The
Eastern Iowa DX Bulletin
Number
305, December 19, 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 (The online archive is no
longer updated.)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
4X, ISRAEL. A Christmas 2025 operation will be conducted from Israel on December 25th-31st. Four groups of operators capable of providing QSOs in FT8, SSB, CW and via satellite will be QRV as 4X25X, 4X25M, 4X25A and 4X25S. For more information, see: https://www.iarc.org/xmas-2025/. QSL via 4X6ZM, bureau or direct.
-[425DXN # 1807 December 20, 2025] (1219-0102)
4X, ISRAEL.
Celebrating Hanukkah, the Israel Association of Radio Communication
will be running special event stations 4X8NER and 4Z8NER from December 14th to 22nd.
A certificate will be available at https://tools.iarc.org/chanukah25/.
QSL via 4Z5MU or LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1805 December 6, 2025] (1212-1226)
5R,
MADAGASCAR. Eric, F6ICX, is QRV as 5R8IC from
Sainte-Marie Island
(AF-090) until the
end of December. Activity is on the HF bands using
CW, SSB, FT8, FT4, and Satellite QO-100. QSL to F6ICX.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 49 December 4, 2025] (1205-0102)
6Y, JAMAICA.
Lester, W8YCM, is QRV as both W8YCM/6Y
and 6Y8LV until mid-January 2026.
Activity is holiday style on 17, 12, and 10 meters using SSB. QSL
direct to W8YCM.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 50 December 11, 2025] (1212-0116)
9A,
CROATIA. Special event station 9A169TESLA is QRV until December 31st
to
celebrate Nikola Tesla's birthday. QSL via operators' instructions.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 49 December 4, 2025] (1205-0102)
9K, KUWAIT. The special event station 9K9QATAR marks Qatar's national day (December 18th), QRV from December 18th to 22nd.
-[DXNL # 2489 December 17, 2025] (1219-1226)
9Y, TRINIDAD
& TOBAGO. Earl, WA3DX will be active as 9Y9DX from Arouca,
Trinidad (SA-011) on December
17th-29th. He will operate mainly FT8 and FT4 on 40-10
meters. QSOs will be uploaded to ClubLog. QSL via LoTW, or direct to WA3DX.
-[425DXN # 1805 December 6, 2025] (1212-0102)
A4, OMAN. The special event station A43QAT marks Qatar's national day (December 18th), QRV from December 18th to 22nd.
-[DXNL # 2489 December 17, 2025] (1219-1226)
A6, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES. Special event station A6ØQATAR is QRV until December 22nd to join in celebration of Qatar National Day. QSL via operators' instructions.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 51 December 18, 2025] (1219-1226)
A7, QATAR.
Special callsign A71QND
by the Qatar Amateur Radio Society celebrates Qatar National Day (December 18th).
Also taking part in the celebrations will be the Bahrain Amateur Radio
Society as A91QTR
on December 12th-18th,
and the Emirates Amateur Radio Society as A6ØQATAR on December 18th-22nd
(individual operators may append a serial number to the special
callsign), and possibly the Kuwait Amateur Radio Society (9K9QATAR), the Royal
Omani Amateur Radio Society as A43QAT,
and the Saudi Amateur Radio Society (HZ1QATAR).
-[425DXN # 1806 December 13, 2025] (1212-1226)
A9, BAHRAIN. The special event station A91QTR marks Qatar's national day (December 18th), QRV from December 18th to 22nd.
-[DXNL # 2489 December 17, 2025] (1219-1226)
C5,
THE GAMBIA. Andre, ON7YK, is QRV as C5YK from Kotu until January 25th.
Activity is on 20 to 10 meters using SSB, RTTY, FT8, FT4, and some CW.
QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 49 December 4, 2025] (1205-0123)
CE9, ANTARCTICA. Oleg, ZS1ANF, has returned to Wichaway (WAP MNB-11) and operates as ZS7ANF on 17, 15, and 10m CW. QSL via RK1PWA.
-[DXNL # 2489 December 17, 2025] (1219-0109)
CE9, ANTARCTICA.
Lasse, DL9LU is the IT engineer and radio operator of the new
overwintering team at Neumayer III Station, Antarctica (AN-016). He
arrived on November 18th and will remain there until shortly before
Christmas 2026. He will be active as DPØGVN; QSL for both
HF and QO-100 contacts via ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW, or via DL4BBH.
-[425DXN # 1803 November 22, 2025] (1121-1226)
CE9, ANTARCTICA.
Alex, UG1A, operating as RI1ANI, is expected
to leave Novolazarevskaya Station on December 1st, and head to Progress
station. From December
5th onwards, he will take part in the traverse from
Progress to Vostok Station, where he will stay for approximately 40
days. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
or via RN1ON.
-[425DXN # 1805 December 6, 2025] (1205-0102)
CEØY, EASTER I.
Jorge, CEØYHF,
is QRV until the end
of December while on work assignment in the Hanga Roa
hospital. Activity is in his spare time. QSL via CEØYHF.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 46 November 13, 2025] (1114-1226)
CN, MOROCCO. Members of the Association Royale des Radioamateurs du Maroc will be active as CN35CAN
during the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, the biennial
international competition for African football (soccer) teams. Morocco
will host the tournament from December 21st to January 18th. QSL direct to CN35CAN.
-[425DXN # 1806 December 13, 2025] (1219-0123)
CN, MOROCCO.
Special callsign CN25JIM
will be active from December
8th to 21st, and especially
on December 13th,
from the Middle Atlas mountain range of Morocco. The special callsign's
suffix stands for Journee Internationale de la Montagne (International
Mountain Day). QSL via operator's instructions.
-[425DXN # 1805 December 6, 2025] (1205-1226)
CT, PORTUGAL. Special callsign CS25XMAS by members of the National Association of Portuguese Radio Operators and Radio Amateurs (CS5RP) celebrates Christmas on December 19th-25th. QSL via email: anarpt2020+xmas@gmail.com.
-[425DXN # 1807 December 20, 2025] (1219-1226)
D4, CAPE VERDE. Beni, HB9HNT, is QRV as D4NT until January 1st. Activity is on the HF bands. QSL to HB9HNT.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 51 December 18, 2025] (1219-0102)
DXCC TOP TWENTY.
Here are the top 20 entities on ClubLog’s "DXCC Most Wanted" list as of
December 19, 2025:
1. P5 DPRK
(North Korea) 11.
KH4 Midway Island
2.
KH3 Johnston
Island 12.
VKØM Macquarie Island
3. KH7K Kure
Island
13. EZ Turkmenistan
4. CEØX San Felix
Islands 14.
KP5 Desecheo Island
5. FT5/X Kerguelen
Island 15.
PYØS Saint Peter And Paul Rocks
6. BS7H Scarborough
Reef 16.
VPØS South Sandwich Islands
7. BV9P Pratas
Island 17.
YK Syria
8. YVØ Aves
Island
18. ZL9 New Zealand Subantarctic
Islands
9. 3Y/P Peter 1
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 19, 2025 (1219-0109)
EA, SPAIN. The radio club in Palencia uses the callsign EG1SANTA until the end of the year. QSL via EC1R.
-[DXNL # 2489 December 17, 2025] (1219-0102)
EA, SPAIN.
Members of the Jaen Amateur Radio Union (URJ) celebrate
their city's jubilee with the callsign AM12ØØJ until December 28th.
For
awards see AM1200J on
qrz.com. QSL via EA7URJ.
-[DXNL # 2487 December 3, 2025] (1205-1226)
EA,
SPAIN. Throughout December, AO25YOTA will be one
of many stations
worldwide getting on the air to support YOTA (Youngsters on the Air)
activity. For more information see: https://events.ham-yota.com.
-[DXNL # 2487 December 3, 2025] (1205-1226)
EA, SPAIN.
Celebrating Christmas and the New Year from the city of Vigo, EG1NV
will be active from December
2nd to January 12th. See
https://www.qrz.com/db/EG1NV
for more information. QSL via LoTW, eQSL,
and QRZ Logbook.
-[425DXN # 1804 November 29, 2025] (1128-0109)
F, FRANCE. Dominique, F4JMX is going to put the callsign TM63SC on the air from December 17th to 31st. It was used in previous years by F8DZU (Jean-Pierre), who became silent key earlier this year.
-[DXNL # 2489 December 17, 2025] (1219-0102)
F, FRANCE.
To mark the 60th anniversary since the first French satellite, named
Asterix, was launched into orbit (November 26, 1965), members of the
Wingles Radio Club (F4KLR) will be active as TM6ØATX on Fridays and Saturdays between
November 14th and December 13th, and again on December 19th-23rd.
All SSB and CW QSOs will be confirmed automatically via the bureau; FT8
QSOs will be confirmed via eQSL. Or, QSL direct via F4KLR.
-[425DXN # 1800 November 1, 2025] (1114-1226)
FS, SAINT MARTIN.
Giovanni, IZ2DPX, will be active from both parts of the island (NA-105)
as FS/IZ2DPX
and PJ7/IZ2DPX from December
13th to 21st. QRV on 60-6m with 100W on SSB and FT8/4. QSL
via IZ2DPX.
-[DXNL # 2488 December 10, 2025] (1212-1226)
FY, FRENCH GUIANA. Pierre-Jean, F4GPK will be active again as TO2FY from Korou, French Guiana from December 22nd to January 15th.
Activity will be mostly on 20, 15, and 10 meters using SSB only. He
does not do paper QSLs or ClubLog. QSL only via LoTW and eQSL.
-[425DXN # 1806 December 13, 2025] (1219-0116)
G, ENGLAND.
Carl, MØICR, remains active as GB1SANTA
until December 25th.
An award is also available (see GB1SANTA).
-[DXNL # 2487 December 3, 2025] (1205-1226)
HA, HUNGARY.
The first official, regular radio broadcast in Hungary began on
December 1, 1925, which is now celebrated as Hungarian Radio Day. To
mark that centenary, the Hungarian Radio Amateur Society (MRASZ) and
the Honfy Jozsef Radioclub (HA1KHJ) organize a commemorative activity
to be held from November
15th to December 31st under nine special callsigns: HG1ØØRADIO, HG1ØØYHRB, HG1ØØAN, HG1ØØEG, HG1ØØFO, HG1ØØIT, HG1ØØRC, HG1ØØSD and HG1ØØUD. Look for
activity on 160-10m CW, SSB & digital modes, and via QO-100. A
certificate will be available: https://mrasz.org/100-years-of-hungarian-broadcasting-award.
-[425DXN # 1802 November 15, 2025] (1114-0102)
HB,
SWITZERLAND. Club HB9IPA continues to celebrate their
club's 70th
anniversary with the special callsign HB7ØIPA until the end of 2025
on
HF and via QO-100.
-[DXNL # 2487 December 3, 2025] (1205-0102)
HR, HONDURAS. Alex, K6VHF, will be QRV as K6VHF/HR9 from Roatan Island (NA-057) from December 13th to 20th. Activity will be on 80 to 6 meters using FT8, FT4, SSB, RTTY, and CW. QSL via K6VHF.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 51 December 18, 2025] (1219-1226)
HR, HONDURAS.
Gerard, F2JD will be active again as HR5/F2JD from Copan,
Honduras from November
15th to March 12, 2026. He will operate CW, SSB and FT8/
FT4 on the HF bands. Log search on http://LesNouvellesDX.fr/voirlogs.php.
QSL via F6AJA.
-[425DXN # 1799 October 25, 2025] (1114-1226)
HS,
THAILAND. Special event callsign HS25SG will be
activated on December
1st-30th to celebrate the 33rd Southeast Asian Games and
as part of the
"SatFinder" educational campaign, which promotes space, satellite, and
radio science to students and the general public through amateur radio
activities. See https://www.qrz.com/db/HS25SG
for more information. QSL
via ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW, and QRZ Logbook.
-[425DXN # 1804 November 29, 2025] (1128-0102)
HZ, SAUDI ARABIA. The special event station HZ1QATAR marks Qatar's national day (December 18th), QRV from December 18th to 22nd.
-[DXNL # 2489 December 17, 2025] (1219-1226)
I, ITALY. ARI section Gorizia remains active as II3GONG until December 29th.
-[DXNL # 2489 December 17, 2025] (1219-0102)
JA, JAPAN.
Take, JI3DST will be active as JS6RRR
from Miyako Island (AS-079) from December 11th until April 17th.
He will operate SSB, CW and FT8 on 40-6m. Other callsigns to be used
are JI3DST/6,
JJ5RBH/6, JI3DST/p and JJ5RBH/p. QSOs will
be uploaded to ClubLog and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1805 December 6, 2025] (1205-0102)
K, UNITED STATES. The Charles County Amateur Radio Club will use special event callsign N3V
to commemorate the anniversary of the first wireless voice
transmission, achieved by Reginald Fessenden 125 years ago. Look for
activity from December 19th to 26th, and especially on the actual anniversary day (December 23rd). QSL via N3YRZ.
-[425DXN # 1807 December 20, 2025] (1219-1226)
OA,
PERU. The Peruvian Radio Club celebrates its 95th
anniversary with the
callsign 4T95O
during December.
QRV on 40-10 meters, as well as on 6m,
2m and 70cm, CW, SSB, RTTY, FM, and FT8. For QSL information (including
a downloadable eQSL) see: https://www.oa4o.pe
-[DXNL # 2486 November 26, 2025] (1128-0102)
OE, AUSTRIA.
Special callsign OEØYOTA
is going to take part in the December
YOTA Month 2025 events.
-[DXNL # 2486 November 26, 2025] (1128-0102)
ON, BELGIUM.
Commemorating the 81st anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge during
World War II, members of UBA Section Bruxelles-Est (ON5UB) will be
active as OR81NUTS
from December 13th
to 31st.
The suffix of the special callsign is General Anthony C. McAuliffe's
famous single-word reply in response to a surrender ultimatum.
-[425DXN # 1805 December 6, 2025] (1205-0102)
PA, NETHERLANDS.
Special callsigns celebrating Christmas and the New
Year from the Netherlands include:
PA25SANTA Dec 1 -
Jan 1 QSL via PA1AW
PA25XMAS
Dec
1-31
no QSL, certificate on QRZ
PD25STAR
Dec
1-31
no QSL, certificate on QRZ
PD26HNY
Dec 1 - Jan 31 no QSL, certificate on QRZ
PF25XMAS
Dec
1-31
QSL via PC1K;
certificate on QRZ
PH25XMAS
Dec
6-28
no QSL, certificate on https://award.pa3efr.nl
PH26HNY
Dec 28 - Jan 5 no QSL, certificate on https://award.pa3efr.nl
PI25XMAS
Dec
1-31
no QSL, certificate on QRZ
More
information can be found on https://www.qrz.com/db/PD25XMAS.
-[425DXN # 1804 November 29, 2025] (1128-0102)
PA,
NETHERLANDS. Special callsign PA8ØVERON celebrates
the 80th anniversary
of the Vereniging voor Experimenteel Radio Onderzoek (VERON) until the
end of November. During
December, PA1ØØIARU
joins IARU celebrations.
QSLs via PA1AW.
-[DXNL # 2486 November 26, 2025] (1128-1226)
PJ7, SINT
MAARTEN. Giovanni, IZ2DPX, will be active from both parts
of the island (NA-105) as PJ7/IZ2DPX
and FS/IZ2DPX from December
13th to 21st. QRV on 60-6m with 100W on SSB and FT8/4. QSL
via IZ2DPX.
-[DXNL # 2488 December 10, 2025] (1212-1226)
PZ, SURINAME. Joe, OZØJ will be active as PZ5OZ from PZ5RA's rental shack at Lelydorp, Suriname from December 21st to January 2nd.
He will operate CW, SSB, FT8 (F/H) and possibly RTTY on 160-6 meters.
Note: Do NOT mail direct cards to OZØJ, as the Danish postal operator
will discontinue letter delivery service on December 30. See https://pz5oz.oz0j.dk for more information. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS (preferred), LoTW, and eQSL.
-[425DXN # 1805 December 6, 2025] (1219-0102)
S2, BANGLADESH. Team S21DX will be active from Kutubdia Island (AS-127) on December 21st-27th.
They will try to be QRV for at least 18 hours a day, depending on
generator, fuel and available operators. Plans are to operate SSB and
FT8 on 160-10 meters, plus QO-100. See https://s21dx.org/ for more information. All QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW and ClubLog. Paper QSL via EB7DX.
-[425DXN # 1795 September 27, 2025] (1219-1226)
SM,
SWEDEN. Radio club SK3GK is QRV with special callsign SM1ØØXF until
December 31st to mark the first radio broadcast 100 years
ago from
Gaevle. QSL via bureau.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 49 December 4, 2025] (1205-0102)
SP,
POLAND. Tadeusz Heftman, TPAX made the first amateur radio
contact
confirmed by a QSL card between Poland and a station from outside the
country (NØPM in the Netherlands) on December 6, 1925. Commemorating
that milestone, special event station SNØTPAX will operate
CW and SSB
throughout December.
The activity is organized by the PZK and the SP DX
Club. All QSOs will be confirmed automatically via the bureau.
-[425DXN # 1804 November 29, 2025] (1128-1226)
SP, POLAND.
Special callsign HF4SES
will be in use from October
31st to December 31st
to mark the launch of RadioAwards.club, a "platform designed for
organizing and managing ham radio award events worldwide". See https://radioawards.club/ses/premier-event
for more information and the certificate.
-[425DXN # 1801 November 8, 2025] (1107-1226)
SV, GREECE. Tom, OE4EIE operates as SV/OE4EIE from December 21st until January 4th.
-[DXNL # 2489 December 17, 2025] (1219-0109)
SV, GREECE.
On December 1, 1913, the island of Crete was officially integrated into
the Greek state after centuries of Ottoman rule. SX1913C is a special
callsign that will commemorate that event from December 15th to 21st.
The operators will be SV1TAO, SV7JAX, SV8RSX and SV9TNA. Electronic QSL
cards will be sent by email.
-[425DXN # 1805 December 6, 2025] (1212-1226)
TA,
TURKEY. Special event callsign TC25YOTA, staffed by
youngsters, will be
active throughout
December. See also: https://events.ham-yota.com.
QSL
via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[DXNL # 2487 December 3, 2025] (1205-0102)
TG,
GUATEMALA. Todd, AF4CZ, will be active holiday style as TG9/AF4CZ from
Guatemala from December
7th to January 5th. He will operate mainly
FT8/FT4 on 40-10 meters. QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW, eQSL and
ClubLog.
-[425DXN # 1804 November 29, 2025] (1205-0109)
TL, CENTRAL AFRICA. Joao, CR7BNW will be active as TL8BNW from Bangui, Central African Republic for six months.
During his stay he will be QRV on 40, 20, 15, and 10 meter SSB and FT8.
He has already conducted some preliminary tests in preparation for his
first activity, which is scheduled for December 20th-25th. QSL via LoTW, and QRZ.
-[425DXN # 1807 December 20, 2025] (1219-0123)
TR, GABON. Roland, F8EN, is QRV as TR8CR until December 25th. QSL via F6AJA.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 51 December 18, 2025] (1219-1226)
V5,
NAMIBIA. Gunter, DK2WH is QRV as V51WH from Omaruru until March 24,
2026. Activity is on 160 to 6 meters using SSB, RTTY, FT8,
and some CW.
He will be active as V55Y
in various contests. QSL to DK2WH.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 47 November 20, 2025] (1121-1226)
VK, AUSTRALIA.
The callsign VK2SANTA
remains on the air until
December 24th.
-[DXNL # 2488 December 10, 2025] (1212-1226)
VP5, TURKS & CAICOS. Mark, AA2MA will be QRV as VP5/AA2MA from Caicos Island (NA-002) during December. Activity will be on his free time on 40, 20, and 10 meters using CW or FT8. QSL via AA2MA.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 51 December 18, 2025] (1219-0102)
VP8/H, SOUTH SHETLAND IS. Ivo, LZ1AAW, will be QRV in his spare time as LZØA from St. Kliment Ohridski on Livingston Island (AN-010) from late December until mid-February. QSL via LZ1JZ.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 51 December 18, 2025] (1219-0213)
XU, CAMBODIA. Tom, DL7BO, will be QRV as XU7GNY from December 22nd to January 18th. Activity will be on 160 through 6 meters using CW, SSB, and FT8, and concentrating on the lower bands. QSL direct via DJ4WK.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 51 December 18, 2025] (1219-0123)
YO,
ROMANIA. Members of the YO3KRM Radioclub will run a
Christmas Special
Event on December 5th-31st, with three special callsigns: YOØHOHO,
YOØXMAS, and
YRØUDOLPH.
QSL via YO3GND.
Certificates will be available,
see YOØHOHO for
the details.
-[425DXN # 1804 November 29, 2025] (1205-0102)
YU, SERBIA. Special call signs YT25YOTA and YU25YOTA are active throughout December in celebration of IARU Region 1 Young Radio Operators Month. QSL via operators' instructions.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 51 December 18, 2025] (1219-0102)
Z8, SOUTH SUDAN.
Diya, YI1DZ, will be QRV as Z81D
from Juba from December
14th to March 10th. Activity will be in his spare time.
QSL to YI1DZ.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 50 December 11, 2025] (1212-0116)
ZA, ALBANIA. Tom, OE4EIE operates as ZA/OE4EIE on December 19th and 20th, and again from January 4th to 6th. QSL to OE4EIE.
-[DXNL # 2489 December 17, 2025] (1219-0109)
ZL,
NEW ZEALAND. Special callsign ZL6ØPAH will be used
by Phil, ZL3PAH from
November 23rd to
February 22, 2026, to celebrate his diamond jubilee in
amateur radio. He will operate CW, RTTY, and "maybe a little SSB too"
on 80-10 meters. QSL via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1802 November 15, 2025] (1121-0220)
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 the U.S. Department of Commerce's NOAA
Space Weather Prediction Center.
The propagation graphs above are the creations of KØCF and are unique
in space weather reporting.
Please Note: The graphs are high resolution .PNG files which you may view in greater detail using your browser's "zoom" feature. Alternatively, right click on the graph and select "Open Image in New Tab" to enlarge it, or "Save Image As..." to save it to your computer for further analysis.
|
NASA's current view of the Sun at a wave- length of 131 Angstroms. This wavelength shows incredible solar detail. Click here or on the image to view as a full screen 48-hour video loop. It is fascinating! |
 |
Propagation
Summary
For the 8 day period from Thursday, December 11th through yesterday,
December 18th.
The average solar flux was 121, down 62 points from the previous week,
with a weekly high of 146 on Thursday, December 11th, followed by
a low of 116 on December 18th.
The average sunspot count was 84, down by 49 from last week,
peaking at 124 on Friday, December 12th followed by a
weekly low of 68 on December 17th.
The Planetary K-index weekly average was 4.2 with a
maximum of 5.7 on Thursday, December 11th, indicating
a minor geomagnetic storm. Yesterday's K-index maximum was 4.3 with
generally quiet conditions.
Solar flare activity since December 12th has been quiet with only
1 major flare, which was an M 2.0 event on Friday, December 12th.
Propagation
Data
Major solar flares, Friday, December 12th through 1440 UTC, December
19th.
| # | Date | UTC | Mag. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dec 12 | 0505 | M 2.0 |
(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 19 | 15% | 1% | 115 |
| Dec 20 | 15% | 1% | 110 |
| Dec 21 | 15% | 1% | 110 |
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 15, 2025).
|
|
|
A
Hole In The Sun's Atmosphere
A canyon-shaped
hole in the sun's atmosphere is facing Earth and spewing a
stream of solar wind in our direction. G1-class
geomagnetic storms are possible on Dec. 18th when it arrives.
(Copyright © SpaceWeather.com December 16, 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:
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.
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARRL Rookie Roundup, CW | Dec 21 | 1800Z | Dec 21 | 2359Z | Rules |
| RAC Winter Contest | Dec 27 | 0000Z | Dec 27 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Stew Perry Topband Challenge | Dec 27 | 1500Z | Dec 28 | 1500Z | Rules |
| RAEM Contest | Dec 28 | 0000Z | Dec 28 | 1159Z | Rules |
| ARRL Kids Day | Jan 3 | 1800Z | Jan 3 | 2359Z | Rules |
| ARRL RTTY Roundup | Jan 3 | 1800Z | Jan 4 | 2400Z | Rules |
| North American QSO Party, CW | Jan 10 | 1800Z | Jan 11 | 0600Z | Rules |
| North American QSO Party, SSB | Jan 17 | 1800Z | Jan 18 | 0600Z | Rules |
| ARRL January VHF Contest | Jan 17 | 1900Z | Jan 19 | 0359Z | Rules |
| CQ 160-Meter Contest, CW | Jan 23 | 2200Z | Jan 25 | 2159Z | Rules |
| REF Contest, CW | Jan 24 | 0600Z | Jan 25 | 1800Z | Rules |
| Vermont QSO Party | Feb 7 | 0000Z | Feb 8 | 2400Z | Rules |
| 10-10 Int. Winter Contest, SSB | Feb 7 | 0001Z | Feb 8 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Mexico RTTY International Contest | Feb 7 | 1200Z | Feb 8 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Minnesota QSO Party | Feb 7 | 1400Z | Feb 7 | 2400Z | Rules |
| British Columbia QSO Party | Feb 7 | 1600Z | Feb 8 | 2400Z | Rules |
| North American Sprint, CW | Feb 8 | 0000Z | Feb 8 | 0359Z | Rules |
| ARRL School Club Roundup | Feb 9 | 1300Z | Feb 13 | 2359Z | Rules |
| CQ WW RTTY WPX Contest | Feb 14 | 0000Z | Feb 15 | 2400Z | Rules |
| CQ 160-Meter Contest, SSB | Feb 20 | 2200Z | Feb 22 | 2159Z | Rules |
| ARRL Inter. DX Contest, CW | Feb 21 | 0000Z | Feb 22 | 2400Z | Rules |
| REF Contest, SSB | Feb 21 | 0600Z | Feb 22 | 1800Z | Rules |
| South Carolina QSO Party | Feb 21 | 1500Z | Feb 22 | 0159Z | Rules |
| North American QSO Party, RTTY | Feb 28 | 1800Z | Mar 1 | 0600Z | Rules |
| ARRL Inter. DX Contest, SSB | Mar 7 | 0000Z | Mar 8 | 2400Z | Rules |
| Oklahoma QSO Party | Mar 14 | 1400Z | Mar 15 | 2100Z | Rules |
| Stew Perry Topband Challenge | Mar 14 | 1500Z | Mar 15 | 1500Z | Rules |
| Idaho QSO Party | Mar 14 | 1900Z | Mar 15 | 1900Z | Rules |
| North American Sprint, RTTY | Mar 15 | 0000Z | Mar 15 | 0359Z | Rules |
| Wisconsin QSO Party | Mar 15 | 1800Z | Mar 16 | 0100Z | Rules |
| BARTG HF RTTY Contest | Mar 21 | 0200Z | Mar 23 | 0200Z | Rules |
| Russian DX Contest | Mar 21 | 1200Z | Mar 22 | 1200Z | Rules |
| Virginia QSO Party | Mar 21 | 1400Z | Mar 22 | 2400Z | Rules |