The
Eastern Iowa DX Bulletin
Number
328, May 29, 2026
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 as conditions warrant) 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 (The online archive is no
longer updated.)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
3B9,
RODRIGUES I. Ivan, UR9IDX, plans to be QRV as 3B9IDX from May 18th to
June 1st on the HF bands using CW and SSB. QSL via 3B9IDX direct
only.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 19 May 14, 2026] (0515-0605)
5H, TANZANIA. Kasimir, DL2SBY will be active again as 5H1KB from Zanzibar Island (AF-032) on June 3rd-12th.
He will operate CW, SSB and FT8 (MSHV) on the HF bands with verticals
and an inverted vee, and on 6 meters with a 5-element yagi. QSL via
LoTW, ClubLog's OQRS, or direct to DL2SBY.
-[425DXN # 1830 May 30, 2026] (0529-0612)
5X, UGANDA.
Alan, G3XAQ, is currently on the air as 5X1XA on CW and FT8.
Also watch for him during the CQ WPX CW Contest (May 30th-31st).
The length of his stay is not known so far. QSL direct via G3SWH, LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2511 May 20, 2026] (0522-0612)
5Z, KENYA. Andy, 5Z4VJ, will be piloting 5Z4A in the upcoming CQ WPX CW Contest (May 30th-31st). QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 21 May 28, 2026] (0529-0619)
5Z, KENYA.
Paul, MMØZBH is currently active as 5Z4/MMØZBH
from Kenya until
June 15th. He operates CW, SSB and FT8 and is QRV holiday
style while volunteering at a local school. QSL via LoTW and MØOXO's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1825 April 25, 2026] (0424-0619)
8Q, MALDIVES.
Yosuke, JJ1DQR will be active holiday style as 8Q7QR from the
Maldives (AS-013) from May
28th to June 1st, including part-time participation in the
CQ WW WPX CW Contest (May 30th-31st). QSL via JJ1DQR.
-[425DXN # 1829 May 23, 2026] (0522-0605)
9X, RWANDA. Alain, F8FUA will be active holiday style as 9X5KM from Kigali, Rwanda on June 4th-13th. He will operate CW, SSB and Digital on various bands. QSL via F8FUA; QSOs will be uploaded to ClubLog and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1829 May 23, 2026] (0529-0612)
A3, TONGA.
Oliver, W6NV will be active as A31WW
from Nuku'alofa on Tongatapu Island (OC-049), Tonga from May 23rd to June 2nd.
He will operate CW on the HF bands, with main activity during the CQ WW
WPX CW Contest (May 30th-31st). QSL via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1829 May 23, 2026] (0522-0605)
A6, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES. Special callsign A6ØPE (including optional designators /Ø, /1 etc.) remains active until the end of May around UAE's national day. QSL via EA7FTR.
-[DXNL # 2512 May 27, 2026] (0529-0605)
C2, NAURU. Phil, C21TS is scheduled for a long-term presence, remaining active until June 30th. QSL via MØOXO's OQRS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 21 May 28, 2026] (0529-0703)
C9 MOZAMBIQUE.
Bill, ZS6ACY, has returned to the bands as C91CCY and can be
found on 80, 40 (4 element monobander), 20m during his morning hours
(0400-0500 UTC). QSL via N2OO.
-[DXNL # 2511 May 20, 2026] (0522-0612)
CEØY, EASTER I. Manu, CE3YMR will be active as 3GØYM from Easter Island (SA-001) sometime in June. He will operate SSB and FT8 on 40, 30, 10 and 6 meters. See https://www.qrz.com/db/3G0YM for possible updates. QSL direct to CE3YMR.
-[425DXN # 1830 May 30, 2026] (0529-0626)
CEØZ,
JUAN FERNANDEZ. Felipe, XQ7IR, expects to be active as 3GØZ from
Robinson Crusoe Island (SA-005), Juan Fernandez starting on May 19th
at
approximately 2100 UTC. The operation is expected to last roughly 20
days. Initial activity will most likely begin on 40, 80, and 160 meters
while he continues to progressively install the rest of the antennas.
He will also install a remote station that will be operated by "a group
of very well-known and experienced operators led by Renner, PY7RP".
Regarding the side trip to Alejandro Selkirk Island (SA-101), "the plan
continues to move forward and take solid shape. Work is currently
underway to secure a location far from the populated area and at a very
good elevation". The callsign for the SA-101 operation will be XRØZ.
See https://www.robinsoncrusoe2026.net
for more information. QSL via MØURX's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1827 May 9, 2026] (0515-0605)
CN, MOROCCO.
Pascal, F8NQV will be active as CN2NQV
from Sidi Rahal Chatai, Morocco from April 25th to July 11th.
Look for him on or around 7155, 14345, 18140, 21165 and 28575 kHz.
-[425DXN # 1825 April 25, 2026] (0424-0710)
CP, BOLIVIA.
LU1FM, LU1HF, LU2JCW, LU3FR, LU3VED, LU6FOV, LU7HN, LU8VCC, and LU9FHF
will be active as CP7DX
from Tarija, Bolivia from May
26th to June 6th,
including an entry in the CQ WW WPX CW Contest (May 30th-31st). They
will operate SSB, CW and FT8 on 160-6 meters, as well as via EME on 144
and 432 MHz. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
or direct to LU1FM.
-[425DXN # 1827 May 9, 2026] (0522-0605)
DL, GERMANY. Special callsign DB7ØDLRS
marks the 70th anniversary of the Deutschland-Rundspruch, the DARC's
weekly news broadcast tailored specifically for amateur radio
enthusiasts in Germany. Look for activity on all bands and modes from June 1st to December 31st. More information can be found on https://www.qrz.com/db/DB70DLRS. QSL via DK5ON, LoTW and DCL (DARC Community Logbook).
-[425DXN # 1830 May 30, 2026] (0529-0619)
DXCC TOP TWENTY.
Here are the top 20 entities on ClubLog’s "DXCC Most Wanted" list as of
May 28, 2026:
1. P5 DPRK
(North Korea) 11. VKØM Macquarie
Island
2.
KH3 Johnston
Island 12.
EZ Turkmenistan
3. KH7K Kure
Island
13.
PYØS Saint Peter And Paul Rocks
4. CEØX San Felix
Islands 14. VPØS South Sandwich
Islands
5. FT5/X Kerguelen
Island 15.
YK Syria
6. BS7H Scarborough
Reef 16.
ZL9 New Zealand
Subantarctic Islands
7. 3Y/P Peter 1
Island 17.
FT/T Tromelin Island
8. YVØ Aves
Island
18.
VKØH Heard Island
9. BV9P
Pratas
Island 19.
KH1 Baker Howland Islands
10.
KH4 Midway
Island 20.
FK/C
Chesterfield Islands
For the complete list, see
https://clublog.org/mostwanted.php
-[KØCF May 29, 2026 (0529-0619)
EA, SPAIN.
Special callsign EH1ØØAG
is for members of URE Baix Camp, URE Tarragones and Radio Club EA3RCY
to commemorate the centenary of the passing of Antoni Gaudi, the famous
Catalan architect and designer whose main and widely known work is the
Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. Look for activity to take place from May 11th until June 7th
on various bands and modes, and on QO-100. QSOs will be uploaded to
eQSL, LoTW and ClubLog. QSL via the bureau.
-[425DXN # 1828 May 16, 2026] (0515-0612)
EA, SPAIN. Special callsign EG26SOTA will be active from the summits Caimodorro, Alto del Tremedal, Penablanca, Sierra Alta, and Pier of San Juan for 1-2 hours each on May 30th and 31st.
-[DXNL # 2512 May 27, 2026] (0529-0605)
F, FRANCE.
Once again, the Association des Radioamateurs de la Sarthe (F6KFI) will
operate a special event station for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Look for TM24H from May 30th to June 14th, with activity on various bands and modes. QSL via F6KFI.
-[425DXN # 1829 May 23, 2026] (0529-0619)
F, FRANCE.
The radio club F4KLR from Wingles (dept. 62) honors Sophie Adenot
(KJ5LTN), the second French female astronaut, with the callsign TM62SA on May 29th-30th and June 5th-6th. QSL via TM62SA direct.
-[DXNL # 2512 May 27, 2026] (0529-0605)
FK, NEW
CALEDONIA. Herve, F4MER will be active as FK/F4MER
until the beginning
of August during his spare time with 100W and a
multi band antenna.
-[DXNL # 2509 May 6, 2026] (0508-0605)
FM, MARTINIQUE.
Darrell, AB2E, will be active as TO3E
from Martinique (NA-107) from May
26th to June 2nd.
Main activity will be during the CQ WW WPX CW Contest (May 30th-31st).
Outside the contest, he will operate CW, RTTY, and FT8 with a focus on
the low and WARC bands. QSL via LoTW or AB2E.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 20 May 21, 2026] (0522-0605)
FO, FRENCH
POLYNESIA. Didier, F6BCW, plans to return as FO/F6BCW from May 5th until July 20th
from Tikehau (OC-066), this time with an amplifier and improved
antennas. QRV with 100W on 20-10m (CW, SSB). QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2508 April 29, 2026] (0501-0717)
FY, FRENCH
GUIANA. Ronan, F4LJA, is QRV as FY/F4LJA until June
5th. Activity is on HF bands primarily using FT8.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 18 May 7, 2026] (0508-0605)
HB9, SWITZERLAND. Members of the Radio Amateur Club Swissair (HB9VC) will be active as HB2ØØLF from June 1st until July 31st.
The special callsign commemorates the 200th anniversary of the birth of
Louis Favre, the Swiss engineer who in 1872 contracted to build the
first Gotthard railway tunnel, the longest in the world at that time.
QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW and ClubLog; a certificate will be
available (see https://www.qrz.com/db/HB200LF), but paper QSL cards will not be provided.
-[425DXN # 1829 May 23, 2026] (0529-0731)
HBØ, LIECHTENSTEIN. Kasimir, HBØ/DL2SBY provides a sought-after European multiplier, remaining active until May 31st. QSL via DL2SBY, LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 21 May 28, 2026] (0529-0605)
HBØ,
LIECHTENSTEIN. Kasimir, DL2SBY will be active again as HBØ/DL2SBY from
Liechtenstein on May
25th-31st. He will operate CW, SSB and FT8 (MSHV) on the
HF bands with verticals and an inverted vee, and on 6 meters with a
5-element Yagi. QSL via LoTW, ClubLog's OQRS,
or direct to DL2SBY.
-[425DXN # 1829 May 23, 2026] (0522-0605)
HC8, GALAPAGOS
IS. Edgar, K2IN, has been remotely testing his HC8M station since
May 14th. He will be on the island from May 28th until June 2nd.
He plans to operate high-power in the CQ WPX CW Contest (May
30th-31st). QSL via MØOXO's OQRS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 20 May 21, 2026] (0522-0605)
I, ITALY. Celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Italian Republic, II3RITN (ARI Trento), II9RICT (ARI Catania), IR2RAOR (ARI Vigevano), and IR5RTSE (ARI Toscana Sud Est) will be active on June 1st-28th. Several other callsigns in the format II#Rxxx or IR#Rxxx are expected to join this operating event: https://hamaward.cloud/awards.
-[425DXN # 1830 May 30, 2026] (0529-0626)
I, ITALY.
The United Nations Global Service Centre ARC (4U1GSC) in Brindisi is
active as 4U29MAY
until May 31st.
The special callsign honors the International Day of UN Peacekeepers
(May 29th). DXCC-wise, it counts for Italy. QSL via 9A2AA.
-[425DXN # 1829 May 23, 2026] (0522-0605)
I, ITALY.
The ARI section Fidenza uses the following special event callsigns to
honor Marconi during 2026: II4ROSA
(May), II4PRCE
(June), II4JAFL
(July), II4KEMP
(August), II4PAGE
(September), II4NTTI
(October), II4GCLB
(November), II4SLRI
(December).
-[DXNL # 2511 May 20, 2026] (0522-0612)
JA, JAPAN.
Special callsign 8J7ØJARE
celebrates the 70th anniversary of the Japanese Antarctic Research
Expedition, which on January 29, 1957, established Syowa Station on
East Ongul Island. The special callsign will be in use from various
locations across Japan from May
22nd to January 29th, 2027. QSOs will be confirmed
automatically via the bureau; direct cards via JG2MLI.
-[425DXN # 1825 April 25, 2026] (0522-0619)
JA, JAPAN.
Take, JI3DST and Ken, JA4GXS expected to be active from the Danjo
Islands (AS-056) on May
22nd-23rd, but anticipated severe weather has forced their
charter vessel to cancel
the trip. Consequently, the entire operation has been
called off. With Japan now entering the rainy season, rescheduling
anytime soon is extremely difficult, so they are now aiming for May of
next year.
-[425DXN # 1829 May 23, 2026] (0522-0612)
JW, SVALBARD. Tom, JW/G1VAQ is QRV until May 31st. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 21 May 28, 2026] (0529-0605)
LY, LITHUANIA.
Special callsign LY1ØØRADIO
celebrates the 100th anniversary since the official beginning of
regular radio broadcasting service in Lithuania (June 12, 1926). Look
for activity from May
12th to July 12th; see https://www.qrz.com/db/LY100RADIO
for the awards. QSL via LY2QT.
-[425DXN # 1828 May 16, 2026] (0515-0612)
LZ, BULGARIA. Special callsign LZ1ØØLZ, celebrating the founding of Bulgaria's national ham club BFRA 100 years ago, remains on the air until the end of May. QSL via https://clublog.org/logsearch/LZ100LZ.
-[DXNL # 2512 May 27, 2026] (0529-0605)
LZ, BULGARIA.
The radio club LZ1KCP (Blagovestnik) continues to commemorate Orthodox
saints with the callsigns: LZ37ØTL
(May-June), LZ67PP
(July-August), LZ936BA
(September-October), LZ911TD
(November-December). Additionally, LZ75HSC
celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Radio Telegraphy High Speed Club
(HSC) during 2026. QSL all via LZ2JE.
-[DXNL # 2511 May 20, 2026] (0522-0612)
OH, FINLAND. Look for OH/DL2VFR, OH/DL4BBH, and OH/DL4SVA to be active from Emasalo Island (EU-097) on June 1st-2nd, and from Kaunissaari Island (EU-140) on June 3rd-7th. QSL via DL2VFR, DL4BBH, and DL4SVA respectively, and LoTW or ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1829 May 23, 2026] (0529-0612)
OJØ, MARKET REEF. Markus, OH1MN and Juha, OH1LEG will be active as OJØMN and OJØZ, respectively, from Market Reef (EU-053) from May 30th to June 6th. They will operate mainly FT8 and SSB on various bands. QSL OJØMN via OH1MN, and OJØZ via OH1LEG.
-[425DXN # 1829 May 23, 2026] (0529-0605)
OZ, DENMARK. Rene, DL2JRM, operates from Baagoe Island (EU-172; DIA FY-003) as OV7X from May 29th to 31st on CW. Expect your QSL cards automatically via the bureau.
-[DXNL # 2512 May 27, 2026] (0529-0605)
PJ4, BONAIRE.
Chris, WA7RAR will be active again as PJ4CB from Bonaire
(SA-006) from May
27th to June 8th. He will operate SSB and CW on 20-10
meters, often from POTA sites. QSL via LoTW, QRZ Logbook, or direct to WA7RAR.
-[425DXN # 1827 May 9, 2026] (0522-0612)
SØ, WESTERN SAHARA. Watch for special station SØ9S, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Sahrawi Republic until May 31st. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 21 May 28, 2026] (0529-0605)
SP, POLAND.
Members of the Radioklub Stargard (SP1KCJ) will be
QRV as SPØHANZA
on May 23rd
and again for the 46th International
Hanseatic Day to be hosted by their city on June 11th-14th.
A
certificate will be available: https://radiodyplom.pl/ses/257.
QSL via
the bureau.
-[425DXN # 1829 May 23, 2026] (0522-0619)
SP, POLAND.
the radio club Dobrzycki (SP3PDO) draws attention to Polish saints
during 2026: SP192ØKW
(May), SP1373JA
(June), SP1183JO
(July), SP19Ø5MFK
(August), SP1373AB
(September), SP155ØSK
(October), SP1234KK
(November) und SP1835JK
(December). QSL via SP3PDO.
-[DXNL # 2511 May 20, 2026] (0522-0612)
SV, GREECE. Special callsign SX1FLY honors the memory of first manned balloon flight in 1783 (Montgolfier brothers) until the end of May. Confirmations via LoTW, eQSL.
-[DXNL # 2512 May 27, 2026] (0529-0605)
SV, GREECE. The Radio Amateur Association of Western Greece celebrates its 40th anniversary with the callsign SZ4ØA until May 31st. QSL via ON3UN.
-[DXNL # 2512 May 27, 2026] (0529-0605)
T8, PALAU.
Nobu, JAØJHQ will be active again as T88PB from
Koror (OC-009), Palau on May
27th-31st, with main activity during the
CQ WW WPX CW Contest (May 30th-31st). QSL via LoTW (preferred) or
direct to JAØJHQ.
-[425DXN # 1829 May 23, 2026] (0522-0605)
UA, ASIATIC
RUSSIA. Back in 2001, the Arctic High-Latitude
Radio Expedition to "The Lost Islands" activated six IOTA groups,
including a new one (AS-156) and three rare ones. To mark the 25th
anniversary of that memorable DXpedition, three special callsigns will
be active on May
21st-31st: RA25LI
(Novosibirsk), RN25LI
(Norilsk), and
RD25LI
(Dikson Island). This operating event is organized by the
Russian Robinson Club: https://robinsons.ru/lost-islands-2026/
(in
Russian). QSL via RZ3EC.
-[425DXN # 1829 May 23, 2026] (0522-0605)
V4, ST. KITTS
& NEVIS. Markus, WW6W, will be QRV holiday style
as V4/WW6W
from St. Kitts (NA-104) from May
24th to June 1st.
He will operate mainly CW and FT8 on 80 to 10 meters. He also plans to
participate in the CQ WW WPX CW Contest (May 30th-31st), possibly using
a special contest callsign. QSL via WW6W, LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 20 May 21, 2026] (0522-0605)
V5, NAMIBIA.
Eric, N7XOB, is QRV as V5/N7XOB
while visiting Namibia until
June 19th. He will operate SSB on or near 7165 and 14265
kHz from various locations. QSL via N7XOB.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 20 May 21, 2026] (0522-0619)
VE, CANADA. Mike, VE2XB, has recently returned to Southampton Island (NA-007) and is expected back on the air as VYØZOO until mid-June. QSL direct via VE2XB.
-[DXNL # 2512 May 27, 2026] (0529-0619)
VE, CANADA.
Kris, KM2KM, plans to be QRV as KM2KM/VYØ
on Baffin Island (NA-047) from the station in Iqaluit (courtesy of
VYØIG and VE3PCP) from May
26th to June 3rd. He expects to operate CW at 13 WPM on
20, 17, and 15 meters, running from 6 to 8 AM and 7 to 9 PM local time
(EDT). QSL via KM2KM.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 20 May 21, 2026] (0522-0605)
VK9L, LORD HOWE I. A team of 7 operators will be active as VJ2L from Lord Howe Island (OC-004) on June 1st-14th.
They will operate CW, FT8 and SSB on 40-10 meters; while neither 160
nor 6 meters will be used, the decision for 80m operation will be made
when they get on-site. "This will be a DX Marathon activation", they
say, "and we will be aiming to work as many DXCC Entities and Zones as
possible". Subject to ongoing tests and Internet reliability, they
intend to run ClubLog's Live Stream. The VJ2L team will be providing
award plaques and certificates, see https://www.qrz.com/db/VJ2L for the details. QSL via MØOXO's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1827 May 9, 2026] (0529-0619)
VPØ/H, SOUTH SHETLAND IS. Rafal Mazur, SQ4O, is active as HFØPAS from the Polish Antarctic Station Arctowski on King George Island until October.
He has installed directional Yagi antennas for 20, 15, 10, and 6
meters, with future goals of stringing up a wire dipole for 80 and 40
meters. QSL route forthcoming.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 21 May 28, 2026] (0529-0619)
VU, INDIA.
To mark the 90th anniversary of Akashvani, Manmohan, VU3YBH, will
operate special event station AT9ØVANI
from Bhopal from May
25th to August 16th. Operation will be on 20, 15, 12, and
10 meters using SSB and FT8.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 20 May 21, 2026] (0522-0626)
XU, CAMBODIA.
The XU7AMO
team at the National Polytechnic Institute of Cambodia has launched
regular weekly operations on the HF bands and the QO-100 satellite.
Look for activity every Wednesday at 0500 UTC on 15 meters SSB, and
every Friday at 1200 UTC on QO-100 SSB. QSL SSB QSOs via NØMMA;
Satellite QSOs only via JA3GEP.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 20 May 21, 2026] (0522-0612)
XX9, MACAU. Alberto, VR2XAN (IV3TAN) will be active as XX9TXN from Macau on June 2nd-9th. He will operate SSB, CW and FT8 on various bands, with "a special focus on North America". QSL via IV3SKB and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1830 May 30, 2026] (0529-0612)
ZB2, GIBRALTAR. Special callsign ZB2FTY
celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Gibraltar Amateur Radio Society,
established on January 13, 1976, as well as the 80th anniversary since
the first ever ZB2 callsign was issued (April 1946). QSL direct to ZB2BU.
-[425DXN # 1830 May 30, 2026] (0529-0605)
ZD8, ASCENSION I.
Muttley, ZB2KX will be QRV as ZD8KX
near the end of May
(rumors are 25th to
29th). He plans to be active on 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters,
primarily on CW, with some SSB and FT8. QSL via LoTW, eQSL, or direct
to ZB2KX.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 17 April 30, 2026] (0522-0605)
ZL7, CHATHAM IS.
Holger, ZL3IO will be active again as ZL7IO from Waitangi,
Chatham Islands (OC-038) from May
25th to June 3rd,
including an entry in the CQ WW WPX CW Contest (May 30th-31st). He will
operate CW, SSB and digital on 160-10 meters. QSL via LoTW, ClubLog's OQRS,
or via DK7AO.
-[425DXN # 1825 April 25, 2026] (0522-0605)
Propagation
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, May 21st through Thursday, May 28th.
The average solar flux was 137, up 29 points from the previous week,
with a weekly high of 145 on Thursday, May 28th, following
a low of 118 on May 21st.
The average sunspot count was 121, up 48 from last week,
peaking at 165 on Wednesday, May 27th after a
weekly low of 67 on May 22nd.
The Planetary K-index weekly average was 2.8 with a
maximum of 3.7 on Thursday, May 28th, indicating
generally quiet geomagnetic conditions.
Solar flare activity since May 22nd has been quiet with only 2
major flares, the largest of which was an M 2.3 event on Friday, May
22nd.
Propagation
Data
Major solar flares, Friday, May 22nd through 1705 UTC, May 29th.
| # | Date | UTC | Mag. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | May 29 | 0704 | M 1.1 |
| 2 | May 22 | 1029 | M 2.3 |
(NOAA's graph of recent flare activity: GOES-X-Ray-Flux)
From the NOAA Space Weather Prediction
Center,
here are the probabilities of major solar flares and the predicted 10.7
cm Solar Flux for the next 3 days. NOAA updates this information daily.
| Date | M-Flares | X-Flares | Solar Flux |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 29 | 40% | 5% | 142 |
| May 30 | 40% | 5% | 145 |
| May 31 | 40% | 5% | 142 |
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 May 25, 2026).
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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.
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CQ WW WPX Contest, CW | May 30 | 0000Z | May 31 | 2400Z | Rules |
| Atlantic Canada QSO Party | Jun 6 | 1200Z | Jun 7 | 0200Z | Rules |
| Kentucky QSO Party | Jun 6 | 1300Z | Jun 7 | 0100Z | Rules |
| ARRL Inter. Digital Contest | Jun 6 | 1800Z | Jun 7 | 2400Z | Rules |
| ARRL June VHF Contest | Jun 13 | 1800Z | Jun 15 | 0300Z | Rules |
| All Asian DX Contest, CW | Jun 20 | 0000Z | Jun 21 | 2400Z | Rules |
| Stew Perry Topband Challenge | Jun 20 | 1500Z | Jun 21 | 1500Z | Rules |
| ARRL Kids Day | Jun 20 | 1800Z | Jun 20 | 2359Z | Rules |
| ARRL Field Day | Jun 27 | 1800Z | Jun 28 | 2100Z | Rules |
| CQ Worldwide VHF SSB/CW Contest | Jul 4 | 1200Z | Jul 5 | 1200Z | Rules |
| CQ Worldwide VHF Digital Contest | Jul 18 | 1200Z | Jul 19 | 1200Z | Rules |
| RSGB IOTA Contest | Jul 25 | 1200Z | Jul 26 | 1200Z | Rules |
| Alabama QSO Party | Jul 25 | 1500Z | Jul 26 | 0300Z | Rules |
| North American QSO Party, CW | Aug 1 | 1800Z | Aug 2 | 0600Z | Rules |
| WAE DX Contest, CW | Aug 8 | 0000Z | Aug 9 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Maryland-DC QSO Party | Aug 8 | 1400Z | Aug 9 | 0400Z | Rules |
| North American QSO Party, SSB | Aug 15 | 1800Z | Aug 16 | 0600Z | Rules |
| NJQRP Skeeter Hunt | Aug 16 | 1700Z | Aug 16 | 2100Z | Rules |
| ARRL Rookie Roundup, RTTY | Aug 16 | 1800Z | Aug 16 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Hawaii QSO Party | Aug 22 | 0400Z | Aug 24 | 0400Z | Rules |
| YO DX HF Contest | Aug 22 | 1200Z | Aug 23 | 1200Z | Rules |
| Ohio QSO Party | Aug 22 | 1600Z | Aug 23 | 0400Z | Rules |