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The Eastern Iowa DX Bulletin
Number 289, August 29, 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 (The online archive is no
      longer updated.)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

3C, EQUATORIAL GUINEA. Yuris, YL2GM and Yevgen, EA5EL will be QRV as 3C3W from Bioko Island (AF-010) in September. Activity will be on 160 to 6 meters. QSL via YL2GN.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 35 August 28, 2025]  (0829-0926)

3CØ, ANNOBON I. After their Equatorial Guinea activation, Yuris, YL2GM and Yevgen, EA5EL will be QRV in September as 3CØW. Activity will be on 160 to 6 meters. QSL via YL2GN.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 35 August 28, 2025]  (0829-0926)

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)

5H, TANZANIA. Chas, NK8O will be QRV as 5H3DX from August 31st to September 21st. Activity will be in his spare time on 30 to 10 meters using CW, FT8, and FT4. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 34 August 21, 2025]  (0822-0926)

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)

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. 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. Members of the Amateur Radio Club Sarawak will be QRV with special event station 9M8BARF from September 1st to 15th to highlight the 12th Borneo Amateur Radio Festival being held in Kuching. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS, or direct to 9M8HAZ.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 35 August 28, 2025]  (0829-0919)

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. Harald, DF2WO will be QRV as 9X2AW from Kigali from September 1st to 21st. Activity will be on various HF bands and 6 meters using CW, SSB, FT8, and FT4, and on Satellite QO-100. QSL via MØOXO's OQRS and LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 35 August 28, 2025]  (0829-0926)

A3, TONGA. Masa, JK1JXZ is currently active as A35JK from Nuku'alofa, Tongatapu (OC-049), Tonga until September 12th. Main activity so far has been on 17 and 15 meters FT8. QSL via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1791 August 30, 2025]  (0829-0912)

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)

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)

CU, AZORES. Martin, OK1FZM, and Lenka, OK1WZM, will be signing CU2/homecalls from Sao Liguel Island (EU-003) from August 26th to September 6th. They'll then move on to Flores (EU-089). QSL CU2/OK1FZM via OK1FZM, and CU2/OK1WZM via OK1WZM.
-[DXNL # 2473 August 27, 2025]  (0829-0905)

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)

DXCC TOP TWENTY. Here are the top 20 entities on ClubLog’s "DXCC Most Wanted" list as of August 29, 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 29, 2025  (0829-0919)

E4, PALESTINE. OM2DX, OM2IB, OM2ZZ, OM3RG, and some more operators are still going forward with their plans for operating from Bethlehem during September as E44OM, depending on the security situations. QRV on HF, as many bands and modes as possible. QSL via OM2DX.
-[DXNL # 2473 August 27, 2025]  (0829-0926)

E6, NIUE. Gavin, ZL3GAV, is QRV as E6SP until August 31st. QSL to ZL3GAV.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 34 August 21, 2025]  (0822-0905)

EA, SPAIN. Special callsigns EG1SDC-EG9SDC (September 1st-7th), EH1SDC-EH9SDC (September 8th–14th), and EG41SDC (September 1st-14th) will be active to commemorate Day of Asturias and the principality's patron saint, popularly known as the Santina de Covadonga. This is the 41st edition of the 'SDC' special event. Also active will be CB1SDC from Chile (September 1st-14th). See https://santina.dxfun.com/ for more information, including on-line logs and downloadable certificates. QSL for all callsigns via EA1AUM, LoTW and eQSL.
-[425DXN # 1790 August 23, 2025]  (0829-0919)

FO, FRENCH POLYNESIA. David, F1SXC and Herve, F4DPA will be active as TX14TOM from Tai'arapu-Est, Tahiti (OC-046), French Polynesia on August 17th-31st. See https://log-et-qsl.associations-radioamateurs.org/wp/ for log search and eQSL. QSL via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1790 August 23, 2025]  (0822-0905)

H4, SOLOMON IS. Bernhard, DL2GAC, will be back on the air as H44MS from Malaita Island (OC-047) from September 2025 to April 2026.
-[DXNL # 2473 August 27, 2025]  (0829-0919)

HA, HUNGARY. During September, HA4ØMATRA, operated by the Vak Bottyan Radio Club (HA6KVC), marks the 40th anniversary of the Matra Landscape Protection Area. For more information see: http://www.bnpi.hu.
-[DXNL # 2473 August 27, 2025]  (0829-0926)

HK, COLOMBIA. Lothar, DK8LRF, will be back on the bands as HK3JCL from September 3rd until May 15th next year. QSL via DK8LRF.
-[DXNL # 2471 August 13, 2025]  (0829-0926)

I, ITALY. Watch for IJ7/IK7WDS, IJ7/IW7DMH, IJ7/IW7DOL, IJ7/IZ7AUH, and IJ7/IZ7LDC to be active from San Pietro Island (EU-073) on August 29th-31st. They will be QRV on the HF bands, on 6 and 2 meters, and via QO-100. QSL via operator's instructions.
-[425DXN # 1790 August 23, 2025]  (0829-0905)

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)

K, UNITED STATES. Jonathan, KK7NQW will be active from Burrows Island (NA-065) during the US Islands QSO Party, from 1200 UTC on August 30th until 0300 UTC on August 31st (https://usislands.org/qso-party-rules/). He will operate SSB and digital modes (PSK31, Contestia, and possibly FT8) on 40, 20, 15, and 10m. QSL via LoTW, or direct to KK7NQW.
-[425DXN # 1791 August 30, 2025]  (0829-0905)

K, UNITED STATES. Howard, K1VSJ puts Martha's Vineyard (NA-046) on the air until September 1st. QSL via bureau or direct to K1VSJ.
-[DXNL # 2473 August 27, 2025]  (0829-0905)

LA, NORWAY. Special callsigns LA1ØØIARU, LB1ØØIARU and LM1ØØIARU (the latter operated by NRRL staff and elected officials) are for the Norwegian Radio Relay League to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the International Amateur Radio Union.
-[425DXN # 1791 August 30, 2025]  (0829-0919)

LA, NORWAY. Heli, DDØVR, and his wife Bigi, DE3WBR, are going on a trip through Sweden, Finland and Norway and plan to activate IOTA references from August 29th to September 29th: Norway: Mageroya (Finnmark County West Group, EU-044) and Vestvaagoy (Lofoten Islands Group, EU-076). QRV as LA/DDØVR on 80-6m. QSL via DDØVR.
-[DXNL # 2473 August 27, 2025]  (0829-0926)

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. Heli, DDØVR, and his wife Bigi, DE3WBR, are going on a trip through Sweden, Finland and Norway and plan to activate IOTA references from August 29th to September 29th: Finland: Radio Arcala Station OH8X (no IOTA). QRV as OH/DDØVR on 80-6m. QSL via DDØVR.
-[DXNL # 2473 August 27, 2025]  (0829-0926)

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)

PA, NETHERLANDS. *Dutch Lighthouse Hunt* This event takes place during September from Dutch lighthouses with various callsigns:
  First group:
     PA1LIGHTHOUSE - Haamstede (PA7Q)
     PD1LIGHTHOUSE - Texel Island (PD2TX)
     PD2LIGHTHOUSE - Breskens (PD2XX)
     PD3LIGHTHOUSE - Hoek van Holland (PD2WCW)
     PD4LIGHTHOUSE - Marken (PD4JOH)
     PD5LIGHTHOUSE - Westkapelle (PD2AE
     PD6LIGHTHOUSE - Marken (PDØTM)
     PD9LIGHTHOUSE - Maasvlakte (PD9RW).
  Second group:
     PAØ1LH, PDØ1LH, PDØ2LH, PDØ3LH, PDØ4LH, PDØ5LH, PDØ6LH, PDØ7LH,
     PDØ8LH, PDØ9LH, PDØØLH.
For more information and the award rules see: https://dutchradiogroup.com/
-[DXNL # 2473 August 27, 2025]  (0829-0926)

SM, SWEDEN. Heli, DDØVR, and his wife Bigi, DE3WBR, are going on a trip through Sweden, Finland and Norway and plan to activate IOTA references from August 29th to September 29th: Sweden: Oeland (Kalmar County Group, EU-037) and Gotland (Gotland County Group, EU-020). QRV as SM/DDØVR on 80-6m. QSL via DDØVR.
-[DXNL # 2473 August 27, 2025]  (0829-0926)

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)

SV, GREECE. Adrian, M1LCR will be QRV as SV8/M1LCR/p from Paxos Island (EU-052) on September 2nd to 13th. Activity will be holiday style on 80 to 6 meters using SSB and RTTY, with main activity occurring during the upcoming IARU Region 1 Field Day. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 35 August 28, 2025]  (0829-0919)

SV5, DODECANESE. Bernhard, DJ5MN is QRV as SV5/DJ5MN and SV5/DJ5MN/p until September 8th. Activity is in his spare time on 40 to 10 meters using CW, SSB, and FT8. He is also active on various Low Earth Orbit Satellites using CW, SSB, and FM. QSL to DJ5MN.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 35 August 28, 2025]  (0829-0912)

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. Yoshinori, JG2RMR will be QRV as T88DZ from September 2nd to 7th, and Yasu, JH2FDJ will be QRV as T88DF from September 2nd to 11th, including for both participation in the Phone leg of the All Asian DX Contest (September 6th-7th). QSL T88DZ via JG2RMR, and T88DF via JH2FDJ.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 35 August 28, 2025]  (0829-0912)

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 # 35 August 28, 2025]  (0829-0919)

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)

TZ, MALI. Jeff, K1MMB will be QRV as TZ4AM from September through December. Activity will be on 80 to 6 meters using CW and SSB. Look for the TZ4AM/B beacon on 50050.5 kHz. QSL via KX4R.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 35 August 28, 2025]  (0829-0926)

UA, EUROPEAN RUSSIA. Special event station R1ØØGQ is QRV until September 7th to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the city of Shchelkovo. QSL via bureau.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 34 August 21, 2025]  (0822-0912)

UAØ, ASIATIC RUSSIA. Oleg, RD1A, continues to operate as RI42SP/mm from aboard the vessel North Pole during September. QSL via RN3RQ.
-[DXNL # 2473 August 27, 2025]  (0829-0926)

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. Mike, VE2XB will be active as VYØZOO from Coral Harbor on Southampton Island (NA-007) from August 28th to September 2nd. He will operate SSB and CW on 80-10 meters. QSL direct to VE2XB.
-[425DXN # 1791 August 30, 2025]  (0829-0905)

VK, AUSTRALIA. Special event station VI1ØØSIG is QRV until September 3rd to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Australian Army Signal Corps. QSL via MØOXO's OQRS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 34 August 21, 2025]  (0822-0905)

VK9L, LORD HOWE I. Janusz, SP9FIH will be active as VK2/SP9FIH from Lord Howe Island (OC-004) from August 27th to September 13th. Plans are to operate SSB and FT8 (FH/SF) on 30, 20, 17, 15, 12 and 10 meters. See https://vk9.dxpeditions.org/ for more information. Reminder: according to the Australian Communications and Media Authority's updated "Amateur Radio Call Sign Policy", VK9 prefixed callsigns can be used only by operators located in an Australian External Territory other than the Antarctic. Lord Howe Island is part of New South Wales, hence the use of VK2/homecall. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS (direct requests for QSL will be uploaded to LoTW within few days, bureau requests will be uploaded after 12 months).
-[425DXN # 1787 August 2, 2025]  (0822-0912)

XW, LAOS. Maxim, OH7O is QRV as XW4YY from Ban Na Nga until September 11th. Activity is on 40 to 10 meters using SSB and FT8. QSL via MØOXO's OQRS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 35 August 28, 2025]  (0829-0912)

XW, LAOS. Simon, HSØZIB is QRV as XWØLP from Luang Prabang. Activity is on 12 and 10 meters and may soon be on 40 meters. QSL via MØOXO's OQRS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 35 August 28, 2025]  (0829-0919)

YO, ROMANIA. Members of the Federatia Romana de Radioamatorism (FRR) will be active as YO2Ø25ENESCU from August 24th to September 21st, during the George Enescu International Festival and Competition. Held in Bucharest since 1958, the Festival honors and celebrates the memory, the music and the personality of Romanian composer, pianist, violinist and conductor George Enescu (1881-1955). Certificates and eQSL will be available on https://hamlog.online/.
-[425DXN # 1789 August 16, 2025]  (0822-0926)

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)

ZB, GIBRALTAR. All Gibraltar licensed operators are allowed to switch to the "ZG" prefix during the week leading towards Gibraltar National Day (September 10th).
-[425DXN # 1791 August 30, 2025]  (0829-0912)

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)

Solar Data

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!
The current Sun at 131 Angstroms

Propagation Summary
For the 8 day period from Saturday, August 23rd through yesterday, August 30th.

The average solar flux was 218, up 94 points from the previous week, with a weekly high of 317 on Saturday, August 30th, following a low of 143 on August 23rd.

The average sunspot count was 177, up 115 from last week, peaking at 227 on Wednesday, August 27th after a weekly low of 87 on August 23rd.

The Planetary K-index weekly average was 2.7 with a maximum of 3.3 on Monday, August 25th, indicating generally quiet geomagnetic conditions. Yesterday's K-index maximum was 2.3 with generally quiet conditions.

Solar flare activity since August 24th has been high with 12 major flares, the largest of which was an M 4.5 event on Tuesday, August 26th.

Propagation Data
Major solar flares, Sunday, August 24th through 1333 UTC, August 31st.

  #     Date     UTC     Mag.  
1 Aug 30  2002  M 2.7 
2 Aug 30  1559  M 1.2 
3 Aug 30  1409  M 1.3 
4 Aug 28  2040  M 1.5 
5 Aug 28  1711  M 1.2 
6 Aug 28  1416  M 1.1 
7 Aug 26  0525  M 4.5 
8 Aug 26  0030  M 3.3 
9 Aug 25  1538  M 1.1 
10 Aug 25  1518  M 1.2 
11 Aug 25  0524  M 4.5 
12 Aug 24  0836  M 1.3 

   (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 31 75%20%220
 Sep 1 75%20%215
 Sep 2 75%20%210

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 26, 2025).

 Date   Flux   Kp 
 Aug 31 1582
 Sep 1 1552
 Sep 2 1552
 Sep 3 1452
 Date   Flux  Kp 
 Sep 4 1455
 Sep 5 1406
 Sep 6 1355
 Sep 7 1304
 Date   Flux  Kp 
 Sep 8 1304
 Sep 9 1254
 Sep 10 1204
 Sep 11 1202

Chance Of X-Flares Today
Giant sunspot 4197 has developed an unstable 'beta-gamma-delta' magnetic field that harbors energy for strong explosions. NOAA forecasters estimate a 75% chance of M-class solar flares and a 25% chance of X-flares during the next 24 hours.
(Copyright © SpaceWeather.com August 30, 2025. Republished by permission.)

A CME Is Heading For Earth
The sun is a tricky star. While we were watching giant sunspot 4197, a different, much smaller sunspot erupted. On Aug 30th at 20:02 UTC, sunspot 4204 produced a long duration M2.7-class solar flare:
CME
Although the flare was not very intense, it lasted for 3 hours, long enough to lift a CME out of the sun's atmosphere. Indeed, new data from SOHO coronagraphs confirm that a CME is heading straight for Earth. Here it is.
A NASA model of the CME predicts it will strike our planet late on Sept. 1st. The impact could spark a strong G3-class geomagnetic storm spilling into Sept. 2nd. During such a storm, auroras may be photographed in US states as far south as Virginia, Missouri and Colorado. Stay tuned for updates as the CME approaches.
(Copyright © SpaceWeather.com August 31, 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:
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:
Auroral Oval

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
     Note: Start Days are in UTC, e.g. Monday at 0000 UTC is
     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
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
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
     -[Contest data courtesy of the WA7BNM Contest Calendar ]