The
Eastern Iowa DX Bulletin
Number
324, May 1, 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 (The online archive is no
longer updated.)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.
Suvarna, VU3OPT, is QRV as 3B9G
until May 22nd.
Activity is currently focused on CW. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS
or VU3OPT.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 16 April 23, 2026] (0424-0522)
5X, UGANDA.
John, KF5NSR, is currently in Kampala and plans to operate as 5X/KF5NSR on FT8
unless he receives a Ugandan callsign.
-[DXNL # 2508 April 29, 2026] (0501-0522)
5Z4, 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)
6Y, JAMAICA.
It is reported that 6Y5CB
was active recently on 15 meter SSB. QSL direct to 6Y5CB.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 15 April 16, 2026] (0417-0508)
8R,
GUYANA. Aldir, PY1SAD is again active as 8R1TM from Guyana until May
10th. He operates CW, SSB and digital modes on 160-6
meters and via
satellite, from 2300 to 0300 UTC during the week, and "full time"
during the weekends. He will also participate in the CQ MM DX Contest
(April 18th-19th). QSL via LoTW, eQSL, QRZ, or direct to PY1SAD.
-[425DXN # 1823 April 11, 2026] (0410-0515)
9M2, WEST
MALAYSIA. Team 9M4PI
will be active from Pangkor Island (AS-072), West Malaysia on May 1st-3rd.
More information can be found on https://www.qrz.com/db/9M4PI.
QSL direct to 9M2HUS.
-[425DXN # 1825 April 25, 2026] (0501-0508)
A6, UNITED ARAB
EMIRATES.
The Emirates Amateur Radio Society participates in the "Proud of UAE"
campaign, the nationwide initiative celebrating the country's progress
and identity. Look for A6ØPE
(individual operators may append a serial number to the special
callsign: A6ØPE/Ø,
A6ØPE/1,
etc.) to be used through
May 31st. See https://www.qrz.com/db/A60PE
for the QSL routes.
-[425DXN # 1825 April 25, 2026] (0424-0529)
BY, CHINA.
Ten stations (BØCRA,
B1CRA, B2CRA, B3CRA, B4CRA, B5CRA, B6CRA, B7CRA, B8CRA, B9CRA) from across
the country will be active on May
3rd-5th for the annual "5.5 China Amateur Radio Festival"
on air event, organized by the Chinese Radio Amateurs Club (CRAC). See http://www.crac.org.cn/55
for the awards. QSL via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1824 April 18, 2026] (0501-0508)
C5, THE GAMBIA.
Arnaud, F4AGG and Luc, F5RAV will be active as C5D (RTTY, PSK and
FT8) and C5C
(SSB and CW) from the Gambia from April 25th to May 8th.
Activity is also being planned to take place from the Bijol Island
(AF-060) sometime during their stay. When on the island, they will sign
C5B, with
activity via satellite RS-44. QSL C5D via LoTW only; QSL C5C and C5B
via LoTW, or direct to F5RAV.
-[425DXN # 1823 April 11, 2026] (0424-0508)
C9, MOZAMBIQUE.
Paulo, ZS6CRZ, is setting up in Tete as C95CRZ. QRV
currently on 10m SSB with a wire antenna and 100W and future
improvements likely. QSL via qrz.com.
-[DXNL # 2506 April 15, 2026] (0417-0508)
CEØZ, JUAN FERNANDEZ. Felipe, XQ7IR, will be active as 3GØZ from Robinson Crusoe Island (SA-005), Juan Fernandez for approximately three weeks in May.
A side trip to IOTA Group SA-101 is being planned: "there is now a very
strong possibility of carrying out a short but highly valuable
operation from Alejandro Selkirk Island, with an estimated on-air
window of approximately 24 to 36 hours", Felipe says. "This activation
will depend entirely on the final logistics costs involved in moving
part of my radio equipment to the island, as well as securing enough
gasoline to keep the generator running during the operation. Should
this operation take place, it will be under the callsign XRØZ,
which has already been requested and officially authorized by SUBTEL.
At this moment, everything is under evaluation and the project remains
open, but the chances are real and increasing". Bookmark https://www.robinsoncrusoe2026.net for updates.
(The first and so far only operation from SA-101 took place in February 2020 as CBØZ, operated by IT9YRE and K9AJ.)
-[425DXN # 1826 May 2, 2026] (0501-0529)
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)
CU, AZORES.
Juerg, HB9BIN, is QRV as CU2/HB9BIN/P
from San Miguel (EU-003) until
May 10th. Activity is focused on SOTA, CUFF, and POTA
using 10 watts on CW. QSL via HB9BIN.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 17 April 30, 2026] (0501-0515)
DL, GERMANY. Special callsign DR17ØTESLA by DARC's Ortsverband Mainz (DLØMZ) celebrates the 170th anniversary of the birth of Nikola Tesla from May 1st until December 31st. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS (preferred), or via DK8ZZ.
-[425DXN # 1826 May 2, 2026] (0501-0522)
DL, GERMANY.
The special event station DA1ØØLENZ
(special DOK SL100) celebrates the 100th anniversary of the German
author Siegfried Lenz until
the end of August. QSLs will be sent out automatically via
the bureau.
-[DXNL # 2506 April 15, 2026] (0417-0508)
DXCC TOP TWENTY.
Here are the top 20 entities on ClubLog’s "DXCC Most Wanted" list as of
May 1, 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.
3Y/B Bouvet Island
6. BS7H Scarborough
Reef 16.
YK Syria
7. 3Y/P Peter 1
Island 17.
ZL9 New Zealand Subantarctic
Islands
8. YVØ Aves
Island
18.
FT/T Tromelin Island
9. BV9P Pratas
Island 19.
VKØH Heard Island
10.
KH4 Midway
Island 20.
KH1 Baker Howland Islands
For the complete list, see
https://clublog.org/mostwanted.php
-[KØCF May 1, 2026 (0501-0522)
E5/S, SOUTH COOK IS. Tom, K7TLM and Leslie, KD7YZE will be active as E51TLM from Rarotonga (OC-013), South Cook Islands on May 4th-9th. They will operate QRP on 28385 kHz (SSB) and 28060 kHz (slow CW) between 1900 and 0100 UTC. QSL via K7TLM.
-[425DXN # 1826 May 2, 2026] (0501-0508)
EA, SPAIN.
Special event stations AO1EU
through AO9EU
are QRV to commemorate Europe Day. Activity continues through May 9th.
QSL via EA3RKF.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 17 April 30, 2026] (0501-0508)
EX, KYRGYZSTAN.
Serge, EXØM,
is QRV on 17 meter CW and looking for North American stations. QSL via EXØM.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 15 April 16, 2026] (0417-0508)
F, FRANCE.
On March 27, 1899, Guglielmo Marconi achieved the first international
wireless transmission, sending Morse code signals between Wimereux
(near Boulogne-sur-Mer), France, and the South Foreland Lighthouse in
Dover, England. Commemorating this milestone in the history of
telecommunications, the special event station TM8DW will be active
from Wimereux on
April 25th during the International Marconi Day, and sporadically until June.
In addition, GB2DOVER,
GB2SFL and GB8DW will be
operated by the Dover Amateur Radio Club on the British side of the
Channel. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1824 April 18, 2026] (0417-0529)
F,
FRANCE. Special callsign TM1Ø1WARD by the
Reseau des Emetteurs Francais
(REF) celebrates World Amateur Radio Day from April 14th to 20th.
WARD
is observed annually on April 18th, the day when the IARU was formed in
Paris 101 years ago.
-[425DXN # 1823 April 11, 2026] (0410-0524)
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)
G, ENGLAND.
Special callsign GBØ3MAJ
celebrates the anniversary of the Polish constitution of 1791 on May 3rd.
-[DXNL # 2508 April 29, 2026] (0501-0508)
G, ENGLAND.
A Belgian team (ON1BN, ON4AML, ON5SEL, ON6EF, ON6VJ, ON7TA, ON7VM and
ON9DJ) will be active as GB9IOW
from the Isle of Wight (EU-120) from April 28th to May 5th.
They will operate SSB, CW and digital modes on the HF bands and 6
meters, as well as on QO-100 and 23 cm moonbounce. See https://hamradioexpedition.com/
for more information. QSOs will be uploaded to ClubLog and eQSL; QSL
via ON6EF.
-[425DXN # 1823 April 11, 2026] (0424-0508)
HS, THAILAND.
Bruce, KØBJ, is QRV as HSØZLB
until May 19th.
Activity is on the HF bands. QSL via KØBJ.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 16 April 23, 2026] (0424-0522)
I, ITALY.
Commemorating the centenary of the Amundsen-Ellsworth-Nobile Transpolar
Flight, members of ARI Colli Albani will operate under the special
callsign IIØNRG from May 12th until July 31st.
The suffix stands for "Norge", the Italian-built airship that achieved
the first verified journey to the North Pole (May 11-14, 1926) and
completed the first flight across the polar ice cap from Europe to
America. A certificate will be available; details will be published on
QRZ. QSL via IØKNQ.
-[425DXN # 1826 May 2, 2026] (0501-0522)
JD1/M,
MINAMI TORISHIMA. Take, JG8NQJ, is active as JG8NQJ/JD1 until mid-May
during his spare time. Operation is mostly CW and FT8. QSL via JA8CJY
or LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 14 April 9, 2026] (0410-0515)
JD1/O, OGASAWARA.
Harry, JG7PSJ, will be QRV as JD1BMH
from Chichijima (AS-031) from April
26th to May 4th. Activity will be on 40 to 10 meters using
CW, SSB, and RTTY. QSL via bureau to JD1BMH or direct JG7PSJ.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 16 April 23, 2026] (0424-0508)
LA, NORWAY.
Watch for LG5LG
and SJ9WL
to be QRV from Morokulien, the shared site on the border of Norway and
Sweden, until May 2nd.
Operators DK4WM, DK3JF, and DL9ET are active on SSB, RTTY, and FT
modes. QSL via LA7TIA.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 17 April 30, 2026] (0501-0508)
LZ, BULGARIA.
The foundations of Bulgaria's organized amateur radio movement were
laid in 1926, when 38 enthusiasts established the Bulgarian Radio Club
- a predecessor to today's Bulgarian Federation of Radio Amateurs
(BFRA). Celebrating this centenary, members of the BFRA will be active
as LZ1ØØLZ on 160-10 meters CW, SSB and digital modes from May 1st to 31st. See https://lzprint.eu/lz100lz-award/ for the certificates.
-[425DXN # 1826 May 2, 2026] (0501-0529)
LZ, BULGARIA.
Bulgarian members of the High Speed Club (HSC) celebrate the 75th
anniversary with the callsign LZ75HSC
throughout 2026.
QSL via LZ2JE.
-[DXNL # 2508 April 29, 2026] (0501-0522)
ON, BELGIUM.
Special callsign OT26EPIC
by the Antwerp Port Contest Club (ON8APC) promotes this year's edition
of the Antwerp Port Epic cycling race. Look for activity from April 25th to May 25th
(the actual day of the race). QSL via ON8JJ.
-[425DXN # 1824 April 18, 2026] (0424-0529)
P2, PAPUA NEW
GUINEA. Robin Xu, BG5DON, has returned to Port Moresby and
spends time on the air as P29XZ
during his spare time. QRV on 20-10m (FT8). The duration of his stay is
not known. At present all QSL requests will be handled via his e-mail: bitclub@163.com.
-[DXNL # 2507 April 22, 2026] (0424-0515)
PA, NETHERLANDS.
Special callsign PG75HSC
by Theo, PA3HEN celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Radio Telegraphy
Highspeed Club (HSC) until
the end of the year. Also joining the celebrations is
Artur, SP3LPR as 3Z75HSC
The club was founded in 1951 as a community within the Deutscher
Amateur Radio Club (DARC). To date, membership has grown to include
1400+ operators all over the world: http://www.highspeedclub.org.
QSL PG75HSC via PA3HEN, and
LoTW. QSL 3Z75HSC via SP3LPR.
-[425DXN # 1824 April 18, 2026] (0417-0508)
PJ4, BONAIRE.
TJ, PE1OJR is active holiday style as PJ4TB from Bonaire
(SA-006) until May
4th. He operates SSB, FT8 and FT4 on 40-6 meters. QSL via
LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1824 April 18, 2026] (0417-0508)
PY, BRAZIL.
Special callsign ZX8AM
is active from various WWFF sites in Amazonas State from May 4th to May 8th.
Operators PT2OP, PY7BR, and PS8RV are working from Anavilhanas National
Park, PYFF-0212, Baixo Rio Branco Jauaperi Extractive Reserve,
PYFF-0478, and Rio Negro State Park, PYFF-0664. QSL via PT2OP or LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 17 April 30, 2026] (0501-0508)
SØ, WESTERN
SAHARA. Naama, SØ1A, and Azman, SØ1AH, are QRV as SØ9S until the end of May
to mark the 50th anniversary of Western Sahara. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS
or LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 13 April 2, 2026] (0403-0529)
SM, SWEDEN.
Watch for LG5LG
and SJ9WL
to be QRV from Morokulien, the shared site on the border of Norway and
Sweden, until May 2nd.
Operators DK4WM, DK3JF, and DL9ET are active on SSB, RTTY, and FT
modes. QSL via LA7TIA.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 17 April 30, 2026] (0501-0508)
SP, POLAND.
Artur, SP3LPR, celebrating the High Speed Club (HSC), will use special
callsign 3Z75HSC
until the end of 2026.
-[DXNL # 2508 April 29, 2026] (0501-0522)
SV, GREECE.
Members of the Radio Amateur Association of Western Greece are QRV with
special callsign SZ4ØA
until May 31st
to celebrate forty years of continuous presence, service, and
contribution to amateur radio. Activity is on various HF bands and
modes. QSL via ON3UN.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 12 March 26, 2026] (0327-0529)
T31, CENTRAL
KIRIBATI. Dom, 3Z9DX, is QRV as T31TTT for
approximately four days. Recent activity noted on 15 meters. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 17 April 30, 2026] (0501-0508)
TL,
CENTRAL AFRICA. Joao, CR7BNW, is active as TL8BNW until June.
Activity
is on 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters using SSB and FT8. For QSL info, see
TL8BNW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 14 April 9, 2026] (0410-0529)
TU, COTE
D'IVOIRE. Mat, TU5JZ,
in Abidjan is active sporadically on 40 and 10m FT8. QSL via F5HPE.
-[DXNL # 2506 April 15, 2026] (0417-0508)
UA, EUROPEAN
RUSSIA. Various stations using the RP81 prefix are
active from May 1st
to May 9th to commemorate the 81st anniversary of the end
of World War Two. See
https://award.srr.ru/memorial/pobeda-2026/info.html for more
information (in Russian).
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 17 April 30, 2026] (0501-0508)
V4, ST. KITTS
& NEVIS. Markus, WW6W, will be QRV as V4/WW6W from St.
Kitts (NA-104) from April
28th to June 1st. Activity will be on 160 to 6 meters. QSL
via WW6W.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 16 April 23, 2026] (0424-0529)
V7,
MARSHALL IS. Paul, KA4WPX, is currently on Kwajalein
(OC-028) and shows
up on 20m several times a week (0700-0930z) as V7/KA4WPX/p or as V73AX.
The duration of his stay is not known at present.
-[DXNL # 2506 April 15, 2026] (0417-0508)
VE, CANADA.
Mike, VE2XB, activates Belcher Island (NA-196) as VYØZOO until May 4th on
40-10m, mostly CW. QSL direct via VE2XB.
-[DXNL # 2508 April 29, 2026] (0501-0508)
VK9N, NORFOLK I.
Dom, VK2HJ, is regularly QRV as VK9HJ/p
during work assignments. He operates with 100 watts and a vertical
antenna on 20 to 10 meters. QSL via qrz.com.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 16 April 23, 2026] (0424-0515)
VP8/H,LU, SOUTH
SHETLAND IS.
Rafal, SQ4O is a member of the 50th Polish Antarctic Expedition to the
Henryk Arctowski Station on King George Island, South Shetland Islands
(AN-010). He will be working there from May to October,
and in his spare time he will be QRV as HFØPAS on the HF
bands (SSB and CW) and 6 meters (FT8). QSL route TBA.
-[425DXN # 1825 April 25, 2026] (0501-0529)
VU, INDIA.
Led by Sarath, VU2RS, team AU2M
will be active from Arnala Island (AS-169) on May 1st-3rd.
They plan to operate 80-10 meter CW, SSB and FT8 (F/H) with three
stations. They might also have a fourth Station for 6 meters. Donations
will be gratefully accepted, see http://www.vu2rs.com/au2m
for the details. QSL via MØOXO's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1819 March 14, 2026] (0501-0508)
XT, BURKINA FASO. Harald, DF2WO will be active again as XT2AW from Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso on May 6th-19th. He will operate CW, SSB and FT modes on various HF bands and the QO-100 satellite. QSL via MØOXO's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1826 May 2, 2026] (0501-0522)
XU, CAMBODIA.
Thomas, DL7BO, is active as XU7O
on 160 to 6 meters using FT8. QSL via DL4WK.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 15 April 16, 2026] (0417-0508)
XW, LAOS.
Vincent, XW4KV,
is QRV on 15 meter FT8. Logs are uploaded to LoTW and ClubLog. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS
or F4BKV.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 15 April 16, 2026] (0417-0508)
YI,
IRAQ. Yousif, formerly YI1YJK, now operates as YI1CW on various HF
bands and the QO-100 satellite. QSL via QRZ.COM, or LoTW. No paper QSLs.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 15 April 16, 2026] (0417-0508)
Z8,
SOUTH SUDAN. Diya, YI1DZ, has a renewed (6
months) contract with
the World Food Program and expects to return to Juba next week. Look
for him during his spare time as Z81D
on HF using SSB and FT8. QSL via
OM3JW OQRS.
-[DXNL # 2506 April 15, 2026] (0417-0508)
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, April 23rd through Thursday, April 30th.
The average solar flux was 147, up 35 points from the previous week,
with a weekly high of 156 on Sunday, April 26th, following
a low of 128 on April 23rd.
The average sunspot count was 136, up 81 from last week,
peaking at 154 on Saturday, April 25th after a
weekly low of 71 on April 23rd.
The Planetary K-index weekly average was 3.0 with a
maximum of 4.7 on Thursday, April 30th, indicating
generally quiet geomagnetic conditions.
Solar flare activity since April 24th has been high with 14 major
flares, the largest of which was a major X 2.5 event on Friday, April
24th.
Propagation
Data
Major solar flares, Friday, April 24th through 1601 UTC, May 1st.
| # | Date | UTC | Mag. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Apr 28 | 1407 | M 1.1 |
| 2 | Apr 28 | 1353 | M 1.5 |
| 3 | Apr 26 | 2257 | M 6.0 |
| 4 | Apr 26 | 2004 | M 2.2 |
| 5 | Apr 26 | 1924 | M 1.7 |
| 6 | Apr 26 | 1403 | M 1.4 |
| 7 | Apr 26 | 0023 | M 1.3 |
| 8 | Apr 25 | 1430 | M 1.1 |
| 9 | Apr 25 | 0759 | M 1.3 |
| 10 | Apr 24 | 1815 | M 6.4 |
| 11 | Apr 24 | 1301 | M 1.7 |
| 12 | Apr 24 | 0907 | M 1.9 |
| 13 | Apr 24 | 0813 | X 2.5 |
| 14 | Apr 24 | 0107 | X 2.4 |
(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 1 | 50% | 10% | 135 |
| May 2 | 50% | 10% | 130 |
| May 3 | 50% | 10% | 128 |
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 April 27, 2026).
|
|
|
Low Chance Of Flares Today
Warning: This kind of forecast sometimes provokes an X-flare.
Solar activity is quieting as sunspots on the solar disk lose their
magnetic complexity. Sunspot 4425, in particular, has almost completely
stopped flaring in the past 48 hours. Strong explosions are therefore
unlikely on April 30th.
(Copyright
© SpaceWeather.com
April 30, 2026. 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7th Call Area QSO Party | May 2 | 1300Z | May 3 | 0700Z | Rules |
| Indiana QSO Party | May 2 | 1600Z | May 3 | 0400Z | Rules |
| Delaware QSO Party | May 2 | 1700Z | May 3 | 2359Z | Rules |
| New England QSO Party | May 2 | 2000Z | May 3 | 2400Z | Rules |
| CQ-M International DX Contest | May 9 | 1200Z | May 10 | 1159Z | Rules |
| His Maj. King of Spain Contest, CW | May 16 | 1200Z | May 17 | 1200Z | Rules |
| Arkansas QSO Party | May 16 | 1400Z | May 17 | 0200Z | Rules |
| 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 |