The
Eastern Iowa DX Bulletin
Number
253, December 20, 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
3D2, FIJI.
After his New Caledonia operation, Gerhard, OE3GEA will be QRV as 3D2GE from Nadi
(OC-016) and Nacula (OC-156) from December 25th to January 7th.
Activity will be holiday style on 30 to 10 meters using only CW. QSL to
OE3GEA.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 47 December 19, 2024] (1220-0110)
4X, ISRAEL.
To celebrate the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, the Israel Association of
Radio Communication (formerly known as Israel Amateur Radio Club) will
be running special event stations 4X8NER
and 4Z8NER
from December 25th
to January 2nd. A certificate will be available: https://tools.iarc.org/chanukah24/.
QSL via LoTW, eQSL, or via 4Z5MU.
-[425DXN # 1754 December 14, 2024] (1220-0103)
4X, ISRAEL.
In anticipation of Christmas, special event stations 4X8X from the Latrun
Monastery and 4X9X
from the Yardenit Baptismal Site will be active on December 6th to 8th.
They will be followed by 4X7X
from the Abbey of the Dormition on December 20th to 22nd.
A certificate will be available: https://www.iarc.org/xmas2024.
QSL all calls via 4X6ZM.
-[425DXN # 1752 November 30, 2024] (1206-1227)
5R, MADAGASCAR.
Eric, F6ICX is active again as 5R8IC
from Sainte-Marie Island (AF-090), Madagascar until the end of the
year.
He will operate mainly CW on 40-10 meters; during the last two weeks of
December he will also be QRV on the QO-100 satellite. QSL via LoTW, ClubLog's OQRS,
or via F6ICX.
-[425DXN # 1742 September 21, 2024] (0927-0103)
9A, CROATIA.
Promoting IARU Region 1's Program for Disabled Radio Amateurs, members
of the Croatian Amateur Radio Association (HRS) will activate special
callsigns 9A24PDRA,
9A24PD and 9A24D starting on December 3rd
(the International Day of Persons with Disabilities) until the end of the year.
QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW, ClubLog and QRZ Logbook.
-[425DXN # 1753 December 7, 2024] (1206-1227)
A4, OMAN.
Special event station A43QAT
is QRV to mark Qatar's National Day. QSL via EC6DX.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 46 December 12, 2024] (1213-0103)
CE9,
ANTARCTICA. Oleg ZS1ANF (ex UA1PBA) will be active during
his spare
time as ZS7ANF
from Wolf's Fang Runway (AN-016). QRV mostly on CW on
40-10m until
February 2025. QSL via DL5EBE or RK1PWA, LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2436 December 11, 2024] (1213-0103)
CN, MOROCCO.
Ralf, DB4REB will be active as CN2REB
while vacationing in Morocco from November 30th to January 30,
2025. He plans to operate CW, FT8 and SSB on various bands
from Agadir and some POTA sites along the coast. See https://www.qrz.com/db/CN2REB
for updates. QSL via eQSL, or DB4REB.
-[425DXN # 1751 November 23, 2024] (1129-0131)
DU, PHILIPPINES.
Hannes, OE1SGU/OE3SGU will be active as DU1OE from Luzon
Island (OC-042), Philippines on December
10th-27th. He will be QRV on 40-6 meters all modes. QSL
via ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW and eQSL.
-[425DXN # 1753 December 7, 2024] (1206-1227)
DXCC TOP TWENTY.
Here are the top 20 entities on ClubLog’s "DXCC Most Wanted" list as of
December 19, 2024:
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 December 20, 2024 (1220-0110)
E7,
BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA. Special event station E71YOTA is QRV
during the month of
December during the Youth On The Air operating event. QSL
via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 45 December 5, 2024] (1206-0103)
EA,
SPAIN. The HamRadioDX.es club runs a Christmas special
event until
December 25th with the callsign EG7FN, including
short-term awards. For
more information see EG7FN.
-[DXNL # 2436 December 11, 2024] (1213-1227)
FK, NEW
CALEDONIA. Gerhard, OE3GEA is QRV as TX24HAID from Noumea
(OC-032) until
December 25th. Activity is holiday style on 30 to 10
meters using only CW. QSL to OE3GEA.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 47 December 19, 2024] (1220-1227)
FO, FRENCH
POLYNESIA. Hardy, DL7JLL is QRV as FO/DL7JLL from
Mangareva Island (OC-063) until
January 15th. Activity is on 20, 15, and 10 meters using
SSB. QSL to DL7JLL.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 47 December 19, 2024] (1220-0117)
FR,
REUNION I. Thomas, DJ2TG is QRV as FR/DJ2TG until December 23rd.
Activity is on 30 meters and up using SSB and FT8. QSL to DJ2TG.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 46 December 12, 2024] (1213-0103)
FS, SAINT MARTIN.
Oleh, UR5BCP will be QRV as FS/UR5BCP
from December 26th
to January 2nd. Activity will be on 40 to 15 meters using
CW. This might include activity from Sint Maarten if he obtains a
license. QSL via KD7WPJ.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 47 December 19, 2024] (1220-0103)
FY, FRENCH
GUIANA. Joe, OZØJ, is QRV as TOØJ until December 31st
on 80-10m (FT8, some CW and SSB) with vertical antennas. For more
information see: https://to0j.oz0j.dk.
QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW or via OZØJ.
-[DXNL # 2437 December 18, 2024] (1220-0103)
HL, SOUTH KOREA.
Special event station HLØYOTA
is QRV during the month
of December during the Youth On The Air operating event.
QSL via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 45 December 5, 2024] (1206-0103)
HZ, SAUDI ARABIA.
Special event station HZ1QATAR
is QRV to mark Qatar's National Day. QSL via EC6DX.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 46 December 12, 2024] (1213-0103)
I, ITALY.
The 4U1GSC Amateur Radio Club will use special callsign 4U3ØB to mark the
30th anniversary of the United Nations Global Service Centre in
Brindisi, Italy. Look for activity from November 15th to December 31st.
QSL via 9A2AA.
-[425DXN # 1747 October 26, 2024] (1115-1227)
I, ITALY.
Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the start of regular radio
broadcasting in Italy (October 6, 1924), ARI local branches across
Italy are using special callsigns until December 29th.
The callsigns will be in the format II#Rxyz
(e.g. II9RCAT for ARI Catania) and IR#Rxyz
(e.g. IR1RVDB for ARI Valbormida). In addition, special event station I1MRTV
will be active from the RAI Radio and Television Museum in Torino.
Certificates and electronic QSLs will be available for download from
the HamAward platform (direct link from each special callsign's qrz.com
page).
-[425DXN # 1743 September 28, 2024] (0927-1227)
J7, DOMINICA.
Team J75K
(FM5WD, IK3ZAQ and IV3JVJ) will be active from Dominica (NA-101) from December 26th to January 4th.
They will operate SSB, CW and FT8/FT4 on 160-6 meters. See https://j75k.jimdofree.com
for more information. Log search on ClubLog. QSL via LoTW, or direct to
IV3JVJ.
-[425DXN # 1753 December 7, 2024] (1220-0103)
JD1/O, OGASAWARA.
Harry, JG7PSJ will be QRV as JD1BMH
from Chichijima (AS-031) from December
23rd to January 3rd. Activity will be on 80 to 10 meters
using CW, SSB, and RTTY. QSL direct to JG7PSJ.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 47 December 19, 2024] (1220-0103)
KH9, WAKE I.
Currently stationed on Wake Island (OC-053), Allen, KH7AL is QRV as KH7AL/KH9 in his
spare time. Next planned activities:
December 22nd +/- 20:00 UTC on 10m SSB
December 23rd +/- 08:00 UTC on 17m SSB
December 29th +/- 20:00 UTC on 17m SSB
December 30th +/- 08:00 UTC on 17m SSB
He keeps an "Activation Blog" and an "Upcoming" section on https://sites.google.com/view/kh7al/.
QSL via KH7AL.
-[425DXN # 1755 December 21, 2024] (1220-0103)
LY, LITHUANIA.
Special callsign LY24XMAS
will be active throughout
December.
LY2QT offers a commemorative coin for 10 QSOs with special event
stations carrying an XMAS or HNY suffix; one QSO with LY24XMAS is
obligatory and 5 Euro for covering postage; send your application to
LY2QT, ly2qt.wal@gmail.com.
QSL LY24XMAS via LY2QT.
-[DXNL # 2435 December 4, 2024] (1206-0103)
OE, AUSTRIA.
Special event station OE65XMAS
is QRV until January
6th. QSL via bureau.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 47 December 19, 2024] (1220-0110)
OH,
FINLAND. Once again Santa Radio, OF9X (Old Father
Nine Xmas) will be
active on December
13th-31st on 160-6 meters CW, SSB and FT8. QSL via
Club Log's OQRS, or via OH2BH. Each operator will send his suffix as
part of the report (e.g. 599BH for Martti, OH2BH). You can contact a
maximum of 16 Santa operators on a variety of bands and modes, which
makes up your Santa total score. This time the score card is reported
on https://www.qrz.com/db/OF9X.
The Santa Radio operators are:
Rami OH2BCI
(BCI)
Juha OH2LQ (LQ)
Martti
OH2BH (BH)
Pekka OH2TA (TA)
Davide
OH2BLS (BLS) Henri
OH3JR (JR)
Era OH2CV
(CV) Pauli
OH5BQ (BQ)
Arttu OH2FB
(FB)
Alex OH5UY (UY)
Jorma OH2KI
(KI) Reijo
OH7GGX (GGX)
Jyri OH2KM
(KM)
Tero OH7WP (WP)
Arto OH2KW
(KW)
Esa OH7WV (WV)
-[425DXN # 1754 December 14, 2024] (1213-0103)
OH, FINLAND.
Celebrating the Christmas Holiday Season, the OH9A team is once again
active as OG1XMAS
on all bands and modes on December
1st-24th. QSL via LoTW (preferred), ClubLog's OQRS,
or OH1NOA.
-[425DXN # 1753 December 7, 2024] (1206-1227)
ON,
BELGIUM. The radio club Verviers (ON4GDV) commemorates the
80th
anniversary of Belgium's liberation and the Battle of the Bulge until
the end of the year with the callsign OR8ØUSA. QSL via ON4GDV.
-[DXNL # 2436 December 11, 2024] (1213-0103)
ON, BELGIUM.
Special event station OQ24YOTA
is QRV during the month
of December during the Youth On The Air operating event.
QSL via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 45 December 5, 2024] (1206-0103)
OZ, DENMARK.
Special callsign OZ4ØØPOST
will be used by members of Experimenterende Danske Radioamatoerer to
celebrate the 400th anniversary of the Royal Danish Post Office,
established on December 24, 1624, under King Christian IV. Watch for
activity from December
24th to January 5th. See https://www.qrz.com/db/OZ400POST
for information about the Post Award. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS
(preferred), or via the bureau to OZ1ACB.
-[425DXN # 1755 December 21, 2024] (1220-0110)
PA, NETHERLANDS.
Celebrating Christmas and the New Year, special callsign PH24XMAS will be
active on December
6th-28th, followed by PH25HNY
from December 28th
to January 5th. Paper QSL cards will not be provided.
-[425DXN # 1752 November 30, 2024] (1206-0110)
PA, NETHERLANDS.
Barry, PC1K will be active as PC24XMAS
in December.
A certificate will be downloadable from https://pc1k.nl/xmas
"immediately after making a QSO". QSL via PC1K, LoTW, or
QRZ Logbook.
-[425DXN # 1752 November 30, 2024] (1129-0103)
PA, NETHERLANDS.
Celebrating Christmas and the New Year, special callsigns PA24XMAS, PD24ELF and PI24XMAS will be
active on December
1st-31st, while PD25HNY
will be QRV from December
24th until January 31st. See https://www.qrz.com/db/PI24XMAS
for a certificate. QSL cards will not be issued.
-[425DXN # 1751 November 23, 2024] (1129-0103)
PACIFIC TOUR.
Reportedly, Gerhard, OE3GEA will be active holiday style from New
Caledonia, Fiji, Vanuatu, Samoa, American Samoa and Hawaii from December 20th to January 21st:
December 20th-25th TX24HAID
Noumea (OC-032)
December
25th-Jan. 7th 3D2GE
Nadi (OC-016)/Nacula (OC-156)
December
27th-30th YJØGE
Port Vila (OC-035)
January
9th-12th
5WØGE
Apia (OC-097)
January
12th-15th KH8/OE3GEA
Pago Pago (OC-045)
January
18th-21st KH6/OE3GEA
Hawaii
He will operate CW on 30-10 meters. QSL via OE3GEA.
-[425DXN # 1754 December 14, 2024] (1220-0124)
PACIFIC
TRIP. Hardy, DL7JLL will be active as FO/DL7JLL from
Mangareva
(OC-063), French Polynesia and as VP6JLL
from Pitcairn Island (OC-044)
from December 18th
to January 15th. He will operate SSB only on 20, 15
and 10 meters. QSL via DL7JLL.
-[425DXN # 1754 December 14, 2024] (1213-0117)
PJ7, SINT
MAARTEN. Ed, N2HX, plans to put Sint Maarten (NA-105) on
the air from October
20th to December 27th as PJ7PL,
including the CQ WW DX SSB Contest (October 26th-27th), the CQ WW DX CW
Contest (November 23rd-24th) and ARRL 10-Meter Contest (December
14th-15th). QSL via N2HX.
-[DXNL # 2428 October 16, 2024] (1018-1227)
PY, BRAZIL.
The Bicho do Mato DX Team celebrates its 10th anniversary with the
callsign ZV2BM
throughout December.
QSL via bureau, LoTW, eQSL.
-[DXNL # 2435 December 4, 2024] (1206-0103)
S5, SLOVENIA.
Special event station S525PMC
will be active from December
5th to January 5th
to promote the PMC Contest, sponsored by the Radio Club Slovenj Gradec
(S59DCD). The International Association of Peace Messenger Cities was
established in 1988 to recognize and encourage the role and
responsibility cities have in creating a culture of peace. The PMC
Contest, promoting contacts between stations located in the Peace
Messenger Cities and the rest of the world, will be held on January
4th-5th. Complete information can be found on https://www.s59dcd.si/index.php/sl/ww-pmc/ww-pmc-contest-rules.
QSL via eQSL.
-[425DXN # 1753 December 7, 2024] (1206-0103)
SM, SWEDEN.
The still operational long wave transmitter at the Grimeton Radio
Station, callsign SAQ, will be activated on December 24th
to send its traditional Christmas message to the world on 17.2 kHz CW
at 08:00 UTC. The Grimenton Radio Station has been inscribed on the
UNESCO World Heritage list since 2004. As for the amateur bands, SK6SAQ
will be QRV during the day on CW (3517, 7017, 14017 kHz) and SSB (3755
and 7140 kHz). More information can be found on
https://alexander.n.se/en/. QSL SK6SAQ via the
bureau.
-[425DXN # 1755 December 21, 2024] (1220-1227)
SP, POLAND.
Celebrating Christmas and the New Year, special callsigns HFØCLAUS and SPØCLAUS will be
active from December
6th to January 6th. QSL via the bureau, eQSL, or direct to
Dariusz Florczyk, ul. Kozminska 35, 63-330 Dobrzyca, Poland.
Other special callsigns for the festive season include 3ZØXMAS (Poland), EG7FN (Spain, December 10th-25th),
II2XMAS
(Italy, November
29th-January 6th), LY24XMAS
(Lithuania, December
1st-31st), OE65XMAS
(Austria, December 20th-January 6th), OZ4XMAS (Denmark), PD2Ø25HNY
(Netherlands, December
23rd-31st), TM2Ø24MC
(France), VK6SANTA
(Australia, December
1st-24th), YR8XMAS
(Romania, December
1st-January 5th). See their qrz.com pages for more
information.
-[425DXN # 1753 December 7, 2024] (1206-0103)
SU, EGYPT.
Special event station SU8YOTA
is QRV during the month
of December during the Youth On The Air operating event.
QSL via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 45 December 5, 2024] (1206-0103)
T32, EAST
KIRIBATI. The Rebel DX Group is QRV as T32TTT from
Kiritimati (Christmas Island, OC-024), East Kiribati until January 1st.
This is a 2-man activity, with planned operations on 160-6 meters CW
(two stations), SSB (one station) and FT8/FT4 (as many as twelve
stations). QSL via ClubLog's OQRS
for LoTW and direct cards.
-[425DXN # 1755 December 21, 2024] (1220-0103)
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)
VP6,
PITCAIRN I. Hardy, DL7JLL, signs VP6JLL from Pitcairn
Island (OC-044)
from December 18th
to January 15th. QRV on 20, 15, and 10m with 50W and
a wire antenna on SSB. QSL via DL7JLL.
-[DXNL # 2437 December 18, 2024] (1220-0117)
VU,
INDIA. Kaustav, VU2UUU is QRV with special call sign AT2Ø25 until
January 15th while studying winter propagation, and
monitoring solar
cycle conditions. Activity is on the HF bands using CW and SSB. QSL via
operator's instructions.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 47 December 19, 2024] (1220-0117)
YL, LATVIA.
Special event station YL24YOTA
is QRV during the month
of December during the Youth On The Air operating event.
QSL via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 45 December 5, 2024] (1206-0103)
ZA, ALBANIA.
Ben, ON6BW plans to be QRV as ZA/ON6BW
from Durres until
December 22nd. QSL to ON6BW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 47 December 19, 2024] (1220-1227)
ZD7, ST. HELENA.
Derek, ZD7CTO
has been active on 40 meters using FT8 between 0300 and 0400z. QSL
direct to ZD7CTO.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 46 December 12, 2024] (1213-0103)
ZL, NEW ZEALAND.
Special event station ZM1ØØDX
will be QRV from September
29th to December 26th
to celebrate the very first trans-world QSO between Z4AA and G2SZ.
Activity will be on 160 to 6 meters using all modes. In addition,
special event station ZL4AA
will also be active for this event. QSL via operators' instructions.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 36 September 26, 2024] (0927-1227)
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.
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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 Tuesday, December 17th through yesterday, December 24th.
The average solar flux was 207, up 40 points from the previous week,
with a weekly high of 259 on Tuesday, December 24th, following
a low of 170 on December 17th.
The average sunspot count was 153, up 61 from last week,
peaking at 219 on Tuesday, December 24th after a
weekly low of 82 on December 18th.
The Planetary K-index weekly average was 3.9 with a
maximum of 5.3 on Tuesday, December 17th, resulting
in minor geomagnetic storm conditions. Yesterday's K-index maximum was 3.7 with generally quiet conditions.
Solar flare activity since December 18th has been high with 12
major flares, the largest of which was an M 8.9 event on Monday,
December 23rd.
Propagation
Data
Major solar flares, Wednesday, December 18th through 1437 UTC, December 25th.
| # | Date | UTC | Mag. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dec 25 | 0449 | M 4.9 |
| 2 | Dec 25 | 0430 | M 2.8 |
| 3 | Dec 24 | 0841 | M 4.1 |
| 4 | Dec 24 | 0019 | M 4.7 |
| 5 | Dec 23 | 1112 | M 8.9 |
| 6 | Dec 22 | 2049 | M 1.1 |
| 7 | Dec 21 | 0038 | M 1.9 |
| 8 | Dec 20 | 1118 | M 2.5 |
| 9 | Dec 20 | 0726 | M 2.1 |
| 10 | Dec 19 | 1900 | M 1.7 |
| 11 | Dec 19 | 1534 | M 3.8 |
| 12 | Dec 19 | 1038 | M 1.6 |
(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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 25 | 75% | 10% | 260 |
| Dec 26 | 75% | 10% | 260 |
| Dec 27 | 75% | 10% | 255 |
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 December 23, 2024).
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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
NOAA forecasters say a G1-class geomagnetic storm is possible today when a CME
hurled into space by an M8.9-class solar flare on Dec. 23rd strikes
Earth. This is a low-probability forecast. The CME was directed mostly
south of Earth, so a miss is as likely as a hit. However, if it does
strike, high-latitude sky watchers could see some out-of-this-world
Christmas lights.
(Copyright © SpaceWeather.com December 25, 2024.
Republished by
permission.)
Christmas Flare
Christmas began with a bang. At 0449 UT on Dec. 25th, active sunspot 3932 produced a strong M4.9-class solar flare. NOAA's GOES-16 satellite recorded the extreme ultraviolet flash:
Soon after the flare, the US Air Force reported a Type II
solar radio burst. This is a natural type of radio emission caused by
shock waves inside CMEs. The drift rate of the Type II radio burst
suggests that a CME will soon emerge from the blast site traveling a
little faster than 1,000 km/s. Confirmation awaits fresh data from SOHO
coronagraphs.
(Copyright © SpaceWeather.com December 25, 2024.
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OK DX RTTY Contest | Dec 21 | 0000Z | Dec 21 | 2400Z | Rules |
| Croatian DX Contest | Dec 21 | 1400Z | Dec 22 | 1400Z | Rules |
| ARRL Rookie Roundup, CW | Dec 22 | 1800Z | Dec 22 | 2359Z | Rules |
| RAC Winter Contest | Dec 28 | 0000Z | Dec 28 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Stew Perry Topband Challenge | Dec 28 | 1500Z | Dec 29 | 1500Z | Rules |
| ARRL RTTY Roundup | Jan 4 | 1800Z | Jan 5 | 2400Z | Rules |
| ARRL Kids Day | Jan 4 | 1800Z | Jan 4 | 2359Z | Rules |
| YB DX Contest | Jan 11 | 0000Z | Jan 11 | 2359Z | Rules |
| North American QSO Party, CW | Jan 11 | 1800Z | Jan 12 | 0600Z | Rules |
| Hungarian DX Contest | Jan 18 | 1200Z | Jan 19 | 1200Z | Rules |
| North American QSO Party, SSB | Jan 18 | 1800Z | Jan 19 | 0600Z | Rules |
| ARRL January VHF Contest | Jan 18 | 1900Z | Jan 20 | 0359Z | Rules |
| CQ 160-Meter Contest, CW | Jan 24 | 2200Z | Jan 26 | 2159Z | Rules |
| BARTG RTTY Sprint | Jan 25 | 1200Z | Jan 26 | 1200Z | Rules |
| Winter Field Day | Jan 25 | 1700Z | Jan 26 | 1700Z | Rules |
| Vermont QSO Party | Feb 1 | 0000Z | Feb 2 | 2400Z | Rules |
| 10-10 Int. Winter Contest, SSB | Feb 1 | 0001Z | Feb 2 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Mexico RTTY International Contest | Feb 1 | 1200Z | Feb 2 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Minnesota QSO Party | Feb 1 | 1400Z | Feb 1 | 2400Z | Rules |
| British Columbia QSO Party | Feb 1 | 1600Z | Feb 2 | 2400Z | Rules |
| North American Sprint, CW | Feb 2 | 0000Z | Feb 2 | 0359Z | Rules |
| 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 |