DX Code of Conduct
web counter

The Eastern Iowa DX Bulletin
Number 295, October 10, 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 (The online archive is no
      longer updated.)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

5H, TANZANIA. Maurizio, IK2GZU will be active again as 5H3MB from Tanzania from October 16th to November 20th, while doing volunteer work at a local school. In his spare time, he will operate SSB, CW and digital modes on 80-10 meters. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS, LoTW, and eQSL, or via IK2GZU.
-[425DXN # 1795 September 27, 2025]  (1010-1121)

5R, MADAGASCAR. Eric, F6ICX will be active again as 5R8IC from Sainte-Marie Island (AF-090), Madagascar from October until late December or early January. He will operate CW with some FT8 (F/H) and SSB on 40-10 meters; during the last two weeks of December and maybe the first week of January he will also be QRV via QO-100. QSL via LoTW, ClubLog's OQRS, or via F6ICX.
-[425DXN # 1795 September 27, 2025]  (1003-1017)

7Q, MALAWI. Zachary, KJ5BIN, has set up a remote station during his volunteering at a hospital in Embangweni, which he now uses with the callsign 7Q5BIN on 10 and 6m (SSB, FT8/4). QSL direct via KJ5BIN, OQRS.
-[DXNL # 2477 September 24, 2025]  (0926-1017)

9A, CROATIA. Special callsign 9A1ØSOTA celebrates ten years of SOTA Croatia. Look for activity from October 1st to September 30, 2026. A certificate will be available for contacts made between October 1st and December 31st, 2025. See https://9aff.wordpress.com/ for information. QSL via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1795 September 27, 2025]  (0926-1017)

9M, MALAYSIA. Members of the DX club in Kulai operate for a scout meeting as 9M4JOTA from October 10th to 20th. See https://www.qrz.com/db/9M4JOTA. QSL via qrz.com.
-[DXNL # 2479 October 8, 2025]  (1010-1024)

9N, NEPAL. Suvarna, OMØGA has moved permanently to India, where he holds the callsign VU3OPT. He will be QRV as 9N/OMØGA from September 2nd to October 13th. See https://www.9n7ga.com for more information.
-[425DXN # 1794 September 20, 2025]  (0919-1017)

C2, NAURU. Phill, C21TS now expects to remain on Nauru (OC-031) until November 30th. After a 2-month leave, "I'll probably be back for a few months from February 2026 with minimal gear", he says. He will be QRT for good no later than June 2026. QSL via LoTW, or via MØOXO's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1795 September 27, 2025]  (0926-1130)

CEØX, SAN FELIX & SAN AMBROSIO IS. The DXpedition to Sam Ambrosio (SA-013), scheduled for October/November 2025 is delayed until January/February 2026. The operating permit is valid from January 12th until February 15th, allowing for at least 25 days on the air. Most of the necessary gear, which is also to include a Radio-in-a-box rig for remote operation, will be transported to Robinson Crusoe Island (CEØZ), the point of departure for the expedition, during the next weeks. See also: https://www.sanambrosio-project.com. QSL via MØURX's OQRS, LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2479 October 8, 2025]  (1010-1017)

CT3, MADEIRA IS. Georg, DD8ZX, is going to pay Madeira (AF-014) a visit from October 3rd to 16th, signing CT9/DD8ZX. QRV mostly on FT8 with 10W and a wire antenna. QSL via bureau.
-[DXNL # 2479 October 8, 2025]  (1010-1017)

DL, GERMANY. The special event stations DC75DARC, DD75DARC, DK75DARC, and DR75DARC continue to celebrate DARC's 75th anniversary until the end of October. An award program, involving QSOs with DARC members, DARC officials, and club stations is also available via the DARC Community Logbook (DCL). QSL for all for callsigns via DL2VFR.
-[DXNL # 2477 September 24, 2025]  (0926-1031)

DXCC TOP TWENTY. Here are the top 20 entities on ClubLog’s "DXCC Most Wanted" list as of October 10, 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 October 10, 2025  (1010-1031)

E5/N, NORTH COOK IS. Team E51MWA (Robert N7QT, Jack N7JP, James KC7EFP, Brian N9ADG, and YL operators Robin WA7CPA and Violetta KN2P) will be active from Manihiki Atoll (OC-014), North Cook Islands on October 9th-20th. They will operate CW, SSB, and FT8 (F/H) on 160-10 meters with three stations. See https://www.e51mwa.com for more information and updates. Selective LoTW upload will be in place. QSL via MØURX's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1787 August 2, 2025]  (1003-1024)

E6, NIUE. The Rebel DX Group has been active as E6AD from Niue (OC-040) since October 7th. This is a 2-man activity. "Digital is a priority", they say, "some CW and SSB will be done from time to time". See https://www.qrz.com/db/E6AD for more information. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1797 October 11, 2025]  (1010-1031)

EA, SPAIN. Special callsign AN5CV will be activated on October 6th-12th to celebrate the Day of the Valencian Community. Certificates and eQSLs will be available on HamAward: https://hamaward.cloud/.
-[425DXN # 1796 October 4, 2025]  (1003-1017)

F, FRANCE. Michel, F8GGZ will be active as TM8ØUCO on October 12th-19th for the 80th anniversary of UNESCO, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization that promotes cooperation in education, science, culture and communication. He will operate SSB and CW on 80-10m. QSL via eQSL only.
-[425DXN # 1797 October 11, 2025]  (1010-1024)

H4, SOLOMON IS. Bernhard, DL2GAC, is QRV as H44MS from Malaita Island (OC-047) until November 25th. Activity is on 80 to 6 meters using SSB and FT8. QSL to DL2GAC.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 41 October 9, 2025]  (1010-1128)

HH, HAITI. Members of Radio Club d'Haiti will be active as 4V1SB on October 1st-31st. The special callsign commemorates Simon Bolivar, who led several South American countries to independence from the Spanish Empire. Haiti played a crucial role in Bolívar's revolutionary efforts by offering him refuge and providing significant military support. QSL via N2OO.
-[425DXN # 1796 October 4, 2025]  (1003-1031)

HK, COLOMBIA. Special callsigns 5J3HD and 5K3CD celebrate Hispanicity Day and Columbus Day for members of the Liga de Radioaficionados de Bogota (HK3LRB) on October 11th-13th. QSLs via LoTW, QRZ Logbook, eQSL, or direct to HK3LRB.
-[425DXN # 1796 October 4, 2025]  (1010-1017)

HKØ, SAN ANDRES & PROVIDENCIA. Team 5KØUA (HK1T, HJ1YL, K2BB and UUØJR, plus possibly US7UX, VA2WA and WB2AA) will be active from San Andres Island (NA-033) from October 15th to November 3rd. They will operate CW, SSB and FT8 on 160-10 meters, and will participate in the CQ WW DX SSB Contest (October 25th-26th). See http://imdx.org/ for more information. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1797 October 11, 2025]  (1010-1107)

HP, PANAMA. Alex, F4GHS will be active as HP3/F4GHS from Hermosa Bay in the Chiriqui Province of Panama on October 9th-17th. He will be QRV mainly on 20 meters SSB. QSL via F4GHS.
-[425DXN # 1797 October 11, 2025]  (1010-1017)

I, ITALY. Members of ARI Gorizia (IQ3GO) will be active as II3GONG from October 1st to December 29th. The special callsign's suffix stands for Gorizia (Italy) and Nova Gorica (Slovenia), the first cross-border European Capital of Culture. A certificate will be available, see https://www.qrz.com/db/II3GONG for information. QSL via the bureau and eQSL.
-[425DXN # 1795 September 27, 2025]  (0926-1024)

I, ITALY. Celebrating 130 years of radio and IARU's centenary, several special callsigns will be in use from September 15th to October 15th: IIØIARU (Sardinia), II1IARU, II2IARU, II3IARU, II4IARU, II5IARU, II6IARU, II7IARU, II8IARU, II9IARU, IRØIARU, IR2IARU, IR3IARU, IR7IARU and IR8IARU, as well as II1RVCO, II2RBUS, II3RTRE, IR2RGAL, IR2RIMV and IR2RMAG. See https://www.ari.it/ for more information. Certificates and eQSLs will be available on HamAward.
-[425DXN # 1793 September 13, 2025]  (0912-1017)

J3, GRENADA. Eric, GM5RDX and Graham, 2MØIJU will be active as J38DX and J38LD, respectively, from Grenada (NA-024) on October 8th-15th. They will operate mainly SSB, with some FT8, on 80-6 meters. QSL for both callsigns via MØOXO's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1795 September 27, 2025]  (1003-1017)

JA, JAPAN. The two special event callsigns 8K3EXPO & JA3XPO will conclude their activities for the EXPO 2025 exhibition in Osaka on October 13th. QSL via bureau, LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2479 October 8, 2025]  (1010-1017)

JA, JAPAN. Mitsuru, JE1HXZ will be active as JE1HXZ/6 from Kita-Daito Island (AS-047) on October 8th-15th. He will operate CW, SSB, RTTY and FT8/FT4 on 160-6 meters. QSL via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1796 October 4, 2025]  (1003-1017)

JA, JAPAN. Take, JI3DST will be active as JS6RRR from Miyako Island (AS-079) from September 26th until December 3rd. He will operate SSB, CW and FT8 on 40-6 meters. Other callsigns to be used are JI3DST/6, JJ5RBH/6, JI3DST/p and JJ5RBH/p. QSOs will be uploaded to ClubLog and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1796 October 4, 2025]  (1003-1031)

JD1/M, MINAMI TORISHIMA. Take, JG8NQJ has been back to the weather station on Minami Torishima (OC-073) since September 18th, and will remain there until December, his QSL manager reports. Take is QRV as JG8NQJ/JD1 in his limited spare time. He operates CW and some FT8 (please note that he wants you to call with your signal report, not your grid square). QSL via JA8CJY (direct), JG8NQJ (bureau) and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1794 September 20, 2025]  (0919-1024)

JW, SVALBARD. Look for JW7XK, JW9DL and JW6VM to be active from the Svalbard Amatorradioklubb in Longyearbyen (EU-026), Svalbard on October 8th-13th. They will participate in the Scandinavian Activity Contest, SSB (October 11th-12th) as JW5X. Outside the contest, JW9DL will be mostly active on FT8 and FT4, JW6VM on CW, and JW7XK via satellite (RS-44) on CW, SSB and FT4. QSL JW7XK via LA7XK, ClubLog's OQRS and LoTW. QSL JW9DL via LA9DL, ClubLog's OQRS and LoTW. QSL JW6VM via LA6VM. QSL JW5X via ClubLog's OQRS, LoTW, or via LA5X.
-[425DXN # 1795 September 27, 2025]  (1003-1017)

K, UNITED STATES. Radio club NI6BB aboard the USS Iowa marks the 200th anniversary of the US Navy from October 4th to 19th. See also https://biara.org.
-[DXNL # 2478 October 1, 2025]  (1003-1024)

KHØ, MARIANA IS. Harry, JG7PSJ is QRV as WHØRU from Saipan (OC-086) until October 12th. Activity is on 40 to 10 meters using CW, SSB, and various digital modes. QSL via LoTW or direct to JG7PSJ.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 40 October 2, 2025]  (1003-1017)

LX, LUXEMBOURG. Special callsigns LX25GDH (September 3rd - October 3rd) and LX25GDG (October 3rd - November 3rd) are the for Radioamateurs du Luxembourg (RL, Luxembourg's IARU society) to mark the "Trounwiessel" - the accession to the throne of Prince Guillaume, who is set to become Grand Duke on October 3rd upon the abdication of his father the Grand Duke Henri. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1792 September 6, 2025]  (0905-1107)

ON, BELGIUM. The ONZ Oostkust Radioclub (ON6HC) will be active on all bands and modes as OR81C from October 15th to November 14th to commemorate the 81st anniversary of the liberation of the region of Knokke-Heist by Canadian troops in 1944. A certificate will be available: https://www.onz.be/or81c-award-request/. QSL via eQSL.
-[425DXN # 1797 October 11, 2025]  (1010-1114)

OX, GREENLAND. Bo, OZ1DJJ will be active again as OX3LX from Greenland (NA-018) from October 3rd to 21st. As always, this will be a working trip, and he will be QRV only in his spare time. QSL via LoTW, ClubLog's OQRS or via OZØJ.
-[425DXN # 1796 October 4, 2025]  (1003-1024)

PA, NETHERLANDS. Volker, DL1WH will be active holiday style as PA/DL1WH from Texel Island (EU-038) on October 11th-24th. He will operate mainly CW, with some SSB. QSL via DL1WH.
-[425DXN # 1797 October 11, 2025]  (1010-1024)

PA, NETHERLANDS. Special callsign PA8ØVERON celebrates the 80th anniversary of the Dutch IARU society, Vereniging voor Experimenteel Radio Onderzoek in Nederland (VERON). QSL via PA1AW.
-[425DXN # 1796 October 4, 2025]  (1003-1024)

PJ2, CURACAO. Andre, PD1DRE, is currently vacationing on Curacao (SA-099) and signs PJ2/PD1DRE until October 28th on 40-10m (SSB, FT8), mostly during his evening and night hours. QSL via eQSL.
-[DXNL # 2479 October 8, 2025]  (1010-1031)

PY, BRAZIL. Special callsign PX1ØØIARU was issued to the Liga de Amadores Brasileiros de Radio Emissao (LABRE) which is hosting the IARU Region 2 General Assembly. Look for activity on "all bands, all modes and satellite" until October 12th. A certificate can be requested by contacting awards@labre.org.br with the QSO details. QSL via LoTW; paper cards will not be available.
-[425DXN # 1797 October 11, 2025]  (1010-1017)

PYØF, FERNANDO DE NORONHA. Mario, PY2DV as PYØFB (80-6 meters SSB and some FT8) and Bruce, PY2BS as PYØFBS (23cm EME) will be active from Fernando de Noronha (SA-003) on October 8th-15th. QSLs via MØURX's OQRS and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1791 August 30, 2025]  (1003-1017)

PYØS, ST. PETER & ST. PAUL ROCKS. Ops KO8SCA, PY2XB, AA7JV, KN4EEI, PY5CC, and HA7RY activate St. Peter and St. Paul Rocks (SA-014) during October and November. The actual dates will be announced later. They will deploy Radios in Boxes (RIB) on the island and use them from aboard a vessel. For their actual callsign and other updated information see: http://py0s2025.com.
-[DXNL # 2478 October 1, 2025]  (1003-1024)

S7, SEYCHELLES. Kasimir, DL2SBY will be active as S79/DL2SBY from the Seychelles from September 28th to October 12th. He will be QRV on the HF bands with verticals and an inverted vee, and on 6 meters with 5-element Yagi. QSOs will be uploaded to ClubLog. QSL via LoTW, or direct to DL2SBY.
-[425DXN # 1794 September 20, 2025]  (0926-1017)

SM, SWEDEN. Eight special callsigns (7S1ØØSSA, 8S1ØØSSA, SB1ØØSSA, SC1ØØSSA, SD1ØØSSA, SE1ØØSSA, SF1ØØSSA and SM1ØØSSA) will be in use from September 10th to October 12th in celebration on the 100th anniversary of the Foreningen Sveriges Sandareamatorer (SSA), Sweden's IARU member society. Look for activity on 160-6 meters CW, SSB and digital modes. Details of the award program will be published on https://hamaward.cloud/awards.
-[425DXN # 1791 August 30, 2025]  (0905-1017)

TG, GUATEMALA. Dwight, VE7BV will be QRV as TG9BBV from October 5th to 25th. Activity will be on 40 to 6 meters using CW, SSB, and possibly FT8. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 40 October 2, 2025]  (1003-1024)

V5, NAMIBIA. Wolfgang, DH3WO, is presently operating as V51WO from Outjo, 350km north of Windhoek, mostly on FT8. QSL via DL3DXX, ClubLog's OQRS, LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2479 October 8, 2025]  (1010-1024)

VE, CANADA. Watch for Mike, VE2XB, operating as VYØZOO from Coral Harbor on Southampton Island (NA-007), Nunavut until December 18th, QRV mostly on 40m CW. QSL via VE2XB.
-[DXNL # 2476 September 17, 2025]  (0919-1017)

VP2M, MONTSERRAT. Franco, J88BTI, moved to Montserrat (NA-103) in mid-September and is now active as VP2MAA on 40-6m (CW, SSB, FT8). He hopes to set up better antennas and integrate an amplifier into his setup by the end of the year. QRV until September 2026. QSL via IK2DUW.
-[DXNL # 2479 October 8, 2025]  (1010-1031)

VU, INDIA. Special callsign AT25GOA celebrates HamFest India 2025. Look for activity from September 29th to October 13th on 80-10 meters SSB, CW and FT8/FT4. See https://www.qrz.com/db/AT25GOA for more information. QSOs will be uploaded to QRZ Logbook and ClubLog.
-[425DXN # 1796 October 4, 2025]  (1003-1017)

XE, MEXICO. A group of Mexican operators will be operating with a rare prefix as 6J8A from October 10th to 12th. QSL via qrz.com.
-[DXNL # 2479 October 8, 2025]  (1010-1017)

XT, BURKINA FASO. Harald, DF2WO will be active again as XT2AW from Burkina Faso on October 4th-27th. Usually he operates CW, SSB and FT8/FT4 on various bands, 6 meters included, and via QO-100. QSL via MØOXO's OQRS and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1795 September 27, 2025]  (1003-1031)

ZL7, CHATHAM IS. Holger, ZL3IO, will be QRV as ZL7IO (OC-038, until October 16th. Activity is on 80m. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 41 October 9, 2025]  (1010-1017)




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 Wednesday, October 8th through yesterday, October 15th.

The average solar flux was 139, down 8 points from the previous week, with a weekly high of 162 on Wednesday, October 15th, following a low of 120 on October 8th.

The average sunspot count was 105, down by 21 from last week, peaking at 125 on Sunday, October 12th after a weekly low of 67 on October 8th.

The Planetary K-index weekly average was 3.8 with a maximum of 5.3 on Sunday, October 12th, indicating a minor geomagnetic storm. Yesterday's K-index maximum was 3.7 with generally quiet conditions.

Solar flare activity since October 9th has been high with 12 major flares, the largest of which was an M 4.8 event on Wednesday, October 15th.

Propagation Data
Major solar flares, Thursday, October 9th through 1354 UTC, October 16th.

  #     Date     UTC     Mag.  
1 Oct 16  0021  M 1.1 
2 Oct 15  2228  M 2.7 
3 Oct 15  1410  M 1.1 
4 Oct 15  0718  M 3.7 
5 Oct 15  0415  M 4.8 
6 Oct 14  2036  M 3.1 
7 Oct 14  1247  M 2.0 
8 Oct 14  0041  M 2.0 
9 Oct 13  1318  M 1.2 
10 Oct 13  0919  M 2.7 
11 Oct 13  0526  M 1.9 
12 Oct 09  1231  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 
 Oct 16 60%15%160
 Oct 17 60%15%160
 Oct 18 60%15%165

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 October 13, 2025).

 Date   Flux   Kp 
 Oct 16 1503
 Oct 17 1502
 Oct 18 1502
 Oct 19 1502
 Date   Flux  Kp 
 Oct 20 1505
 Oct 21 1503
 Oct 22 1453
 Oct 23 1402
 Date   Flux  Kp 
 Oct 24 1452
 Oct 25 1504
 Oct 26 1504
 Oct 27 1503

Multiple CMEs Could Spark Auroras Tonight
All week long, active sunspot 4246 has been puffing CMEs toward Earth--at least three of them. Although the CMEs are individually faint and relatively slow, they could combine to cause a G2-class geomagnetic storm when they arrive on Oct. 16th. If such a storm materializes, auroras could descend into a dozen or more northern-tier US states.
(Copyright © SpaceWeather.com October 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:
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
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
ARRL 160-Meter Contest Dec 5 2200Z Dec 7 1600Z Rules
ARRL 10-Meter Contest Dec 13 0000Z Dec 14 2359Z Rules
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
     (Contest data courtesy of the WA7BNM Contest Calendar )