The
Eastern Iowa DX Bulletin
Number
326, May 15, 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 (The online archive is no
longer updated.)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
3B8, MAURITIUS.
Ivan, UR9IDX, is QRV as 3B8IDX
until May 16th.
Activity is on the HF bands using CW and SSB. QSL via UR9IDX.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 19 May 14, 2026] (0515-0522)
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)
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)
5Z, KENYA.
Massimo, IZØEGB, has returned to Nairobi and uses
the callsign 5Z4AB
on 20-10m (SSB). The duration of his stay is not
known at present. QSL via IZØEGA.
-[DXNL # 2509 May 6, 2026] (0508-0529)
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)
9M8, EAST
MALAYSIA. 12 ops are going to put Talang-Talang
Besar island (OC-165) on the air during May with
the callsign 9M8T.
See
also: https://cqdx.my/9m8t.
QSL via 9W8ZZK.
-[DXNL # 2509 May 6, 2026] (0508-0529)
A3, TONGA.
Takio, JH3QFL will be active as A31AA
from
Nuku'alofa on Tongatapu Island (OC-049), Tonga on May 13th-22nd.
He
will operate FT8 on 80-6 meters. QSL via LoTW, or direct to JH3QFL.
-[425DXN # 1826 May 2, 2026] (0508-0522)
A3, TONGA.
Bob, ZL1RS will be active as A35RS
from Tongatapu (OC-049), Tonga on May 14th-26th.
This will be a 6m EME DXpedition, using Q65-60A in the "Q65 Pileup"
mode. During non-EME times he will be monitoring 50313 kHz on FT8;
depending on available luggage space and weight, limited 10m band FT8
operation may also be included. See https://www.qrz.com/db/A35RS
for more information. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
or direct to ZL1RS.
-[425DXN # 1827 May 9, 2026] (0508-0529)
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)
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)
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)
DU, PHILIPPINES.
Peter, VK4CCV, has moved to Pacijan Island
(OC-129) and operates as DU7/VK4CCV
on various HF bands on SSB and
digital modes.
-[DXNL # 2509 May 6, 2026] (0508-0529)
DXCC TOP TWENTY.
Here are the top 20 entities on ClubLog’s "DXCC Most Wanted" list as of
May 15, 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 15, 2026 (0515-0605)
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)
EI, IRELAND.
Pete, M1PTR and Kieron, M5KJM (EI6KP) will be QRV as
EJ6KP/p from
Arranmore Island (EU-121) on May
21st-23rd. They will
operate SSB on 40, 20 and 15 meters during the local daytime hours. QSL
via ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW, or via M5KJM.
-[425DXN # 1826 May 2, 2026] (0515-0522)
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)
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)
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)
GW, WALES.
Watch for MW/HB9EMP
operating holiday-style from May
17th to 19th. QSL direct via HB9EMP, LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2510 May 13, 2026] (0515-0522)
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)
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.
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)
OX,
GREENLAND. Bo, OZ1DJJ, is QRV as OX3LX from Aasiaat
Island (NA-134)
until May 22nd.
Activity is in his spare time on the HF bands. QSL via
OZØJ, LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 19 May 14, 2026] (0515-0522)
PA,
NETHERLANDS. ON2LVC, ON4LO, ON5SEL, and ON7DE will be QRV
as PA/OR5R
from Ameland Island (EU-038) from May 18th to May 22nd.
Activity will
be on the HF bands and 6 meters using SSB, CW, and FT modes.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 19 May 14, 2026] (0515-0522)
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)
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. Mike, DF8AN will be active as SV8/DF8AN from IOTA group EU-072 until May 26th. He will operate mainly CW and digital modes from the islands of Skiathos (May 15th-21st) and Skopelos (May 21st-26th). QSL via DF8AN and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1828 May 16, 2026] (0515-0529)
SV, GREECE.
Celebrating "243 Years of Human Flight", the special callsign SX1FLY
honors the Montgolfier brothers, who achieved the world's first free,
manned hot air balloon flight in 1783. Look for activity on all bands
and modes from May
1st to May 31st. A certificate will be available; details
on https://www.qrz.com/db/SX1FLY.
Paper QSLs will not be provided, but QSOs will be uploaded to eQSL,
LoTW and other electronic resources.
-[425DXN # 1827 May 9, 2026] (0508-0529)
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)
TF, ICELAND.
Rikk, WE9G is QRV as TF/WE9G
from Borg (EU-021)
from May 10th to May
19th. Activity is on various bands using primarily
FT modes with limited CW and SSB. QSL direct via WE9G or via
TF/WE9G
for ClubLog's OQRS
or LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 18 May 7, 2026] (0508-0522)
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)
UA, EUROPEAN RUSSIA.
Commemorating the 121st anniversary since the birth of Mikhail A.
Sholokhov (1965 Nobel Prize laureate in Literature), special callsigns R121MS and UE41MS will be active on May 18th-24th during the 41st edition of the Sholokhov Spring Festival. A certificate will be available on https://hamlog.online/club/mdxc. QSL via RQ7L.
-[425DXN # 1828 May 16, 2026] (0515-0529)
V4,
ST. KITTS & NEVIS. David, EI7BR, and Roger, EI8KN,
are QRV as
V4/EI7BR and
V4/EI8KN
from St. Kitts (NA-104) from May
13th to May
21st. Roger may also be QRV as V49B during contests
only. Activity is
holiday-style on the HF bands.QSL V4/EI7BR via LoTW; QSL V4/EI8KN via
LoTW, ClubLog's OQRS,
or direct to EI8KN.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 19 May 14, 2026] (0515-0522)
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)
V5, NAMIBIA.
Eric, V5/N7XOB,
will be active from May
20th until June 19th on 40 and 20m (SSB). QSL via N7XOB.
-[DXNL # 2510 May 13, 2026] (0515-0619)
VE, CANADA.
Special event stations VB3COPS
and VB3EMS
will be active during the National Police Week (May 10th-16th)
and the National Emergency Medical Services Week (May 17th-23rd),
respectively. Activity will be on 80-10 meters SSB, and maybe digital.
QSLs via eQSL, or direct to VE3KGK.
-[425DXN # 1827 May 9, 2026] (0508-0522)
VK9C, COCOS
(KEELING) IS. Mark, VK6BSA, and Deena, VK6DEE, are
QRV as VK9BSA
and VK9DEE
during free time until
late May. Activity is
on most bands using an FTDX-10. QSL direct with $5.00 US International
Money Order or PayPal to VK6BSA.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 18 May 7, 2026] (0508-0529)
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)
XT, BURKINA FASO.
Harald, DF2WO, is QRV as XT2AW
from
Ouagadougou until
May 19th. Activity is on 160 through 6 meters using
CW, SSB, and FT modes, as well as the QO-100 satellite. QSL only via MØOXO's OQRS. He
requests NO direct QSLs and NO eQSL or email inquiries.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 18 May 7, 2026] (0508-0522)
XU, CAMBODIA. The XU7AMO
team at the National Polytechnic Institute of Cambodia has launched
regular weekly operations on both HF bands and the QO-100 satellite. To
optimize their airtime, the team plans to balance relaxed rag chewing
with high-traffic DX windows. Look for XU7AMO every Wednesday at 0500
UTC on 15 meters SSB, and every Friday at 1200 UTC on QO-100 (SSB). See
https://camrg.com for more information. QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW and eQSL; the QSL route for direct cards is via JA3GEP.
-[425DXN # 1828 May 16, 2026] (0515-0605)
YB,
INDONESIA. Watch for YB1RQX/p,
YB1RET/p,
and YC1RIK/p
to be QRV from
Singkep Island (OC-107) from May
13th to May 16th. Activity is on
QO-100 using SSB and digital modes, and via LEO satellites. QSL
YB1RQX/p via LoTW or ClubLog's OQRS;
YB1RET/p via LoTW; YC1RIK/p via LoTW or
eQSL
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 19 May 14, 2026] (0515-0522)
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 7th through Thursday, May 14th.
The average solar flux was 115, down 21 points from the previous week,
with a weekly high of 126 on Sunday, May 10th, followed by
a low of 103 on May 13th.
The average sunspot count was 71, down by 51 from last week,
peaking at 89 on Sunday, May 10th followed by a
weekly low of 56 on May 13th.
The Planetary K-index weekly average was 2.5 with a
maximum of 3.3 on Wednesday, May 13th, indicating
generally quiet geomagnetic conditions. The most recent K-index maximum was 2.7 with generally quiet conditions.
Solar flare activity since May 8th has been quiet with no major flares.
Propagation
Data
Major solar flares, Friday, May 8th through 1537 UTC, May 15th.
| # | Date | UTC | Mag. |
|---|---|---|---|
| None Reported | |||
(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 15 | 40% | 5% | 100 |
| May 16 | 40% | 5% | 100 |
| May 17 | 40% | 5% | 100 |
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 11, 2026).
|
|
|
Geomagnetic Storm In Progress
Earlier today, a CIR (co-rotating interaction region) hit Earth and sparked a minor G1-class geomagnetic storm. NOAA forecasters say the storm could escalate to category G2 (Moderate) as high-speed solar wind blows in on the heels of the CIR.
(Copyright
© SpaceWeather.com
May 15, 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |