DX Code of Conduct

The Eastern Iowa DX Bulletin
Number 240, September 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/R, ROTUMA I. Callsigns 3D22 (Three Delta Twenty-two) and 3D2V will be used by the Rebel DX Group during their upcoming activity from Rotuma. SuperFox keys valid from September 20th to October 30th (https://ncdxf.org/pages/sfkey.html) have been issued for both callsigns. FT8 will be prioritized ("CW and SSB less important") and plans are to use both FT8 SuperFox and multistream MSHV on 20, 17, 15, 12 and 10m (same bands but different frequencies); on 160-30m only multistream MSHV will be used. The Rebels plan to set sail for Rotuma on September 24th or 25th, with the voyage taking around 48 hours. Bookmark https://www.facebook.com/rebeldxgroup for updates. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1742 September 21, 2024]  (0920-1101)

4L, GEORGIA. Stephane, F4JZW, signs 4L/F4JZW until September 30th on 80-6m with 10W and a wire. QSL via LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2421 August 28, 2024]  (0830-1004)

5B, CYPRUS. Milan remains active as 5B/S55DX from Mount Olympus (SOTA. CY-001) until September 21st. QSL via S55DX.
-[DXNL # 2424 September 18, 2024]  (0920-0927)

5H, TANZANIA. Vlad, OK2WX will be active as 5H1WX from Mafia Island (AF-054), Tanzania from September 18th to October 6th. He will operate CW, SSB and FT8 on 80-10 meters. Detailed QSL policy as well as other information on https://www.mdxc.support/5h1wx/. QSL via I8KHC.
-[425DXN # 1733 July 20, 2024]  (0913-1011)

5W, SAMOA. Barry, KD6XU, is QRV as 5WØBP until September 23rd. Activity is on 20 and 17 meters using CW and FT8 from various POTA locations. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 35 September 19, 2024]  (0920-0927)

9J, ZAMBIA. Pista, HA5AO will be active from the area of the Victoria Falls in Zambia from September 14th to 23rd on 6m - 80m (CW/SSB/FT8) using the callsign 9J2AO. QSL via HA5AO OQRS
-[DXNL # 2423 September 11, 2024]  (0913-0927)

9K, KUWAIT. Special callsign 9K9KSA marks their neighbor’s Saudi National Day from September 19th to 25th. QSL via qrz.com.
-[DXNL # 2424 September 18, 2024]  (0920-0927)

A2, BOTSWANA. Pista, HA5AO will be QRV as A25AO from Chobe National Park from September 24th to October 4th. QSL to HA5AO.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 35 September 19, 2024]  (0920-1004)

A4, OMAN. Special event station A43KSA is QRV until September 26th as part of Saudi Arabia National Day. QSL direct.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 35 September 19, 2024]  (0920-0927)

A6, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES. Radio amateurs from UAE will join the celebrations in Saudi Arabia (see below) with the special callsign A6ØARS from September 17th to 23rd.
    A6ØARS  Op. EARS Station QSL: EA7FTR
    A6ØARS/Ø    Op. A61Y     QSL: EA7FTR
    A6ØARS/1    Op. A61M     QSL: A61BK
    A6ØARS/2    Op. A61Q     QSL: EA7FTR
    A6ØARS/3    Op. A61FK    QSL: A61BK
    A6ØARS/4    Op. A61BK    QSL: A61BK
    A6ØARS/5    Op. A61DD    QSL: EA7FTR
    A6ØARS/6    Op. A61QQ    QSL: A61BK
    A6ØARS/7    Op. A61AY    QSL: A61AY
    A6ØARS/8    Op. A65GC    QSL: A65GC
    A6ØARS/9    Op. A61ZX    QSL: IZ8CLM
    A6ØARS/1Ø   Op. A65BR    QSL: A65BR
    A6ØARS/11   Op. A61NN    QSL: EA7FTR
    A6ØARS/12   Op. A65GD    QSL: A65GD
    A6ØARS/13   Op. A65GJ    QSL: A65GJ
    A6ØARS/14   Op. A61FJ    QSL: LZ1YE
    A6ØARS/15   Op. A61DI    QSL: EA7FTR
    A6ØARS/16   Op. A61BR    QSL: EA5ZD
    A6ØARS/17   Op. A65AA    QSL: A65AA
    A6ØARS/18   Op. A65KA    QSL: A65KA
    A6ØARS/19   Op. A65PX    QSL: Direct via K3YR; QRZ; EQSL
    A6ØARS/2Ø   Op. A65GL    QSL: EA7FTR
-[DXNL # 2423 September 11, 2024]  (0913-0927)

CE, CHILE. Members of Radioclub El Trauko (CE7DE), based on Chiloe Island (SA-018), will be operating special callsigns 3G7CW (CW) and 3G7RLN (other modes) throughout September, with a focus on the 17th. This was the day in 1898 when Ramon Luis Norero put a wireless telegraph system into operation across the Chacao Channel between Chiloe and mainland Chile. ClubLog's Live Stream has been enabled for both callsigns. QSLs direct to CE7DE.
-[425DXN # 1740 September 7, 2024]  (0906-0927)

DL, GERMANY. Members of DARC's Ortsverband Greifswald (DLØHGW) will be active as DL25ØCDF from August 1st to September 30th. The special callsign marks the 250th anniversary since the birth of the painter Caspar David Friedrich, an icon of the German Romantic movement. A certificate will be available, see https://dl0hgw.darc.de/dl250cdf.htm for information. All QSOs will be confirmed automatically via the bureau, eQSL and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1733 July 20, 2024]  (0726-0927)

DU, PHILIPPINES. Lucy, AB3MY will be active as DU1/AB3MY from Legazpi on Luzon Island (OC-042), Philippines on September 19th-24th. She will operate SSB and possibly some FT8 on 40, 20, 17, 15, 12 and 10 meters. Her activity is to honor her late father, Percy Tence (PY2PD), who lived in Brazil but was born in the Philippines, and died in a road traffic accident in 2001. QSL via AB3MY.
-[425DXN # 1741 September 14, 2024]  (0913-0927)

DXCC TOP TWENTY. Here are the top 20 entities on ClubLog’s "DXCC Most Wanted" list as of September 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. KH5    Palmyra & Jarvis Islands
   8. FT5/X  Kerguelen Island    18. ZL9    New Zealand Subantarctic Islands
   9. YVØ    Aves Island         19. FK/C   Chesterfield Islands
  10. 3Y/B   Bouvet Island       20. VKØH   Heard Island
For the complete list, see https://clublog.org/mostwanted.php
-[KØCF September 20, 2024  (0920-1011)

E6, NIUE. Fred, DH5FS is QRV as E6FS from Kaliki Lodge until September 30th. Activity is holiday style on various HF bands. QSL to DH5FS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 35 September 19, 2024]  (0920-1004)

EA, SPAIN. Special callsigns EG3AMCUP (from September 15th to October 14th) and AO3AMCUP (from October 15th to October 28th) will be used by members of URE's Unio de Radioaficionats de Barcelona i Baix Llobregat (EA3MM) during the 37th America's Cup. A certificate will be available, see https://www.ure.es/diploma-cq-americas-cup-2024/ for information. QSL via EA3MM, LoTW, eQSL and QRZ Logbook.
-[425DXN # 1742 September 21, 2024]  (0920-1101)

EA, SPAIN. Special event station EG2AMCUP is QRV until October 29th during the 37th America's Cup being held in Barcelona. QSL via EA3MM, ClubLog's OQRS, LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 35 September 19, 2024]  (0920-1101)

F, FRANCE. Special callsign TM45CDXC draws attention to the 45th convention of the Clipperton DX Club in Montceau les Mines (Dept. 71) until September 21st. QSL via F5CWU, OQRS (http://www.f5cwu.net/oqrs/).
-[DXNL # 2424 September 18, 2024]  (0920-0927)

F, FRANCE. Radioclub F6KJS de Montceau les Mines (dpt 71, Saone et Loire) will remember the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Genelard with the special callsign TM44LG from September 15th through 29th. QSL via Bureau.
-[DXNL # 2423 September 11, 2024]  (0913-1004)

F, FRANCE. To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Wingles during WWII (September 2, 1944), the local radio club (F4KLR) will be active as TM8ØLW on August 31st, September 2nd and for another 13 days until November 9th. All SSB and CW QSOs will be confirmed automatically via the bureau and eQSL; FT8 QSOs will be confirmed via eQSL.
-[425DXN # 1738 August 24, 2024]  (0830-1108)

F, FRANCE. The radio club F4KIR from Saint Malo uses the callsigns TM8ØCAL (during August) and TM8ØLCA (during September) to commemorate their city's liberation 80 years ago. QSL via F5BNJ.
-[DXNL # 2419 August 14, 2024]  (0816-0927)

FO/M, MARQUESAS IS. Paula, NX1P is QRV as FO/NX1P until October 1st. Activity is on the HF bands. QSL to NX1P.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 33 September 5, 2024]  (0906-1004)

GM, SCOTLAND. Members of the Guisborough and District Amateur Radio Club will be QRV as MSØNYM from the Isle of Lewis (EU-010) from September 22nd to 26th. QSL direct to GØUOK.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 35 September 19, 2024]  (0920-0927)

HBØ, LIECHTENSTEIN. Ops Roman and Leo will be active as HBØ/DL3TU and HBØ/DL2COM respectively from the end of September to the beginning of October on CW. QSL via DL3TU and DL2COM respectively.
-[DXNL # 2424 September 18, 2024]  (0920-1011)

HH, HAITI. Special callsign 4V1SAVANNAH will be used by the Radio Club d'Haiti to commemorate the 245th anniversary of the Battle of Savannah from September 16th to October 20th. In 1779, more than 500 volunteers from Saint-Domingue (the French colony which later became Haiti), fought alongside American colonial troops against the British Army during the siege of Savannah, an encounter of the American War of Independence. QSOs will be uploaded to ClubLog. QSL via N2OO.
-[425DXN # 1740 September 7, 2024]  (0913-1018)

HL, SOUTH KOREA. Operators Jong DS5ACV/p, Terry DS5DNO/p, Hoya DS5MNO/p and Cho HL5JYS/p will be active from Isu Island (AS-081), WWL PM44ix starting around 0100 UTC on September 21st until around 0700 UTC on September 22nd (30 hours). They will operate CW, FT8 and some SSB on 40, 20, 17, 15, 12, 10 and 6 meters. QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW and Club Log. QSL for all callsigns via DS5DNO.
-[425DXN # 1739 August 31, 2024]  (0920-0927)

HZ, SAUDI ARABIA. Saudi Amateur Radio Society (HZ1SAR) will use special callsigns HZ94ND, 7Z94ND and 8Z94ND to celebrate Saudi National Day on September 5th-23rd. Based on the number of lunar years, Saudi National Day commemorates the renaming of the Kingdom of Nejd and Hejaz to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (September 23, 1932). QSOs will be uploaded to ClubLog.
  National societies from the Gulf Cooperation Council's neighboring countries are expected to join the celebrations and be active around September 23, including:
    A91ARS, Bahrain Amateur Radio Society,
    9K9KSA, Kuwait Amateur Radio Society,
    A43KSA, Royal Omani Amateur Radio Society,
    A6ØARS, Emirates Amateur Radio Society,
-[425DXN # 1740 September 7, 2024]  (0906-0927)

ISØ, SARDINIA. Luca, IK5AEQ will be QRV as ISØ/IK5AEQ on September 26th-28th from POTA sites in the rare province of Oristano on mainland Sardinia (EU-024). Then from September 29th to October 6th he will be active as IMØ/IK5AEQ from San Pietro Island (EU-165). He will operate SSB, RTTY and FT modes on 40-2 meters. QSL via LoTW, ClubLog's OQRS, or via IK5AEQ.
-[425DXN # 1742 September 21, 2024]  (0920-1011)

JA, JAPAN. Watch for JA4GXS/4 and JN4JXL/4 to activate Kasado Island (AS-117) on September 21st on 40-17m (CW, SSB, FT8/4). QSL via JA4GXS and JN4JXL respectively.
-[DXNL # 2424 September 18, 2024]  (0920-0927)

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 event station OE5ØLOW is QRV during September to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the G-QRP Club. QSL direct to OE7AFT.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 32 August 29, 2024]  (0830-0927)

OE, AUSTRIA. The special event stations OE2XXM and OE5XXM will be active during September around the 38th International amateur radio meeting in Gosau. QSL via bureau.
-[DXNL # 2414 July 10, 2024]  (0830-0927)

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)

OZ, DENMARK. Dieter, DF2SD is active holiday style as OV9R from Fano Island (EU-125) until September 28th. QSL via LoTW, eQSL and ClubLog's OQRS for paper cards.
-[425DXN # 1742 September 21, 2024]  (0920-1004)

PA, NETHERLANDS. Special callsign PH8ØLIB will be in use from various locations from September 11th until November 10th to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of southern Netherlands in the autumn of 1944. Activity will be on 80-10 meters SSB, CW and digital modes. See https://www.qrz.com/db/PH80LIB for detailed information. QSL via the bureau.
-[425DXN # 1740 September 7, 2024]  (0906-1108)

SP, POLAND. Special callsigns SN1ØØP, SN1ØØL, SN1ØØN, SN1ØØPLN and SN1ØØBP will used from September 1st to December 31st for the 100th anniversary of the establishment of Bank Polski SA and the introduction of the zloty (PLN), Poland's official currency. The activity is organized by the Polish Amateur Radio Association. A certificate will be available, see https://www.qrz.com/db/SN100PLN for the details. QSL via the bureau.
-[425DXN # 1740 September 7, 2024]  (0906-0927)

SV, GREECE. Dirk, ON5CT will be active as SV8/ON5CT from Samos Island (EU-049) until October 6th. He operates SSB, FT8 and RTTY on 80-6 meters. Paper QSLs will not be available, but QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW, eQSL and ClubLog.
-[425DXN # 1741 September 14, 2024]  (0913-1011)

SV, GREECE. The Salamis Radio Amateurs Group will be active as SX8AS on September 16th-30th from Salamina Island (EU-075). QSL via LoTW and ClubLog.
-[425DXN # 1740 September 7, 2024]  (0913-1004)

T5, SOMALIA. The 6O3T team arrived in Hargeisa, Somaliland, on September 11th. On September 13th, they were "waiting for the customs clearance of the equipment, which as expected will take a few days. For this reason, no exact dates have been communicated regarding our on-air operation". If all goes well, they should be ready for the installation of the first of five stations in the coming days. Follow https://www.facebook.com/Dxexplorernet for updates. Full upload to LoTW 12 months after the DXpedition. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS, or direct to IV3DSH.
-[425DXN # 1741 September 14, 2024]  (0913-1004)

TZ, MALI. Jeff, TZ4AM is QRV until September 30th. Activity is on 80 to 6 meters using mostly CW and SSB. QSL via KX4R.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 35 September 19, 2024]  (0920-1004)

V4, ST. KITTS & NEVIS. Once again John, W5JON will be active as V47JA from St. Kitts (NA-104) from September 18th to October 1st. He will operate SSB and FT8 on the 160-6 meters. QSL via LoTW, or direct to W5JON.
-[425DXN # 1741 September 14, 2024]  (0913-1004)

V5, NAMIBIA. Gunter, DK2WH is QRV as V51WH from Omaruru until November 12th. Activity is on 160 to 10 meters, including 60 meters, using SSB, FT8, and possibly CW. He will be active as V55Y in various contests. QSL to DK2WH.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 35 September 19, 2024]  (0920-1115)

VE, CANADA. Chris, VO1CH will be active again as VO2VC from Zone 2 in Labrador from September 26th to October 3rd, including an entry in the CQ WW RTTY DX Contest. QSL via LoTW, ClubLog's OQRS, or via VO1CH.
-[425DXN # 1741 September 14, 2024]  (0920-1004)

VK, AUSTRALIA. From September 14th to 29th, VI7POL will be on air on the occasion of the 7th National Police Week. QSL via VK5PAS, eQSL or LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2423 September 11, 2024]  (0913-1004)

VU, INDIA. San, VU2TT will be QRV in several contests with special call sign AT5T from September 7th to November 28th. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 33 September 5, 2024]  (0906-0927)

VU, INDIA. Special event station AT78I is QRV until November 13th to celebrate 78 years of independence for India. Activity is on the HF bands using CW and SSB. QSL via VU2JOS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 31 August 22, 2024]  (0823-1115)

XT, BURKINA FASO. Harald, DF2WO will be active again as XT2AW from Burkina Faso from September 8th to 22nd. He plans to operate SSB and FT4 on 80-10 meters and QO-100. QSL via MØOXO's OQRS and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1739 August 31, 2024]  (0906-0927)

ZD9, TRISTAN DA CUNHA & GOUGH I. Lance, W7GJ will be active as ZD9GJ from Tristan da Cunha (AF-029) approximately from September 12th to October 1st. This will be primarily a 6m EME DXpedition, using Q65-60A in the "Q65 Pileup" mode. See https://www.bigskyspaces.com/w7gj/ for detailed information and instructions. When not "aimed up at the moon", he may operate SSB or FT8 on 6m TEP. QSL via LoTW, or direct to W7GJ.
-[425DXN # 1739 August 31, 2024]  (0906-1004)




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 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 Thursday, September 12th through yesterday, September 19th.

The average solar flux was 170, down 48 points from the previous week, with a weekly high of 201 on Thursday, September 12th, followed by a low of 161 on September 19th.

The average sunspot count was 111, down by 67 from last week, peaking at 160 on Thursday, September 12th followed by a weekly low of 68 on September 15th.

The Planetary K-index weekly average was 5.3 with a maximum of 7.7 on Tuesday, September 17th, resulting in strong geomagnetic storm conditions. Yesterday's K-index maximum was 4.7 with generally quiet conditions.

Solar flare activity since September 13th has been moderate with 7 major flares, the largest of which was a major X 4.5 event on Saturday, September 14th.

Propagation Data
Major solar flares, Friday, September 13th through 1159 UTC, September 20th.

  #     Date     UTC     Mag.  
1 Sep 14  1529  X 4.5 
2 Sep 14  0741  M 3.0 
3 Sep 13  1756  M 1.4 
4 Sep 13  1508  M 1.2 
5 Sep 13  0837  M 2.9 
6 Sep 13  0656  M 5.4 
7 Sep 13  0137  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 
 Sep 20 45%10%160
 Sep 21 45%10%155
 Sep 22 45%10%150

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 September 16, 2024).

 Date   Flux   Kp 
 Sep 20 1652
 Sep 21 1652
 Sep 22 1702
 Sep 23 2252
 Date   Flux  Kp 
 Sep 24 2252
 Sep 25 2302
 Sep 26 2355
 Sep 27 2305
 Date   Flux  Kp 
 Sep 28 2254
 Sep 29 2403
 Sep 30 2402
 Oct 1 2402

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.

Another X-Flare Might be in the Offing
Sunspot AR3825 has already produced two X-flares: an X1.3 on Sept. 12th and a powerful X4.5 on Sept 14th. A third could be in the offing. The sunspot has a delta-class magnetic field that harbors energy for additional X-class explosions.
(Copyright © SpaceWeather.com September 19, 2024. Republished by permission.)

Rare Blue Auroras Caused by Resonant Scattering
The severe geomagnetic storm of Sept. 16-17 produced something that even longtime aurora watchers rarely see: Blue Auroras. "I photographed them at dawn on Sept. 17th," says Alan Dyer, who sends this picture from Gleichen, Alberta:
Aurora
Auroras are usually green and red. Blue is very unusual. It takes a strong geomagnetic storm to produce them -- plus one extra ingredient. "High altitude sunlight was hitting the blue rays," explains Dyer.
  The process is called "resonant scattering." At the top of the aurora zone, ionized nitrogen molecules (N2+) naturally produce blue light. The blue glow is usually too faint to see. However, when these ions get hit by morning sunlight, they capture and re-emit photons from the sun, amplifying the blue color.
(Copyright © SpaceWeather.com September 19, 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
     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
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
Makrothen RTTY Contest Oct 12 0000Z Oct 13 1559Z Rules
Nevada QSO Party Oct 12 0300Z Oct 13 2100Z Rules
Oceania DX Contest, CW Oct 12 0600Z Oct 13 0600Z Rules
Scandinavian Activity Contest, SSB Oct 12 1200Z Oct 13 1200Z Rules
Arizona QSO Party Oct 12 1500Z Oct 13 0500Z Rules
Pennsylvania QSO Party Oct 12 1600Z Oct 13 0400Z Rules
Oct 13 1300Z Oct 13 2200Z
South Dakota QSO Party Oct 12 1800Z Oct 13 1800Z Rules
10-10 Int. Fall Contest, CW Oct 19 0001Z Oct 20 2359Z Rules
New York QSO Party Oct 19 1400Z Oct 20 0200Z Rules
Stew Perry Topband Challenge Oct 19 1500Z Oct 20 1500Z Rules
Illinois QSO Party Oct 20 1700Z Oct 21 0100Z Rules
ARRL School Club Roundup Oct 21 1300Z Oct 25 2359Z Rules
CQ Worldwide DX Contest, SSB Oct 26 0000Z Oct 27 2400Z Rules
Ukrainian DX Contest Nov 2 1200Z Nov 3 1200Z Rules
ARRL Sweepstakes Contest, CW Nov 2 2100Z Nov 4 0300Z Rules
WAE DX Contest, RTTY Nov 9 0000Z Nov 10 2359Z Rules
10-10 Int. Fall Contest, Digital Nov 9 0001Z Nov 10 2359Z Rules
JIDX Phone Contest Nov 9 0700Z Nov 10 1300Z Rules
OK/OM DX Contest, CW Nov 9 1200Z Nov 10 1200Z Rules
North American SSB Sprint Contest Nov 10 0000Z Nov 10 0400Z Rules
LZ DX Contest Nov 16 1200Z Nov 17 1200Z Rules
ARRL Sweepstakes Contest, SSB Nov 16 2100Z Nov 18 0300Z Rules
CQ Worldwide DX Contest, CW Nov 23 0000Z Nov 24 2400Z Rules
ARRL 160-Meter Contest Dec 6 2200Z Dec 8 1600Z Rules
ARRL 10-Meter Contest Dec 14 0000Z Dec 15 2359Z Rules
     -[Contest data courtesy of the WA7BNM Contest Calendar ]