The
Eastern Iowa DX Bulletin
Number
299, November 7, 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 (The online archive is no
longer updated.)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
4J, AZERBAIJAN.
Special event stations 4K8N
and 4J8N
are QRV until
November 15th to commemorate Victory Day. QSL direct to 4K8N and 4J8N,
respectively.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 45 November 6, 2025] (1107-1114)
4X, ISRAEL.
Special callsigns 4XØVK
(October 31st -
November 1st), 4XØZL
(November 7th-8th)
and 4XØUK (November 10th-11th)
are three radio field operations commemorating the British and ANZAC
forces that fought during World War I in pre-state Israel. QSL all
stations via 4X6ZM.
-[425DXN # 1799 October 25, 2025] (1031-1114)
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.
Silvano, I2YSB and the Italian DXpedition Team (I1FQH, I1HJT, I2PJA,
IK2CKR, IK2HKT, IK2RZP and IV3ZXQ) will be active as 5R8TT (CW, SSB and
RTTY) and 5R8XX (FT8) from Nosy Be (AF-057), Madagascar from October 29th to November 12th.
They will run four stations on 160-6 meters. See https://www.i2ysb.com/idt/
for more information, including band plan, OQRS for direct cards and
the new DXpedition Awards. QSLs direct to I2YSB.
-[425DXN # 1789 August 16, 2025] (1024-1114)
5V, TOGO.
Vasily, RA1ZZ and Vlad, R9LR will be active as 5V7RU from Togo on November 5th-17th.
They will operate CW, SSB and FT8 on the HF bands, with a focus on 16Ø
and 80 meters, and via QO-100. A "trip to Benin and short activity on
SAT QO-100 as TYØRU"
is planned for November
19th. See https://dxpedition.wixsite.com/5v7ru
for more information. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS
and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1801 November 8, 2025] (1107-1121)
7P, LESOTHO.
Wolfgang, HB9CCS will be active in his spare time as 7P8EA from
Thaba-Tseka, Lesotho on November
3rd-27th.
He plans to be QRV daily between 1600 and 1900 UTC on or around 21223
kHz (SSB) or 21050 kHz (CW). He might also be active on 17, 12 or 10
meters. QSL via HB9CCS.
-[425DXN # 1797 October 11, 2025] (1031-1128)
7Q, MALAWI.
Chris, ZS6RI has been active as 7Q5C
from near Karonga in northern Malawi since October 28th. For the next year or two,
he will be working there on a six-week on/off rotation, with planned
activity on 40-10 meters "99% CW" during his spare time. Paper QSLs
will not be issued, however QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW, QRZ Logbook
and ClubLog.
-[425DXN # 1800 November 1, 2025] (1031-1121)
8R, GUYANA.
Aldir, PY1SAD will be active again as 8R1TM from Guyana
from October 29th to
December 7th.
He operates CW, SSB and digital modes on 160-6 meters, typically
between 2300 UTC and 0200 UTC, and longer over the weekends. QSL via
LoTW, eQSL, QRZ Logbook, or direct to PY1SAD.
-[425DXN # 1800 November 1, 2025] (1031-1212)
9G, GHANA.
DL1CW is going to operate as 9G5ZZ
during November,
including the CQ WW DX CW Contest (November 29th-30th). QSL via DL1CW.
-[DXNL # 2482 October 29, 2025] (1031-1205)
9L, SIERRA LEONE.
Members of the Mediteraneo DX Club will be QRV as 9L8MD from October 29th to November 10th,
with a side trip to Banana Island, IOTA AF-037, and active as 9L9L from November 2nd to 5th.
Activity will be on 40 to 6 meters. QSL via IK2VUC, full
QSL information at 9L8MD.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 43 October 23, 2025] (1024-1114)
9U, BURUNDI.
Several members of the Russian DX Team will be active as 9U1RU from Burundi
from October 29th to
November 19th, with "full-scale on-air operation" from
October 31st to November 17th. Plans are to operate CW, SSB and FT8
(MSHV) with at least seven high-power stations on 160-6 meters.
Bookmark https://www.rudxt.org/9u1ru
for more information and updates. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1775 May 10, 2025] (1024-1121)
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)
CE, CHILE.
Special callsign 3G5SM
is now expected to be QRV from Isla Santa Maria (SA-070) on November 10th-14th.
The operation will also serve as a trial run of the equipment -
including a remote station - to be used during XQ7IR's announced
DXpedition to San Ambrosio in January 2026. Please note that only
contacts made with the on-site 3G5SM operator(s) will be accepted for
IOTA credit. Those contacts will include SSB QSOs (November 10th-14th)
and FT8 QSOs (November 10th-12th). Any CW and FT8 contacts made between
0001 UTC on 13 November and 2359 UTC on 14 November will be carried out
remotely, and will not count towards IOTA credit. Bookmark https://3g5sm.webnode.cl
for more information and updates. QSL via MØURX's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1798 October 18, 2025] (1107-1114)
CE9, ANTARCTICA.
David, F4FKT will be active again from Antarctica from November until early February
2026. Main activity will be during his spare time as FT4YM/p from
Concordia Station (AN-016), operating SSB and digital modes. In
addition, he might be QRV as FT4YM
from Dumont d'Urville on Petrels Island (AN-017). Updates will be
posted to https://ft4ym.fr/actus.
QSL via F5PFP.
-[425DXN # 1799 October 25, 2025] (1031-1212)
CE9, ANTARCTICA.
Alex, UG1A, is preparing for his next trip to Antarctica. He plans to
reach the Progress base on October
20th and remains there until December 5th.
Next stop will be Vostok until
December 20th; maybe with HF operating during the transit.
While on Vostok there may also be an opportunity to visit Ridge B, a
yet to be explored area up to 3800m asl. This season Alex signs RI1ANI from
Antarctica.
-[DXNL # 2481 October 22, 2025] (1024-1219)
CN, MOROCCO.
Yannick, F6FYD will be QRV as CN2YD
from November 11th
to March 31, 2026. Activity will on 20 to 10 meters using
primarily SSB. This includes a possible trip to Mogador Island
(AF-065). QSL direct to F6FYD.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 45 November 6, 2025] (1107-1219)
CN, MOROCCO.
Eddy, OE3SEU will be active as CN2SE/p
while touring Morocco in his motorhome from November 1st to December 7th.
Activity will be on the QO-100 satellite. Follow his travels - and give
a look at dozens of stunning pictures - on https://we-travel.at/.
QSL via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1799 October 25, 2025] (1031-1212)
CP, BOLIVIA.
Members of the Yaguarete DX Group (LU1FM, LU1HF, LU3FR, LU5HPM, LU6FOV,
LU6HGH and LU9FHF) will be active as CP7DX from Tarija,
Bolivia from October
31st to November 10th. They will operate SSB and FT8 on
160-6 meters, as well as via EME. See https://jvp-antenas.com.ar/cp7dx/
for more information. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
or direct to LU1FM.
-[425DXN # 1797 October 11, 2025] (1031-1114)
DXCC TOP TWENTY.
Here are the top 20 entities on ClubLog’s "DXCC Most Wanted" list as of
November 6, 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 November 7, 2025 (1107-1128)
EA, SPAIN.
Members of the Radio Club del Tarragones (EA3RCY) will be active as AO25TWHS on November 1st-30th.
The special callsign celebrates the 25th anniversary since the
Archaeological Ensemble of Tarraco (modernday Tarragona) was inscribed
on the UNESCO World Heritage List. A certificate will be available on https://ao25twhs.ea3rcy.org.
QSL via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1799 October 25, 2025] (1031-1128)
FS, SAINT MARTIN.
Following their Montserrat operation, Irina, DL8DYL and Ralf, DL9DRA
are going to move on to St. Martin from November 2nd to 9th,
operating as FS/DL8DYL
and FS/DL9DRA.
-[DXNL # 2481 October 22, 2025] (1031-1114)
G, ENGLAND.
Special callsign GB5ØAUK
celebrates the 50th anniversary of AMSAT-UK (https://amsat-uk.org)
on November 1st-28th.
QSOs will be uploaded to at least eQSL and the QO-100 DX Club.
-[425DXN # 1799 October 25, 2025] (1031-1128)
G, ENGLAND.
Special event station GB13ØWRD
will be active across various bands and modes throughout November,
especially around World Radiography Day. Celebrated annually on
November 8th, WRD marks the anniversary of the discovery of X-rays by
Wilhelm Roentgen in 1895. QSL direct to MØKZT.
-[425DXN # 1799 October 25, 2025] (1031-1128)
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)
HB9, SWITZERLAND.
Celebrating the 70th anniversary of their organization, members of the
International Police Association's Swiss branch (HB9IPA) will be active
as HB7ØIPA
from November 1st to
December 31st. Activity will be on various HF bands and
the QO-100 satellite. QSL via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1797 October 11, 2025] (1031-1128)
HK, COLOMBIA.
Renato, PY8WW reports that his application for the special callsign 5J4W has been "officially denied"
by the Colombian authorities. Therefore, his operation from Isla Playa
Blanca (SA-084) "has been authorized only under the portable callsign HK4/PY8WW, in
accordance with Colombian regulations", he says. The activity will take
place on November
12th-17th, on 80-10 meters SSB, CW and digital modes. QSL
via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1801 November 8, 2025] (1107-1121)
I, ITALY.
Celebrating 130 years of Radio, IYØGA
(Sardinia), IYØMMR,
IYØORP, IY1MR, IY1SM, IY1TO, IY4FGM, IY5PIS, and IY7M will be active
on November 8th.
These stations are affiliated to the "Coordinamento Stazioni Marconiane
Italiane", which gathers amateur radio stations operating from historic
Marconi sites located in Italy.
-[425DXN # 1801 November 8, 2025] (1107-1114)
JD1/O, OGASAWARA.
Once again Harry, JG7PSJ will be active as JD1BMH from
Chichijima (AS-031), Ogasawara on November 1st-9th.
He will operate CW, SSB and RTTY on 40-10 meters. Log search on https://ss381094.stars.ne.jp/jd1bmh/.
QSL via JD1BMH (bureau), or direct to JG7PSJ.
-[425DXN # 1799 October 25, 2025] (1031-1114)
LU, ARGENTINA.
Radio Club QRM Belgrano (LU4AAO
and LS2E)
will be active on the HF bands SSB and FT8 on November 8th-16th
to celebrate Argentine Tradition Day. See http://lu4aao.org/cert_dia_tradicion_2025.htm
for more information.
-[425DXN # 1799 October 25, 2025] (1107-1121)
LZ, BULGARIA.
Watch for LZ/HA8LLH
and LZ/YO5OED
to be active from Sveta Anastasiya Island (EU-181) on November 6th-10th.
They will operate CW and SSB on 30, 20, 17 and 15 meters. QSL LZ/HA8LLH
via HA8LLH and
LZ/YO5OED via YO5OED.
-[425DXN # 1801 November 8, 2025] (1107-1114)
ON, BELGIUM.
Special callsign OT5IDPD
will be active from November
4th to December 3rd
for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, whose annual
observance (December 3rd) was proclaimed by the United Nations General
Assembly in 1992. All operators will be hams with a disability. The
logs will be uploaded to LoTW, ClubLog and eQSL; all QSOs will be
confirmed automatically via the bureau.
-[425DXN # 1795 September 27, 2025] (1031-1205)
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)
PACIFIC TOUR.
Rudi, DK7PE's third Pacific DXpedition (October 27th - November 19th)
will include activity from Guam (KG6/AHØG),
Palau (T8??),
Micronesia (V6CW),
the Marshall Islands (V73RK),
and possibly Western Kiribati (T3ØRK).
He will operate CW only with 100 watts and wire antennas. Details will
be posted to https://www.rooody.de/.
QSLs via DK7PE.
-[425DXN # 1799 October 25, 2025] (1024-1121)
PY, BRAZIL.
Special callsign PV2RB
by the Liga de Amadores Brasileiros de Radio Emissao (LABRE) celebrates
Brazilian Radioamateur Day on November
1st-9th. A certificate will be available, see PV2RB
for information. The Dia do Radioamador Brasileiro marks the
anniversary of the entry into force of the first Brazilian Amateur
Radio regulations (November 5, 1924). QSL via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1799 October 25, 2025] (1031-1114)
PY, BRAZIL.
Team PR5M
will be active from Ilha do Mel (SA-047) on November 6th-9th.
They will operate CW and SSB on 10, 15 and 20 meters (maybe also on
30m). QSOs will be uploaded to ClubLog. QSL via PP5BZ.
-[425DXN # 1799 October 25, 2025] (1031-1114)
S2, BANGLADESH.
Team S21SDX
will be active from deep inside the Sundarbans, the largest mangrove
forest in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on November 13th-15th.
Organized by the Amateur Radio Club Khulna, the event will be led and
managed by young operators, including S21ACP, S21CMD, S21AKL, and
S21SRK. They will operate SSB and FT8 on 40, 20, 17, 15, 12 and 10
meters. More information is expected to be published on https://s21sdx.org/
in due course. All QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW and ClubLog. QSL via I8KHC.
-[425DXN # 1797 October 11, 2025] (1107-1121)
SP, POLAND.
Special callsign HF4SES
will be in use from October
31st to December 31st
to mark the launch of RadioAwards.club, a "platform designed for
organizing and managing ham radio award events worldwide". See https://radioawards.club/ses/premier-event
for more information and the certificate.
-[425DXN # 1801 November 8, 2025] (1107-1226)
TL, CENTRAL
AFRICA. Darek, TJ1GD, is QRV as TL8GD for the
foreseeable future. Activity is on the HF bands using CW, SSB, and FT8.
QSL via ClubLog's OQRS
(preferred), LoTW, or via SP3EOL.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 44 October 30, 2025] (1031-1121)
TR, GABON.
Roland, F8EN will be active again as TR8CR from Gabon
starting on October
25th for two months. He will operate CW only. Log search
on http://LesNouvellesDX.fr/voirlogs.php.
QSL via F6AJA.
-[425DXN # 1799 October 25, 2025] (1024-1219)
TY, BENIN.
Red, DL1BUG will be QRV as TY5FR
from Cotonou from November
15th to December 11th.
Activity will be on 80 to 10 meters. This includes an entry in the
upcoming CQ Worldwide DX CW contest (November 29th-30th). QSL to DL1BUG.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 45 November 6, 2025] (1107-1212)
V7, MARSHALL IS.
Randy, KX4QD, is back on Kwajalein (OC-028) and gets on the air as V73AX
during his spare time from the club station on the island. That station
now has a newly installed LogPer antenna and amplifier. QSL via qrz.com.
-[DXNL # 2482 October 29, 2025] (1031-1121)
V8, BRUNEI
DARUSSALAM. Commemorating the centenary of the
International Amateur Radio Union, special event station V84SRU will be
active on all bands and modes from October 24th to November 26th.
QSL direct to P.O. Box 211, MPC Old Airport, Bandar Seri Begawan
BB3577, Brunei Darussalam.
-[425DXN # 1798 October 18, 2025] (1024-1128)
XU, CAMBODIA.
Thomas, DL7BO is QRV as XU7O
until November 9th.
Activity is on the HF bands. QSL to DL7BO.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 45 November 6, 2025] (1107-1114)
YU, SERBIA.
Special call sign YU65AEC
is QRV to commemorate 65 years of continuous operation and significant
contributions to the amateur radio community in Odzaci. QSL via
operators' instructions.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 45 November 6, 2025] (1107-1128)
Z6, REPUBLIC OF
KOSOVO. Rene, DL2JRM is QRV as Z66XX. He and other
operators will be QRV as Z66BCC
in the WAE DX RTTY contest (November
8th-9th). QSL both calls via DL2JRM.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 45 November 6, 2025] (1107-1114)
ZL7, CHATHAM IS.
Stan, LZ1GC will be active as ZL7/LZ1GC
from the Chatham Islands (OC-038) on November 3rd-20th.
He will operate CW, SSB and FT8/FT4 on 160-10 meters with two working
stations, on different bands and modes (one on digital modes and
another one on CW/SSB). See http://www.c21gc.com
for more information and updates. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS
(preferred) or via LZ1GC.
-[425DXN # 1797 October 11, 2025] (1031-1121)
ZS, SOUTH AFRICA.
Neil, MØNJH will be operating portable from SOTA summits in various
South African regions (provinces) during November:
ZS6/MØNJH
from Gauteng and North West, ZS5/MØNJH
from KwaZulu-Natal, and ZS1/MØNJH
from Western Cape. He will document his activations on https://radio-hut.blogspot.com/.
QSL via LoTW, eQSL and QRZ Logbook.
-[425DXN # 1801 November 8, 2025] (1107-1128)
Propagation (Updated daily)
The Weekly Solar Data chart plots Solar Flux Index (SFI), Sunspot number (SSN) and Planetary K-Index (Kp) for the past 8 days. With 8 Planetary K-index readings each day, only the minimum, average and maximum K-index values are plotted. Note: You may click here or on the chart above to see the same data for the past month.
The Daily Solar Flux Index, Sunspot number, Planetary
K-index,
Solar Flux predictions and Solar Flare data used in this bulletin have
been collected by
KØCF from the U.S. Department of Commerce's NOAA
Space Weather Prediction Center.
The propagation graphs above are the creations of KØCF and are unique
in space weather reporting.
Please Note: The graphs are high resolution .PNG files which you may view in greater detail using your browser's "zoom" feature. Alternatively, right click on the graph and select "Open Image in New Tab" to enlarge it, or "Save Image As..." to save it to your computer for further analysis.
|
NASA's current view of the Sun at a wave- length of 131 Angstroms. This wavelength shows incredible solar detail. Click here or on the image to view as a full screen 48-hour video loop. It is fascinating! |
 |
Propagation
Summary
For the 8 day period from Friday, October 31st through yesterday, November 7th.
The average solar flux was 144, up 21 points from the previous week,
with a weekly high of 166 on Friday, November 7th, following
a low of 115 on November 1st.
The average sunspot count was 80, up 1 from last week,
peaking at 133 on Friday, November 7th after a
weekly low of 24 on November 1st.
The Planetary K-index weekly average was 4.7 with a
maximum of 6.7 on Thursday, November 6th, indicating
a moderate geomagnetic storm. Yesterday's K-index maximum was 5.3 with a minor geomagnetic storm.
Solar flare activity since November 1st has been high with 11
major flares, the largest of which was a major X 1.8 event on Tuesday,
November 4th.
Propagation
Data
Major solar flares, Saturday, November 1st through 1524 UTC, November 8th.
| # | Date | UTC | Mag. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nov 07 | 0716 | M 1.7 |
| 2 | Nov 06 | 0431 | M 1.1 |
| 3 | Nov 05 | 2207 | M 8.6 |
| 4 | Nov 05 | 1119 | M 7.4 |
| 5 | Nov 04 | 2201 | X 1.1 |
| 6 | Nov 04 | 1734 | X 1.8 |
| 7 | Nov 04 | 0148 | M 3.5 |
| 8 | Nov 03 | 1247 | M 3.2 |
| 9 | Nov 03 | 1011 | M 5.0 |
| 10 | Nov 03 | 0925 | M 1.6 |
| 11 | Nov 02 | 0026 | M 1.1 |
(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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 8 | 80% | 35% | 170 |
| Nov 9 | 80% | 35% | 170 |
| Nov 10 | 80% | 35% | 170 |
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 November 3, 2025).
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|
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The
CME Has Arrived
As
predicted, a
CME struck Earth's magnetic field on Nov. 7th (0517 UTC). The
impact sets the stage for minor (G1)
to strong (G3)
geomagnetic storms in the hours ahead, with a chance of mid-latitude
auroras. Another
CME is expected to deliver a glancing blow on Nov. 8th,
potentially extending the light show.
(Copyright © SpaceWeather.com November 7, 2025.
Republished by
permission.)
What's
Wrong With This Sunspot?
Answer:
It has a twisted magnetic field. Active sunspot 4274 is emitting
almost-daily CMEs and strong solar flares. The reason why may be found
in this magnetic map from NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory:
Note
the distribution of pluses (+) and minuses (-). These are the sunspot's
magnetic poles, and they are arranged in an unusual way.
According to Hale's Law,
the sunspot's magnetic poles should be oriented -/+, that is, negative
(-) on the left and positive (+) on the right. Instead, they are
twisted 90 degrees; positive (+) is on top and negative (-) is on the
bottom. Sunspot 4274 is breaking the
law.
The twisted magnetic roots of this sunspot are torqued and
full
of tension. Strong flares are how it tries to relax. NOAA forecasters
say there is an 80% chance of M-class
solar flares and a 35% chance of powerful X-flares on
Nov. 7th.
(Copyright © SpaceWeather.com November 7, 2025.
Republished by
permission.)
Global
D Region Absorption
Conditions in the D-region of the ionosphere
have a dramatic effect on HF communications. The D-Region Absorption
map combines the effects of solar particles and
photons. Yellow to red colors on the map depict increasing signal
attenuation, where the bar chart at the right displays attenuation
versus frequency. Click the
thumbnail below for an animated map of D-Region Absorption:
The Aurora
Borealis
The aurora is not only beautiful to see but can have a
profound impact on HF and VHF radio propagation. For the HF operator,
auroras can result in a complete shut-down of propagation. However, on
VHF, auroras present interesting DX possibilities. Beam antennas are
very desirable and should be pointed north, towards the aurora. Signals
are reflected by “back-scatter” and will be distorted with a rough
buzz. SSB is the best voice mode to use, but copy can be difficult. CW
will have a rough buzzy sound but be perfectly copyable. Click the
thumbnail below for an animated map of aurora versus time:
Highs
for Cycle 25
Solar Flux: 336 on
August 8, 2024.
Sunspots: 382 on August
10, 2024.
Popular
Propagation web sites
https://prop.kc2g.com/
(Excellent Maximum Usable Frequency map)
NOAA https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/
https://www.spaceweather.com/
https://www.solarham.com/
https://dx.qsl.net/propagation/
A Propagation
Tutorial
The solar X-ray flux tracks solar activity and solar flares.
Solar
flux, which can vary from as low as 50 to as high as 300, influences
the level of ionization in the F2 region of the ionosphere, providing a
very good prediction of HF DX conditions. The higher the solar flux,
the better conditions will be for the higher HF frequencies and even 6
meters. However, the levels need to be maintained for some days to
allow ionization in the F2 layer to build up. A solar flux of 150
results in good HF band conditions, while levels of 200 and up can
provide great conditions.
Large X-ray flares on the sun can
increase the ionization of the D layer of the ionosphere (a lower
layer) on the sunlit side of the Earth, greatly attenuating or blocking
HF radio transmissions for up to a half hour. Solar flares often
produce Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) which, if Earth directed, can
lead to geomagnetic storms. Some large flares are also accompanied by
strong radio bursts that may interfere with other radio frequencies and
cause problems for satellite communication and radio navigation (GPS).
The
Planetary K-index is a measure of the magnitude of geomagnetic storms
and is an excellent indicator of disturbances in the Earth's magnetic
field. A level of 1 or 2 represents quiet geomagnetic conditions; a
reading of 3 or 4 may cause some propagation deterioration; 5 and 6 are
minor to moderate geomagnetic storms; and 7 to 9 are strong, severe,
and extreme storm conditions. Strong geomagnetic storms can trigger
Auroral displays and cause HF radio blackouts. Higher geomagnetic
activity also has the adverse effect of lowering maximum usable
frequencies, much like lower solar flux does.
For
best conditions, the solar flux should be above 150 for a few days with
the K index below 2. When these conditions are met, some good DX is
likely!
(Compiled from information on NOAA.gov and other sources.)
Contest Calendar
Weekly Contests
| Contest | Start UTC | End | Web Site | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K1USN Slow Speed Test | Monday | 0000Z | 0100Z | Rules |
| ICWC Medium Speed Test | Monday | 1300Z | 1400Z | Rules |
| Monday | 1900Z | 2000Z | ||
| Tuesday | 0300Z | 0400Z | ||
| CWops Test (CWT) | Wednesday | 1300Z | 1400Z | Rules |
| Wednesday | 1900Z | 2000Z | ||
| Thursday | 0300Z | 0400Z | ||
| Thursday | 0700Z | 0800Z | ||
| Weekly RTTY Test | Friday | 0145Z | 0215Z | Rules |
| NCCC CW Sprint (NS) | Friday | 0230Z | 0300Z | Rules |
Sunday at 7:00 PM in the Central Daylight Saving Time zone, or
Sunday at 6:00 PM in the Central Standard Time zone.
Full Calendar
| Contest | Start | End | Web Site | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| North American QSO Party, SSB | Jan 17 | 1800Z | Jan 18 | 0600Z | Rules |
| ARRL January VHF Contest | Jan 17 | 1900Z | Jan 19 | 0359Z | Rules |
| CQ 160-Meter Contest, CW | Jan 23 | 2200Z | Jan 25 | 2159Z | Rules |
| REF Contest, CW | Jan 24 | 0600Z | Jan 25 | 1800Z | Rules |
| Vermont QSO Party | Feb 7 | 0000Z | Feb 8 | 2400Z | Rules |
| 10-10 Int. Winter Contest, SSB | Feb 7 | 0001Z | Feb 8 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Mexico RTTY International Contest | Feb 7 | 1200Z | Feb 8 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Minnesota QSO Party | Feb 7 | 1400Z | Feb 7 | 2400Z | Rules |
| British Columbia QSO Party | Feb 7 | 1600Z | Feb 8 | 2400Z | Rules |
| North American Sprint, CW | Feb 8 | 0000Z | Feb 8 | 0359Z | Rules |