The
Eastern Iowa DX Bulletin
Number
260, February 7, 2025
Craig Fastenow, KØCF, Editor
This bulletin is a compilation of currently active DX operations (or those that will become active within the current week) from recent issues of the three DX bulletins listed below and other sources. Credit for the source is given at the end of each article.
Articles are ordered by the entity's callsign prefix from the ARRL DXCC Entities List. Callsigns used are in bold with dates of operation highlighted in red. Clickable links are provided for QSL and other information wherever possible. Note that articles may be edited for grammar, language, style and accuracy and will remain in The Bulletin while active; articles that are announcements of ongoing operations, or that have no specified end date, will be removed after three weeks.
Also included is a Propagation section, updated daily; and a Contest Calendar of upcoming popular contests.
DX News
items are courtesy of:
The ARRL DX Bulletin
The bulletin is available at http://www.arrl.org
425 DX News, A.R.I. DX Bulletin (425DXN)
Edited by Mauro Pregliasco, I1JQJ
& Valeria Pregliasco, IK1ADH
425 DX News Home Page: https://www.425dxn.org/
425 DX News Google Group: https://groups.google.com/g/425eng
DX Newsletter (DXNL)
Edited by Andreas Salder, DK5ON
A weekly service of DARC Committee
"DX", http://www.darcdxhf.de
Ohio-Penn DX Bulletin (OPDX)
Edited by Tedd Mirgliotta, KB8NW.
Although OPDX is no longer
published as a weekly bulletin, Tedd
still sends DX news emails.
We will occasionally publish some of
them.
Propagation data is from:
National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration's
Space Weather Prediction
Center
Dr. Tony Phillips' SpaceWeather.com,
used by permission
Contest data
courtesy of the WA7BNM
Contest Calendar
DX
News
5N, NIGERIA.
The 5N9DTG
DXpedition is still on
hold due to air travel problems.
-[DXNL # 2444 February 5, 2025] (0207-0214)
5V, TOGO.
Antonio, IK7WUL is QRV as 5VØDX
until February 14th.
Activity is in his spare time on 10 meters using SSB. QSL via I8KHC, LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 6 February 6, 2025] (0207-0214)
6W, SENEGAL.
Willy, ON4AVT, signs 6W7/ON4AVT
from February 2nd to
April 10th from the town Warang. QRV on 80-10m (CW, SSB,
FT8) and via QO-100. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW, eQSL.
-[DXNL # 2443 January 29, 2025] (0131-0411)
8R, GUYANA.
Aldir, PY1SAD, remains on the air until February 8th
as 8R1TM.
QSL via PY1SAD.
-[DXNL # 2444 February 5, 2025] (0207-0214)
9A, CROATIA.
Special callsign 9A2Ø25HWC
marks the 29th edition of the IHF World Men's Handball Championship
that is being held right now
until February 2nd. The special callsign, however, will be in use until June 30th.
QSOs are uploaded to QRZ Logbook and ClubLog. QSL via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1761 February 1, 2025] (0131-0221)
9X, RWANDA.
Harold, DF2WO will be active again as 9X2AW from Rwanda
from January 27th to
February 15th. Usually he operates CW, SSB and FT8/FT4 on
160-6 meters, and via QO-100. QSL via MØOXO's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1760 January 25, 2025] (0124-0214)
A9, BAHRAIN.
Special callsign A975IARU
is for the Bahrain Amateur Radio
Society's celebration of the
75th anniversary of IARU Region 1. Activity will begin on February 6th-10th
and will continue for five
days each month starting on the 6th until the end of the
year. QSL via EC6DX.
-[425DXN # 1761 February 1, 2025] (0131-0221)
A9, BAHRAIN.
Special callsign A91ØØIARU
is for the Bahrain Amateur Radio Society's
celebration of
the 100th anniversary of the International Amateur Radio Union. Look
for activity for five
days each month during 2025. QSL via EC6DX.
-[425DXN # 1760 January 25, 2025] (0124-0214)
C2, NAURU.
Phill, FK1TS is QRV as C21TS
and plans to extend his stay on Nauru until September 2025
with hopeful ventures also on 160m, into SSB operating, and with a
projected QSO total goal of 100,000 (currently at 83k). QSL via LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2443 January 29, 2025] (0131-0221)
C5, THE GAMBIA.
Przemo, SP3PS is QRV as C5SP
until mid-March.
Activity is on 20 to 10 meters using SSB and FT8. QSL to SP3PS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 3 January 16, 2025] (0117-0314)
C6, BAHAMAS.
Chip, K2KJD and John, K4SGR will be QRV as C6ADA from New
Providence from February
12th to 16th.
Activity will be on the HF bands using CW, SSB, and some FT8. They will
try to activate new POTA locations and Lighthouses. QSL via K2KJD.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 6 February 6, 2025] (0207-0221)
CE9, ANTARCTICA.
Alex, DL2ALY is QRV as DPØGVN
from Neumayer III Station. Activity is on the HF bands using SSB and
various digital modes. He may soon be active using CW. This includes
being an entry in the upcoming ARRL DX CW contest (February 15-16). QSL
via DL5EBE.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 6 February 6, 2025] (0207-0228)
CE9, ANTARCTICA.
Mika, OH2FFP is QRV as OJ1ABOA
from the Finnish Antarctic Station Aboa (AN-016) until February 12th.
QSL to OH2FFP.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 5 January 30, 2025] (0131-0214)
CE9, ANTARCTICA.
Felix, DL5XL will be QRV as DP1POL
from the German research station Neumayer III, IOTA AN-016, from January 12th to February 25th.
Activity will be in his spare time on the HF bands using mostly CW with
some SSB and various digital modes. QSL via DL1ZBO.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 2 January 9, 2025] (0110-0228)
D4, CAPE VERDE.
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the independence of Cabo Verde
(July 5, 1975), the Monteverde Contest Team (D4C) and Paolo, D44PM will
be active as D45ØICV
until December 31st.
They will operate across all bands and modes, primarily focusing on HF.
Watch https://www.facebook.com/D4C.STATION
for updates. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1762 February 8, 2025] (0207-0228)
D4, CAPE VERDE.
Claudio, HB9OAU will be active holiday style as D44OA from Sal
Island (AF-086), Cape Verde on February
5th to 18th.
He will operate SSB and CW on 40-6 meters. QSOs will be uploaded also
to ClubLog. QSL via LoTW and eQSL (paper cards will not be provided).
-[425DXN # 1759 January 18, 2025] (0131-0221)
DL, GERMANY.
Special callsign DAØIARU
(special DOK IARU00) celebrates the IARU centenary until April 27th.
QSL will be sent automagically via the bureau; direct via DL2VFR.
-[DXNL # 2444 February 5, 2025] (0207-0307)
DL, GERMANY.
Special callsign DAØLH
(special DOK 25ILLW), associated with the lighship Laesoe Rende, will
be active throughout
2025. QSL via DK5ON, ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2442 January 22, 2025] (0124-0214)
DL, GERMANY.
Special callsign DL1ØØDM
celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Deutsches Museum (German
Museum) in Munich during
2025. QSL via DL8FA.
-[DXNL # 2442 January 22, 2025] (0124-0214)
DL, GERMANY.
Special callsign DL2Ø25C
celebrates Chemnitz as one of
the European Capitals of Culture 2025 from January 18th until March
31st. In addition, DL2Ø25B,
DL2Ø25E, DL2Ø25W, and DL2Ø25S will also be
active, marking previous German cities similarly honored (Berlin,
Essen, Weimar) and the DARC district Saxony, where Chemnitz is located.
An award program is also available; see https://www.2025c.de.
QSL only
in various digital forms.
-[DXNL # 2441 January 15, 2025] (0117-0328)
DXCC TOP TWENTY.
Here are the top 20 entities on ClubLog’s "DXCC Most Wanted" list as of
February 7, 2025:
1. P5 DPRK
(North Korea) 11.
ZS8 Prince Edward &
Marion Islands
2. BS7H Scarborough
Reef 12.
KH4 Midway Island
3. CEØX San Felix
Islands 13. VKØM Macquarie
Island
4. BV9P Pratas
Island 14.
PYØS Saint Peter And Paul Rocks
5. KH7K Kure
Island
15. KP5 Desecheo Island
6.
KH3 Johnston
Island 16.
VPØS South Sandwich Islands
7. 3Y/P Peter 1
Island 17.
ZL9 New Zealand Subantarctic
Islands
8. FT5/X Kerguelen
Island 18.
FK/C Chesterfield Islands
9. YVØ Aves
Island
19. VKØH Heard Island
10. 3Y/B Bouvet
Island 20.
FT/T Tromelin Island
For the complete list, see
https://clublog.org/mostwanted.php
-[KØCF February 7, 2025 (0207-0228)
EA, SPAIN.
Special callsigns AO1WRD,
AO2WRD, AO3WRD, AO4WRD, AO5WRD, AO6WRD (Balearic
Islands), AO7WRD,
AO8WRD
(Canary Islands) and AO9WRD
(Ceuta and Melilla) are expected to be active on February 7th-16th
in celebration of World Radio Day. World Radio Day (February 13) was
proclaimed in 2011 by the Member States of UNESCO, and adopted by the
United Nations General Assembly in 2012 as an International Day. This
year's theme is "Radio and Climate Change". QSL for all callsigns
direct to EA3RKF.
-[425DXN # 1761 February 1, 2025] (0207-0221)
F, FRANCE.
Francois, F8DVD will be QRV as TM22AAW
from Macon on February
2nd and 3rd, and then between February 8th to 20th for the
22nd International Antarctic Week. Activity will be on 40 to 10 meters.
QSL to F8DVD.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 5 January 30, 2025] (0131-0221)
FM, MARTINIQUE.
Yuri, VE3DZ will be active as FM/VE3DZ
from Martinique (NA-107) from February
11th to 18th. He will participate in the ARRL DX
CW Contest (February 15th-16th) as TO4A. QSLs via LoTW,
ClubLog's OQRS,
or via VE3DZ.
-[425DXN # 1762 February 8, 2025] (0207-0221)
H4, SOLOMON IS.
Bernhard, DL2GAC will be active again as H44MS from the
Solomon Islands from February
9th to May 7th. He is usually QRV daily, with activity on
80-6 meters SSB and FT8. QSL via DL2GAC.
-[425DXN # 1761 February 1, 2025] (0207-0509)
HBØ,
LIECHTENSTEIN. Members of the Ham Radio Interest Group
will be QRV as HBØDX
from Eschen as a Multi/Single entry in the CQ WW WPX RTTY contest (February 8th-9th).
QSL via DL3DXX.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 6 February 6, 2025] (0207-0214)
HP, PANAMA.
Bob, NC6Q, operates as HP1TT
from February 1st to
17th on 40, 20, 15, and 10m on CW and SSB. QSL via NC6Q.
-[DXNL # 2443 January 29, 2025] (0131-0221)
I, ITALY.
Special callsign II3MPL
celebrates the 50th anniversary of ARI Merano/Meran (IQ3MP). Look for
activity from February
1st until May 1st.
-[425DXN # 1761 February 1, 2025] (0131-0221)
ISØ, SARDINIA.
Special callsign IRØAPTT
celebrates the 50th anniversary of ARI Porto Torres (IQØAK), Sardinia.
Look for activity on all bands and modes from February 12th until May 12th.
QSL via the bureau or direct to IRØAPTT.
-[425DXN # 1762 February 8, 2025] (0207-0307)
J5,
GUINEA-BISSAU. Livio, IZ3BUR will be active again as J52EC from
Guinea-Bissau from January
26th to March 1st. In his spare time, he will be QRV on
20, 15 and 10 meters SSB and possibly digital modes. QSL direct to IZ3BUR.
-[425DXN # 1757 January 4, 2025] (0124-0228)
J7, DOMINICA.
Oliver, W6NV, plans to operate as J79NV
during February,
with a focus on the ARRL CW contest (February 15th-16th) single op,
maybe as J75A,
and ARRL SSB contest (March 1st-2nd) together with FM5BH (J79BH), F8AAN
(J79AN), and F5VHJ (J79AC). QSL for J79NV via W6NV; no info
yet for J75A which has been used once before.
-[DXNL # 2443 January 29, 2025] (0131-0307)
KH9, WAKE I.
Allan, KH7AL is active as KH7AL/KH9
in his spare time while on work assignment on Wake Island (OC-053). "I
have a little less than two months to go on this trip until I head home
for a month", he says. According to his new website (https://kh7al.site),
his next activities are scheduled as follows: February 2nd at
2000 UTC on 10m SSB; February
3rd at 0730 UTC on 12m SSB; February 17th at
0730 UTC on 12m CW (QRS, 17 WPM); February 17th at
1930 UTC on 10m CW (tentative). Logsearch on ClubLog. QSL via LoTW, QRZ
Logbook, or via KH7AL.
-[425DXN # 1761 February 1, 2025] (0131-0221)
LA, NORWAY.
Special callsign LA1ØØA
marks the centenary of the first amateur radio contact between Norway
and the USA in 1925, when Johannes Diesen, LA1A, and U1YB (Dartmouth
College) had a QSO on November 25th of that year. QSL via LA1ØØA,
LoTW, qrz.com.
-[DXNL # 2442 January 22, 2025] (0124-0214)
LZ, BUGARIA.
Special event station LZ75IPA
will be active throughout
2025 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the
International Police Association. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
or LZ3HI.
-[425DXN # 1761 February 1, 2025] (0131-0221)
OE, AUSTRIA.
Special event station OE25SKI
will be QRV from Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Leogang from February 4th to 16th
in celebration of the 2025 Ski Championship. Activity will be on 160
meters through 23 centimeters. QSL cards will automatically be sent via
the bureau and eQSL.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 5 January 30, 2025] (0131-0221)
OH, FINLAND.
Ric, DL2VFR, and Georg, DL4SVA, are going to put OH73ELK on the air
from February 7th to
20th. DJ9BX joins them on the 12th. For contests they will
use the callsign OG7Z.
OH/DL2VFR also hopes to activate OHFF references, depending on local
snow conditions.
-[DXNL # 2444 February 5, 2025] (0207-0221)
OHØ, ALAND IS.
Alex, SA2SAA will be QRV as OHØ/SE2QRP
on 10 meters in the CQ WW WPX RTTY contest (February 8th-9th).
QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 6 February 6, 2025] (0207-0214)
P2, PAPUA NEW
GUINEA. Xu, BG5DON is QRV as P29XZ
near Port Moresby while on work assignment. Activity is in his spare
time, mostly during the weekends, on 20, 17, 15, 10, and 6 meters using
FT8 with low power. QSL to BG5DON.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 4 January 23, 2025] (0124-0214)
P4, ARUBA.
John, W2GD will be active as P44W
from Aruba (SA-036) on February
10th-18th.
He will operate CW, with some focus on 30, 17 and 12 meters, and will
participate in the ARRL DX CW Contest (February 15th-16th). QSL via
LoTW, or direct to N2MM.
-[425DXN # 1762 February 8, 2025] (0207-0221)
P4, ARUBA.
Marty, KE4TT, will be active from Aruba (SA-036) as P4/KE4TT from February 7th to March 11th.
He will operate CW, SSB and FT8 on various HF bands. QSL via LoTW, ClubLog's OQRS,
or KE4TT.
-[425DXN # 1761 February 1, 2025] (0207-0314)
PA, NETHERLANDS.
Commemorating the 80th anniversary of Operation Veritable during World
War II, special event station PA8ØOV
will be active on February
13th-28th. See https://rclb.nl/pa80ov
for more information. Operation Veritable was the northern part of an
Allied pincer movement that took place during the final stages of the
conflict (February 8 - March 11, 1945). All QSOs will be confirmed
automatically via the bureau; direct cards via PD8RW.
-[425DXN # 1762 February 8, 2025] (0207-0228)
PJ2, CURACAO.
Rudolph, NF9V, will be back on the bands as PJ2/NF9V from February 11th to 18th.
QRV on 160-10m and as part of the PJ2T
team for the ARRL DX CW Contest (February
15th-16th). QSL for PJ2/NF9V via NF9V, LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2444 February 5, 2025] (0207-0221)
PJ2, CURACAO.
Thaire, W2APF will be active as PJ2/W2APF
from January 12th to
April 8th. He will operate CW, SSB and FT8 on 80-10
meters. QSL via LoTW or W2APF.
-[425DXN # 1757 January 4, 2025] (0110-0404)
PJ7, SINT
MAARTEN. Jeff, VA3QSL will be active holiday style as PJ7/VA3QSL from Sint
Maarten (NA-105) from January
27th to February 16th. He will operate SSB, CW and digital
modes on 40-6 meters. QSLs via LoTW, or VA3QSL.
-[425DXN # 1756 December 28, 2024] (0124-0221)
PY, BRAZIL.
Special event call PV91L
is QRV until
February 15th
to celebrate the 91st anniversary of LABRE. Activity is on all bands
and modes, including some on various Satellites. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 6 February 6, 2025] (0207-0214)
S5, SLOVENIA.
Special callsign S51ØØIARU
is for members of the Zveza Radio-amaterjev Slovenije (Association of
Radio Amateurs of Slovenia) celebrating the 100th anniversary of the
IARU until December
31st. QSL via LoTW, or via the bureau.
-[425DXN # 1762 February 8, 2025] (0207-0228)
S7, SEYCHELLES.
Bruno, VE3BRU will be QRV as S79/VE3BRU
from Eden Island (AF-024) from February
4th to 20th. Activity will be on 40 to 10 meters using CW
and SSB. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 5 January 30, 2025] (0131-0221)
SU, EGYPT.
Vladimir, UA4WHX is QRV as SU9VB
and has been active on 20, 12, and 10 meters using CW. QSL to UA4WHX.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 4 January 23, 2025] (0124-0214)
TA, TURKEY.
Special callsign TC8DX
will be active on February
5th-17th
to honor the memory of Mustafa Asim Ezer (TA8DX), who lost his life in
the catastrophic earthquake that struck Turkey on February 6, 2023.
Certificate on https://tadx.org/awards.
QSL via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1761 February 1, 2025] (0131-0221)
TJ,
CAMEROON. Thierry, TK1CX is QRV as TJ/TK1CX until the end of February.
Activity is in his spare time on 20 to 10 meters using mostly FT8 and
low power. QSL via LoTW, eQSL, or EA5ZD.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 47 December 19, 2024] (1220-0228)
TY, BENIN.
Gerard, F5NVF is QRV as TY5C
from Godomey until
April 2nd. Activity is holiday style on 80 to 6 meters
using CW, SSB, and FT8. QSL direct to F5RAV, or via
LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 2 January 9, 2025] (0110-0404)
TZ, MALI.
Ulmar, DK1CE will be active as TZ1CE
from Bamako, Mali from February
12th to March 4th.
He will operate SSB and FT8 on 160-6 meters, with special attention to
160m FT8, 80m FT8 and 6m. QSOs will be uploaded to ClubLog and LoTW and
will be confirmed automatically via the bureau.
-[425DXN # 1762 February 8, 2025] (0207-0307)
V4, ST KITTS
& NEVIS. Tom, KØYA, and his wife Antoinette,
W5RCX, sign V4/KØYA
and V4/W5RCX,
respectively until
March 4th. Tom will be active during the ARRL DX CW
Contest (February
15th-16th) as V47Y.
QSL via LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2444 February 5, 2025] (0207-0307)
V7, MARSHALL IS.
Nac, JA1CCH will be active as V73PP
from Majuro (OC-029), Marshall Islands on February 7th-11th.
He will operate CW and RTTY on 40-10m, and will participate in the CQ
WPX RTTY Contest (February 8th-9th). QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW and
ClubLog after he returns home.
-[425DXN # 1762 February 8, 2025] (0207-0214)
V7, MARSHALL IS.
Sven, DJ4MX, Yannick, DK1YH, Philipp, DK6SP, Braco, E77DX, Tomi, HA8RT
and Jamie, MØSDV, will be active as V73WW
from Majuro (OC-029), Marshall Islands from February 12th to 23rd.
They will operate CW, SSB, RTTY and FT8 with four stations. Plans are
to participate in the ARRL DX CW Contest (February 15th-16th).
See https://next-generation-dx.com/v7/
for V73WW's band plan and other information. Updates on https://www.facebook.com/RMI2025.
QSL via LoTW, ClubLog's OQRS,
or DJ4MX.
-[425DXN # 1759 January 18, 2025] (0207-0228)
VK9C, COCOS
(KEELING) IS. Larry, W5EIT will be active holiday style as
VK9/W5EIT on
February 11th-18th.
He will operate CW and FT8 on 40-10 meters and may try RTTY or SSB if
conditions permit. See https://w5eit.org/vk9c/
for more information and updates. QSL via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1761 February 1, 2025] (0207-0221)
VP2E, ANGUILLA.
Chuck, KG9N is QRV as VP2ECV
until February 18th.
Activity is on all HF bands using CW. This includes being an entry in
the CQ WW WPX RTTY contest (February
8-9) and in the upcoming ARRL DX CW contest (February 15-16).
QSL via KG9N.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 6 February 6, 2025] (0207-0221)
VU, INDIA.
Team AU2V
is QRV from Sacrifice Rock (AS-161) until February 10.
Six operators (VU2RS, VU3WEW, VU3GDS, VU2TT, VU3DXA and VU3TPW) will
use two stations around the clock, one for SSB/CW and the other for FT8
(F/H). Depending on conditions, they may set up a third station. Donors
will not need to send additional QSL requests. QSL via MØOXO's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1762 February 8, 2025] (0207-0214)
VU, INDIA.
Special callsign AU75BSG
will be used by members of the Rajapalayam International Radio
Communicator's Club (VU2IRD) to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the
Bharat Scouts & Guides. QSL via VU2JFF.
-[DXNL # 2442 January 22, 2025] (0124-0214)
YB, INDONESIA.
Emmanuel, F5LIT expects to be active again as YB9/F5LIT from Bali
Island (OC-022) from January
28th to February 18th. He usually operates SSB on 40-10
meters. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW, or direct to F5LIT.
-[425DXN # 1760 January 25, 2025] (0124-0221)
YN, NICARAGUA.
N3QQ, W8HC, K5MSK, NL8F, OK8AU, RW3RN, R1BIG, and R9LR will operate
from February 11th
to 16th as YN6RRC
from Complejo Volcanico San Cristobal (POTA NI-055), as H7RRC from Isla Del
Cardon (NA-212), and as YN8/KL7RRC
from POTA NI-011. At present, all callsigns still need approval from
the relevant authorities.
-[DXNL # 2444 February 5, 2025] (0207-0221)
YS, EL SALVADOR.
Dave, WJ2O will be active as YS1/WJ2O
from La Libertad, El Salvador on February 12th-19th,
including an entry in the ARRL DX CW Contest (February 15th-16th). QSL
via N2ZN.
-[425DXN # 1762 February 8, 2025] (0207-0221)
ZD7, ST. HELENA.
Gan, KY8D will be active as ZD7KYD
until February 15th.
He will operate CW on 60-10 meters. For more information see https://www.qrz.com/db/ZD7KYD.
QSL via LoTW or KY8D.
-[425DXN # 1761 February 1, 2025] (0207-0221)
ZS, SOUTH AFRICA.
Special event stations ZS1ØØSARL,
ZS6SRL, and ZS9HQ are QRV during all of 2025
to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the South African Relay League.
QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 4 January 23, 2025] (0124-0214)
Propagation (Updated daily)
The Weekly Solar Data chart plots Solar Flux Index (SFI), Sunspot number (SSN) and Planetary K-Index (Kp) for the past 8 days. With 8 Planetary K-index readings each day, only the minimum, average and maximum K-index values are plotted. Note: You may click here or on the chart above to see the same data for the past month.
The Daily Solar Flux Index, Sunspot number, Planetary
K-index,
Solar Flux predictions and Solar Flare data used in this bulletin have
been collected by
KØCF from from the U.S. Department of Commerce's NOAA
Space Weather Prediction Center.
The propagation graphs above are the creations of KØCF and are unique
in space weather reporting.
Please Note: The graphs are high resolution .PNG files which you may view in greater detail using your browser's "zoom" feature. Alternatively, right click on the graph and select "Open Image in New Tab" to enlarge it, or "Save Image As..." to save it to your computer for further analysis.
NASA's current view of the Sun at a wave- length of 131 Angstroms. This wavelength shows incredible solar detail. Click here or on the image to view as a full screen 48-hour video loop. It is fascinating! |
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Propagation
Summary
For the 8 day period from Friday, January 31st through yesterday, February 7th.
The average solar flux was 200, up 21 points from the previous week,
with a weekly high of 220 on Monday, February 3rd, followed by
a low of 182 on February 7th.
The average sunspot count was 165, up 23 from last week,
peaking at 194 on Tuesday, February 4th after a
weekly low of 141 on January 31st.
The Planetary K-index weekly average was 2.8 with a
maximum of 4.3 on Sunday, February 2nd, indicating
generally quiet geomagnetic conditions. Yesterday's K-index maximum was 1.3 with generally quiet conditions.
Solar flare activity since February 1st has been very high with
26 major flares, the largest of which was an M 8.8 event on Monday,
February 3rd.
Propagation
Data
Major solar flares, Saturday, February 1st through 1349 UTC, February 8th.
# | Date | UTC | Mag. |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Feb 08 | 0927 | M 2.0 |
2 | Feb 07 | 0921 | M 7.5 |
3 | Feb 07 | 0721 | M 3.2 |
4 | Feb 07 | 0630 | M 1.6 |
5 | Feb 06 | 2326 | M 2.3 |
6 | Feb 06 | 1104 | M 7.6 |
7 | Feb 05 | 0750 | M 2.7 |
8 | Feb 05 | 0315 | M 1.2 |
9 | Feb 04 | 1313 | M 3.2 |
10 | Feb 04 | 1121 | M 4.7 |
11 | Feb 04 | 0518 | M 1.2 |
12 | Feb 04 | 0148 | M 2.6 |
13 | Feb 04 | 0050 | M 1.2 |
14 | Feb 03 | 2112 | M 1.4 |
15 | Feb 03 | 1836 | M 4.3 |
16 | Feb 03 | 1318 | M 6.1 |
17 | Feb 03 | 0913 | M 1.4 |
18 | Feb 03 | 0744 | M 2.5 |
19 | Feb 03 | 0547 | M 3.1 |
20 | Feb 03 | 0358 | M 8.8 |
21 | Feb 02 | 1533 | M 2.7 |
22 | Feb 02 | 1513 | M 1.2 |
23 | Feb 02 | 1404 | M 5.1 |
24 | Feb 02 | 1250 | M 1.4 |
25 | Feb 02 | 1012 | M 3.0 |
26 | Feb 01 | 1319 | M 2.4 |
(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 |
---|---|---|---|
Feb 8 | 70% | 25% | 18 |
Feb 9 | 70% | 25% | /18 |
Feb 10 | 70% | 25% | /18 |
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 February 3, 2025).
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Global
D Region Absorption
Conditions in the D-region of the ionosphere
have a dramatic effect on HF communications. The D-Region Absorption
map combines the effects of solar particles and
photons. Yellow to red colors on the map depict increasing signal
attenuation, where the bar chart at the right displays attenuation
versus frequency. Click the
thumbnail below for an animated map of D-Region Absorption:
The Aurora
Borealis
The aurora is not only beautiful to see but can have a
profound impact on HF and VHF radio propagation. For the HF operator,
auroras can result in a complete shut-down of propagation. However, on
VHF, auroras present interesting DX possibilities. Beam antennas are
very desirable and should be pointed north, towards the aurora. Signals
are reflected by “back-scatter” and will be distorted with a rough
buzz. SSB is the best voice mode to use, but copy can be difficult. CW
will have a rough buzzy sound but be perfectly copyable. Click the
thumbnail below for an animated map of aurora versus time:
Highs
for Cycle 25
Solar Flux: 336 on
August 8, 2024.
Sunspots: 382 on August
10, 2024.
Geomagnetic Storm Watch (G1)
NOAA
forecasters say there is a chance of G1-class geomagnetic storms on
Feb. 10-11 when a stream of solar wind is expecte to hit Earth's
magnetic field. The gaseous material is flowing from a crescent-shaped hole in the sun's atmosphere.
(Copyright © SpaceWeather.com February 8, 2025.
Republished by
permission.)
Popular
Propagation web sites
https://prop.kc2g.com/
(Excellent Maximum Usable Frequency map)
NOAA https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/
https://www.spaceweather.com/
https://www.solarham.com/
https://dx.qsl.net/propagation/
A Propagation
Tutorial
The solar X-ray flux tracks solar activity and solar flares.
Solar
flux, which can vary from as low as 50 to as high as 300, influences
the level of ionization in the F2 region of the ionosphere, providing a
very good prediction of HF DX conditions. The higher the solar flux,
the better conditions will be for the higher HF frequencies and even 6
meters. However, the levels need to be maintained for some days to
allow ionization in the F2 layer to build up. A solar flux of 150
results in good HF band conditions, while levels of 200 and up can
provide great conditions.
Large X-ray flares on the sun can
increase the ionization of the D layer of the ionosphere (a lower
layer) on the sunlit side of the Earth, greatly attenuating or blocking
HF radio transmissions for up to a half hour. Solar flares often
produce Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) which, if Earth directed, can
lead to geomagnetic storms. Some large flares are also accompanied by
strong radio bursts that may interfere with other radio frequencies and
cause problems for satellite communication and radio navigation (GPS).
The
Planetary K-index is a measure of the magnitude of geomagnetic storms
and is an excellent indicator of disturbances in the Earth's magnetic
field. A level of 1 or 2 represents quiet geomagnetic conditions; a
reading of 3 or 4 may cause some propagation deterioration; 5 and 6 are
minor to moderate geomagnetic storms; and 7 to 9 are strong, severe,
and extreme storm conditions. Strong geomagnetic storms can trigger
Auroral displays and cause HF radio blackouts. Higher geomagnetic
activity also has the adverse effect of lowering maximum usable
frequencies, much like lower solar flux does.
For
best conditions, the solar flux should be above 150 for a few days with
the K index below 2. When these conditions are met, some good DX is
likely!
-[Compiled from information on NOAA.gov and other sources]
Contest Calendar
Weekly Contests
Contest | Start UTC | End | Web Site | |
---|---|---|---|---|
K1USN Slow Speed Test | Monday | 0000Z | 0100Z | Rules |
ICWC Medium Speed Test | Monday | 1300Z | 1400Z | Rules |
Monday | 1900Z | 2000Z | ||
Tuesday | 0300Z | 0400Z | ||
CWops Test (CWT) | Wednesday | 1300Z | 1400Z | Rules |
Wednesday | 1900Z | 2000Z | ||
Thursday | 0300Z | 0400Z | ||
Thursday | 0700Z | 0800Z | ||
Weekly RTTY Test | Friday | 0145Z | 0215Z | Rules |
NCCC CW Sprint (NS) | Friday | 0230Z | 0300Z | Rules |
Sunday at 7:00 PM in the Central Daylight Saving Time zone, or
Sunday at 6:00 PM in the Central Standard Time zone.
Full Calendar
Contest | Start | End | Web Site | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
CQ WW RTTY WPX Contest | Feb 8 | 0000Z | Feb 9 | 2400Z | Rules |
ARRL School Club Roundup | Feb 10 | 1300Z | Feb 14 | 2359Z | Rules |
ARRL Inter. DX Contest, CW | Feb 15 | 0000Z | Feb 16 | 2400Z | Rules |
CQ 160-Meter Contest, SSB | Feb 21 | 2200Z | Feb 23 | 2159Z | Rules |
South Carolina QSO Party | Feb 22 | 1500Z | Feb 23 | 0159Z | Rules |
North American QSO Party, RTTY | Feb 22 | 1800Z | Feb 23 | 0600Z | Rules |
North Carolina QSO Party | Feb 23 | 1500Z | Feb 24 | 0100Z | Rules |
ARRL Inter. DX Contest, SSB | Mar 1 | 0000Z | Mar 2 | 2400Z | Rules |
Open Ukraine RTTY Championship | Mar 1 | 1800Z | Mar 2 | 1359Z | Rules |
YB DX RTTY Contest | Mar 8 | 0000Z | Mar 8 | 2359Z | Rules |
Oklahoma QSO Party | Mar 8 | 1400Z | Mar 9 | 2100Z | Rules |
Stew Perry Topband Challenge | Mar 8 | 1500Z | Mar 9 | 1500Z | Rules |
Idaho QSO Party | Mar 8 | 1900Z | Mar 9 | 1900Z | Rules |
North American Sprint, RTTY | Mar 9 | 0000Z | Mar 9 | 0359Z | Rules |
Wisconsin QSO Party | Mar 9 | 1800Z | Mar 10 | 0100Z | Rules |
BARTG HF RTTY Contest | Mar 15 | 0200Z | Mar 17 | 0200Z | Rules |
Russian DX Contest | Mar 15 | 1200Z | Mar 16 | 1200Z | Rules |
Virginia QSO Party | Mar 15 | 1400Z | Mar 16 | 2400Z | Rules |
North American SSB Sprint Contest | Mar 23 | 0000Z | Mar 23 | 0400Z | Rules |
CQ WW WPX Contest, SSB | Mar 29 | 0000Z | Mar 30 | 2400Z | Rules |
Louisiana QSO Party | Apr 5 | 1400Z | Apr 6 | 0200Z | Rules |
SP DX Contest | Apr 5 | 1500Z | Apr 6 | 1500Z | Rules |
JIDX CW Contest | Apr 12 | 0700Z | Apr 13 | 1300Z | Rules |
New Mexico QSO Party | Apr 12 | 1400Z | Apr 13 | 0200Z | Rules |
Georgia QSO Party | Apr 12 | 1800Z | Apr 13 | 2359Z | Rules |
ARRL Rookie Roundup, SSB | Apr 13 | 1800Z | Apr 13 | 2359Z | Rules |
Holyland DX Contest | Apr 18 | 2100Z | Apr 19 | 2100Z | Rules |
YU DX Contest | Apr 19 | 0700Z | Apr 20 | 0659Z | Rules |
Michigan QSO Party | Apr 19 | 1600Z | Apr 20 | 0400Z | Rules |
Ontario QSO Party | Apr 19 | 1800Z | Apr 20 | 1800Z | Rules |
Quebec QSO Party | Apr 20 | 1200Z | Apr 20 | 2200Z | Rules |
Florida QSO Party | Apr 26 | 1600Z | Apr 27 | 2159Z | Rules |
7th Call Area QSO Party | May 3 | 1300Z | May 4 | 0700Z | Rules |
Indiana QSO Party | May 3 | 1600Z | May 4 | 0400Z | Rules |
Delaware QSO Party | May 3 | 1700Z | May 4 | 2359Z | Rules |
New England QSO Party | May 3 | 2000Z | May 4 | 2400Z | Rules |