ES8/DL2VFR
from Kihnu (EU-178) on July
16th and 17th. Mostly CW on HF. QSL via DL2VFR, LoTW
or ClubLog's OQRS.
-[DXNL # 2414 July 10, 2024] (0712-0719)
F, FRANCE.
Special callsign TM111TDF
is a French special callsign to be activated for this year's 111th
edition of the Tour de France. Look for activity on June 29th, July 1st-2nd, 6th,
9th-11th, 13th-14th and 17th-21st. QSL via F8GGZ.
-[425DXN # 1729 June 22, 2024] (0628-0726)
F, FRANCE.
During the Paris 2024 Olympic Torch Relay and the actual Olympic Games,
look for TM67OG
to be active for fifteen days from June 25th to July 27th,
and TM67JO
to be active for another fifteen days from July 26th until August 11th.
The operators will be F1LFL (SSB), F5PZT (FT8 and FT4) and F5TFW (CW).
QSL via F1LFL.
-[425DXN # 1728 June 15, 2024] (0621-0816)
F, FRANCE.
Vitaly, F4WBU will be active as TM17CEF
on June 14th-28th,
and as TM24F
from June 29th to
July 14th.
The special callsigns are for the 17th edition of the UEFA European
Football Championship, the quadrennial international men's football
(soccer) championship of Europe to be held in Germany. QSL via F4WBU and eQSL.
-[425DXN # 1728 June 15, 2024] (0614-0719)
F, FRANCE.
Special event station TM85JO
operates around the Olympic Torch stages from May 8th to 12th,
June 8th to 9th,
June 21st to 23rd,
July 12th to 14th,
and on July 26th.
QSL via bureau.
-[DXNL # 2405 May 8, 2024] (0510-0726)
FM, MARTINIQUE.
Stefano, IW2MJQ, will be active as IW2MJQ/mm
and as J87/IW2MJQ
and FM/IW2MJQ
from various BOTA (Beach on The Air) and POTA (Parks on The Air)
locations during July.
QSL direct via IK2WAD.
-[DXNL # 2413 July 3, 2024] (0705-0802)
FP, ST. PIERRE
& MIQUELON. Once again Eric, KV1J will be active
as FP/KV1J
from Miquelon Island (NA-032) on July 2nd-16th,
including activity the IARU HF World Championship (July 13th-14th).
Plans are to operate primarily SSB and FT8, plus some CW, RTTY and FT4,
on 80-6 meters, "generally on the highest frequency band open" with a
focus on 12, 10 and 6m. See http://www.kv1j.com/fp/July24.html
for more information. QSL via LoTW, ClubLog's OQRS,
eQSL, or via KV1J.
-[425DXN # 1729 June 22, 2024] (0628-0719)
FR, REUNION I.
Giovanni, IZ2DPX will be active holiday style as TO7PX from Reunion
Island (AF-016) on July
4th-18th. He will operate SSB and FT8 on 40-6 meters. QSL
direct to IK2DUW.
-[425DXN # 1730 June 29, 2024] (0628-0719)
FS, SAINT MARTIN.
Eric, GM5RDX will be active as FS/GM5RDX
from July 15th to
30th. QSL via LoTW, eQSL, ClubLog's OQRS,
or the Bureau.
-[DXNL # 2414 July 10, 2024] (0712-0802)
G, ENGLAND.
Joining Guglielmo Marconi's 150th anniversary celebrations, the Cornish
Radio Amateur Club (GX4CRC) will be active as GB15ØGM from April 27th until July 27th.
This activity participates in the "Marconi 150 Award", organized by the
Associazione Radioamatori Italiani (ARI) and the Coordinamento Stazioni
Marconiane Italiane (CSMI) under the patronage of the Guglielmo Marconi
Foundation. See IR2GMCL below. QSL via eQSL.
-[425DXN # 1720 April 20, 2024] (0426-0726)
GM, SCOTLAND.
Look for Alan, GM4EEL
to be QRV from Ailsa Craig, IOTA EU-123, on July 14th.
Activity will be on 20, 17, and 15 meters using FT8, and possibly CW,
all with QRP power. QSL via VK6CQ.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 25 July 11, 2024] (0712-0719)
HR, HONDURAS.
Alex, K6VHF will be QRV as K6VHF/HR9
from Roatan Island, IOTA NA-057, from July 13th to 22nd.
Activity will be on the HF bands and 6 meters using mainly digital
modes. QSL via K6VHF, LoTW,
eQSL.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 25 July 11, 2024] (0712-0726)
HS, THAILAND.
Special callsign HS72KING
will be used by the Radio Amateur Society of Thailand (RAST) to
celebrate the 72nd birthday of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn
(HS1ØA) from July
1st to 29th.
"By endorsing and participating in this special event, His Majesty
continues to inspire and encourage the growth and development of
amateur radio in the country". QSL via LoTW and ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1731 July 6, 2024] (0705-0802)
I, ITALY.
Alessandro, IU3EDK and Carlo, IZ1KGY will participate in the IOTA
Contest (July
27th-28th) as IR5G
from Giannutri Island (EU-028). QSL via the bureau, or direct to IU3EDK.
-[425DXN # 1732 July 13, 2024] (0712-0719)
I, ITALY.
Watch for II2HQ,
II4HQ, II6HQ, II9HQ and IIØHQ who will
represent the Associazione Radioamatori Italiani (ARI) during this
weekend's IARU HF World Championship (July 13th-14th).
See https://hqspeedaward.ari.it/
for the "IIxHQ Speed Award", with prizes and certificates for working
ARI HQ stations on different bands and modes in the shortest possible
time.
-[425DXN # 1732 July 13, 2024] (0712-0719)
I, ITALY.
Members of ARI Marsala (namely IT9BYS, IT9FUN, IT9FXY, IT9JLF and
IW9APP) will be active as IQ9VG/p
from La Scuola, one of the Stagnone Islands (EU-166), on July 13th-14th.
They will be QRV on 40, 20, 15, 10 and 6 meters. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
or via IT9FUN.
-[425DXN # 1729 June 22, 2024] (0712-0719)
I, ITALY.
Giorgio, IU2EBO will operate QRP as IA5/IU2EBO
from Isola d'Elba (EU-028) on July
10th-27th, including a 12-hour effort during the IOTA
Contest. QSL via the bureau and eQSL.
-[425DXN # 1731 July 6, 2024] (0705-0726)
I, ITALY.
Celebrating Pesaro Capitale Italiana della Cultura (Italian Capital of
Culture) 2024, members of ARI Pesaro and ARI Fano will be active as II6CIC from June 1st to August 29th.
QSL via IQ6PS.
-[425DXN # 1725 May 25, 2024] (0531-0830)
I, ITALY.
Commemorating the 150th anniversary of the birth of Guglielmo Marconi,
members of ARI's Board of Directors will be active as IR2GMCL from April 28th to July 27th
during the "Marconi 150 Award". See https://www.qrz.com/db/IR2GMCL
for the rules. Paper QSL cards will not be provided; electronic QSLs
may be downloaded from the HamAward platform.
-[425DXN # 1720 April 20, 2024] (0426-0726)
ISØ, SARDINIA.
Ennio, IW1RBI will be active holiday style as ISØ/IW1RBI from
Arbus, Sardinia (EU-024) on July
18th-25th. He will operate mainly SSB on 80-6 meters. QSL
via IW1RBI.
-[425DXN # 1732 July 13, 2024] (0712-0726)
J8, ST. VINCENT.
Stefano, IW2MJQ, will be active as IW2MJQ/mm
and as J87/IW2MJQ
and FM/IW2MJQ
from various BOTA (Beach on The Air) and POTA (Parks on The Air)
locations during July.
QSL direct via IK2WAD.
-[DXNL # 2413 July 3, 2024] (0705-0802)
K, UNITED STATES.
John, WB8YJF will be active again as WB8YJF/4 from
Ocracoke Island (NA-067) on July
13th-22nd. Usually he operates CW, RTTY, FT8/FT4 and SSB.
QSL via WB8YJF.
-[425DXN # 1731 July 6, 2024] (0712-0726)
KH6, HAWAII.
Jim, N6TJ will be QRV as KH7M
from the Big Island in the IARU HF World Championship (July 13th-14th).
Activity will be on all HF bands using only CW. QSL via KH6ZM.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 25 July 11, 2024] (0712-0719)
KH8, AMERICAN
SAMOA. A group of operators are QRV as K8R from Tutuila
Island, IOTA OC-045, until
July 25th.
Activity is on all HF bands using CW, SSB, and FT8. This includes an
entry in the IARU HF World Championship (July 13th-14th). QSL via HA7RY.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 25 July 11, 2024] (0712-0726)
KH9, WAKE I.
Tom, NL7RR is QRV as NL7RR/KH9
for about two weeks. He is active in his spare time on 20 meters using
SSB between 0400 and 0800z. QSL to NL7RR.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 25 July 11, 2024] (0712-0726)
LA, NORWAY.
Carlos, LA9PJA expects to be active as LA9PJA/p from
Hadseloya, Vesteralen Islands (EU-033) from July 15th to 26th.
QSL cards will not be available, but QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW and
ClubLog for IOTA matching. QSL via eQSL.
-[425DXN # 1731 July 6, 2024] (0712-0726)
OE, AUSTRIA.
Special event stations OE2XXM
and OE5XXM
are QRV during July
around the 38th International Amateur Radio meeting in Gosau. QSL via
bureau.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 25 July 11, 2024] (0712-0802)
OE, AUSTRIA.
Celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Rhein Ruhr DX Association
(https://rrdxa.org/), Tom, OE4EIE is active as OE4RRDXA from July 1st to September 30th.
QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW and ClubLog; paper QSL cards will not be
available.
-[425DXN # 1731 July 6, 2024] (0705-0927)
OE, AUSTRIA.
Special callsign OE7ØVIE
marks the 70th anniversary of Vienna International Airport (IATA code
VIE) from June 21st
to September 30th. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS
(preferred), LoTW in due course, or via OE6VIE.
-[425DXN # 1729 June 22, 2024] (0621-0927)
OX, GREENLAND.
Bo, OZ1DJJ will be active again as OX3LX
from Greenland from June
28th to July 16th.
In his spare time, he will be QRV on 4 and 6m, as well as on the HF
bands, from grids GP47, GP60, GP80 (Sammisoq aka Christian IV Island,
NA-151) "and maybe some more during day trips". QSL via OZØJ.
-[425DXN # 1730 June 29, 2024] (0628-0719)
OZ, DENMARK.
The following special event callsigns celebrate the 60th anniversary of
IOTA until the end
of August:
OZ6ØIOTA
(mainland),
5P6ØIOTA/Ø
(EU-030),
5P6ØIOTA/1
(EU-171),
5P6ØIOTA/2
(EU-172),
5P6ØIOTA/5
(EU-125),
5P6ØIOTA/8
(EU-088),
5P6ØIOTA/9
(EU-029).
For a schedule of activities see: https://www.supersaas.dk/schedule/EDR/OZ60IOTA.
A number of certificates will be available, see https://www.qrz.com/db/OZ60IOTA for
complete information. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS
(preferred), LoTW, or via OZ1ACB.
-[DXNL # 2413 July 3, 2024] (0705-0830)
PJ7, SINT
MAARTEN. Eric, GM5RDX will be active as PJ7/GM5RDX from July 15th to 30th.
QSL via LoTW, eQSL, ClubLog's OQRS,
or the Bureau.
-[DXNL # 2414 July 10, 2024] (0712-0802)
S2, BANGLADESH.
Abdullah, S21AF
has been active on 17 meters using FT8 around 1930z. QSL via I8KHC.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 25 July 11, 2024] (0712-0802)
SP, POLAND.
Special callsign SN91LOT
will be active on July
1st-31st
to commemorate the 91st anniversary of the ill-fated flight of
Lithuanian pilots Steponas Darius and Stasys Girenas. On July 15, 1933,
they attempted a nonstop flight from New York City to Kaunas in a small
airplane named "Lituanica". After crossing the Atlantic Ocean, they
crashed on July 17 when they were only 650km short of their final
destination. QSL via SP1PMY.
-[425DXN # 1730 June 29, 2024] (0628-0802)
UA9, ASIATIC
RUSSIA. Team RI8KK
(R1IB, R1II, RL1I and RG5G) will gather in Vorkuta on July 14th-16th,
then will leave for Yarynskaya, on the coast of Baydaratskaya Bay.
Depending on local conditions, plans are to be active from the
Marresal'skiye Koshki Islands (AS-089, RR-06-02). If possible, they
will also be QRV from the islands of Khaleyngo (RR-06-62) and Khalengo
(RR-06-63). After that, if there is time, they will be QRV as RI1PP
from the Karskaya Bay Islands (RR-06-61). QSLs via R1II.
-[425DXN # 1732 July 13, 2024] (0712-0802)
UR, UKRAINE.
Special callsign EM1ØØWJZ
commemorates the 100th anniversary of the first amateur radio activity
from the ancient city of Lwow, nowadays Lviv. It was conducted by
15-year-old Jan Zembicki, LW3 (then SP3AR, SP1AR, and finally SP6FZ), a
founding member of the Lviv Shortwave Club (LKK) and an outstanding
figure in the history of Polish amateur radio. EM1ØØWJZ will be active
from July 1st to
December 31st. QSL via UR4WWE.
-[425DXN # 1729 June 22, 2024] (0628-0719)
V4, ST. KITTS
& NEVIS. Eric, GM5RDX will be active as V4/GM5RDX from July 15th to 30th.
QSL via LoTW, eQSL, ClubLog's OQRS,
or the Bureau.
-[DXNL # 2414 July 10, 2024] (0712-0802)
VK9L, LORD HOWE
I. Jeff, W7BRS is QRV as VK2/W7BRS until August 1st.
Activity is on 160 to 10 meters using CW, SSB, and FT8. This includes
being an entry in the upcoming RSGB IOTA contest (July 27th-28th). QSL
via MØURX's OQRS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 25 July 11, 2024] (0712-0802)\
VP5, TURKS
& CAICOS IS. Juan, AC6ZM, is expected to be active
as VP5/AC6ZM
from the Turks and Caicos Islands until July 17th.
Activity will be on various HF bands. QSL via LoTW, Eqsl.
-[OPDX July 12, 2024] (0712-0719)
XU, CAMBODIA.
Tom, DL7BO is QRV as XU7GNY
until July 21st.
Activity is on 160 to 6 meters using CW, SSB, and FT8. QSL via DL4WK.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 24 June 27, 2024] (0628-0726)
XW, LAOS.
Vincent, F4BKV, plans to return to Laos and activate locator squares
via QO-100 as XW4KV
according to the following schedule:
July
10-14, OK17
July
15-16, OL10
July
18, OK09 (briefly, during morning hours)
July
20-21, OK33
July
22-24, OK24.
QSL via ClubLog's OQRS
or via F4BKV.
-[DXNL # 2414 July 10, 2024] (0712-0726)
ZC4, UK
SOVEREIGN BASE AREAS ON CYPRUS. Adrian, GØKOM will be
active as ZC4MK
from the UK Sovereign Base Areas on Cyprus (AS-004) on July 10th-17th.
He will concentrate on 6 meters, "with other bands a secondary
consideration if 6m is not open". QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
or GØKOM.
-[425DXN # 1729 June 22, 2024] (0705-0719)
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 Tuesday, July 9th through yesterday, July 16th.
The average solar flux was 225, up 55 points from the previous week,
with a weekly high of 242 on Tuesday, July 16th, following
a low of 180 on July 9th. The solar flux reading of 242 is a new high
for Solar Cycle 25.
The average sunspot count was 204, up 76 from last week,
peaking at 250 on Tuesday, July 16th after a
weekly low of 143 on July 9th.
The Planetary K-index weekly average was 2.4 with a
maximum of 3.3 on Tuesday, July 16th, resulting
in generally quiet geomagnetic conditions.
Solar flare activity since July 10th has been extremely high with 26
major flares, the largest of which was a major X 1.9 event on Tuesday,
July 16th.
Propagation
Data
Major solar flares, Wednesday, July 10th through 1241 UTC, July 17th.
| # | Date | UTC | Mag. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jul 17 | 0945 | M 1.2 |
| 2 | Jul 17 | 0639 | M 5.0 |
| 3 | Jul 16 | 2206 | M 1.9 |
| 4 | Jul 16 | 2124 | M 1.6 |
| 5 | Jul 16 | 1326 | X 1.9 |
| 6 | Jul 16 | 0737 | M 3.6 |
| 7 | Jul 16 | 0301 | M 1.4 |
| 8 | Jul 15 | 0937 | M 2.7 |
| 9 | Jul 15 | 0345 | M 1.2 |
| 10 | Jul 14 | 2057 | M 1.0 |
| 11 | Jul 14 | 1020 | M 1.0 |
| 12 | Jul 14 | 0413 | M 3.0 |
| 13 | Jul 14 | 0234 | X 1.2 |
| 14 | Jul 14 | 0116 | M 1.7 |
| 15 | Jul 13 | 2301 | M 5.0 |
| 16 | Jul 13 | 1930 | M 1.0 |
| 17 | Jul 13 | 1544 | M 1.9 |
| 18 | Jul 13 | 1530 | M 1.8 |
| 19 | Jul 13 | 1242 | M 5.3 |
| 20 | Jul 13 | 0318 | M 1.4 |
| 21 | Jul 11 | 0625 | M 1.2 |
| 22 | Jul 11 | 0417 | M 1.2 |
| 23 | Jul 10 | 1304 | M 1.1 |
| 24 | Jul 10 | 1204 | M 1.4 |
| 25 | Jul 10 | 0945 | M 1.3 |
| 26 | Jul 10 | 0559 | M 1.5 |
(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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 17 | 70% | 25% | 240 |
| Jul 18 | 55% | 10% | 238 |
| Jul 19 | 55% | 10% | 238 |
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 July 15, 2024).
|
|
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X-Class Solar
Flare
Departing sunspot AR3638 exploded today (July
16th @ 1326 UT), producing an X1.9-class
solar flare. NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory recorded the extreme
ultraviolet flash:
Radiation from the flare caused a deep shortwave radio blackout over
the Atlantic Ocean: map.
Transatlantic mariners and ham radio operators may have noticed loss of
signal at all frequencies below 30 MHz for as much as an hour after the
flare.
Watch
the movie again.
It shows the explosion ascending through the magnetic canopy of the
sunspot at ~45,000 mph. The upward motion probably propelled a CME into
space. Stay tuned for updates as new coronagraph images become
available.
(Copyright © SpaceWeather.com July 16, 2024. Republished by
permission.)
Highs
for Cycle 25
Solar Flux: 242 on
July 16, 2024.
Sunspots: 283 on April 21, 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IARU HF World Championship | Jul 13 | 1200Z | Jul 14 | 1200Z | Rules |
| CQ Worldwide VHF Contest | Jul 20 | 1800Z | Jul 21 | 2100Z | Rules |
| North American QSO Party, RTTY | Jul 20 | 1800Z | Jul 21 | 0559Z | Rules |
| RSGB IOTA Contest | Jul 27 | 1200Z | Jul 28 | 1200Z | Rules |
| Alabama QSO Party | Jul 27 | 1500Z | Jul 28 | 0300Z | Rules |
| 10-10 Int. Summer Contest, SSB | Aug 3 | 0001Z | Aug 4 | 2359Z | Rules |
| North American QSO Party, CW | Aug 3 | 1800Z | Aug 4 | 0600Z | Rules |
| WAE DX Contest, CW | Aug 10 | 0000Z | Aug 11 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Maryland-DC QSO Party | Aug 10 | 1400Z | Aug 11 | 0400Z | Rules |
| North American QSO Party, SSB | Aug 17 | 1800Z | Aug 18 | 0600Z | Rules |
| ARRL Rookie Roundup, RTTY | Aug 18 | 1800Z | Aug 18 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Hawaii QSO Party | Aug 24 | 0400Z | Aug 26 | 0400Z | Rules |
| World Wide Digi DX Contest | Aug 24 | 1200Z | Aug 25 | 1200Z | Rules |
| YO DX HF Contest | Aug 24 | 1200Z | Aug 25 | 1200Z | Rules |
| Kansas QSO Party | Aug 24 | 1400Z | Aug 25 | 2000Z | Rules |
| Ohio QSO Party | Aug 24 | 1600Z | Aug 25 | 0400Z | Rules |
| UK/EI DX Contest, SSB | Aug 31 | 1200Z | Sep 1 | 1200Z | Rules |
| Tennessee QSO Party | Sep 1 | 1700Z | Sep 2 | 0300Z | Rules |
| CWOps CW Open | Sep 7 | 0000Z | Sep 7 | 2359Z | Rules |
| North American Sprint, CW | Sep 8 | 0000Z | Sep 8 | 0400Z | Rules |
| WAE DX Contest, SSB | Sep 14 | 0000Z | Sep 15 | 2359Z | Rules |
| ARRL September VHF Contest | Sep 14 | 1800Z | Sep 16 | 0300Z | Rules |
| North American Sprint, RTTY | Sep 15 | 0000Z | Sep 15 | 0400Z | Rules |
| Scandinavian Activity Contest, CW | Sep 21 | 1200Z | Sep 22 | 1200Z | Rules |
| Iowa QSO Party | Sep 21 | 1400Z | Sep 22 | 0200Z | Rules |
| Texas QSO Party | Sep 21 | 1400Z | Sep 22 | 0200Z | Rules |
| Sep 22 | 1400Z | Sep 22 | 2000Z | ||
| Wisconsin Parks on the Air | Sep 21 | 1600Z | Sep 21 | 2300Z | Rules |
| New Jersey QSO Party | Sep 21 | 1600Z | Sep 22 | 0359Z | Rules |
| New Hampshire QSO Party | Sep 21 | 1600Z | Sep 21 | 2200Z | Rules |
| Sep 22 | 1600Z | Sep 22 | 2200Z | ||
| Washington State Salmon Run | Sep 21 | 1600Z | Sep 22 | 0700Z | Rules |
| Sep 22 | 1600Z | Sep 22 | 2400Z | ||
| CQ Worldwide DX Contest, RTTY | Sep 28 | 0000Z | Sep 29 | 2400Z | Rules |
| Maine QSO Party | Sep 28 | 1200Z | Sep 29 | 1200Z | Rules |
| Oceania DX Contest, Phone | Oct 5 | 0600Z | Oct 6 | 0600Z | Rules |
| California QSO Party | Oct 5 | 1600Z | Oct 6 | 2200Z | Rules |