The
Eastern Iowa DX Bulletin
Number
273, May 9, 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
The bulletin is available at http://www.arrl.org
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
3A, MONACO.
Special event call sign 3A1ØØA
will be QRV from April
15th to June 30th
to commemorate the centenary of the IARU. Activity will be on 80 to 10
meters using CW, SSB, and various digital modes. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 15 April 10, 2025] (0411-0627)
4X, ISRAEL.
The following special event stations currently celebrate the State of
Israel's anniversary until
May 10th: 4X77AZ
, 4X77BQ, 4X77FB, 4X77WN, 4Z77LA, and 4Z77MU. For QSL
information see qrz.com.
-[DXNL # 2457 May 7, 2025] (0509-0516)
5B, CYPRUS.
Freddy, F5IRO is QRV as 5B/F5IRO
until May 16th.
Activity is during his afternoons on the HF bands and 6 meters, using
QRP power and CW, FT8, and FT4. QSL to F5IRO.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 19 May 8, 2025] (0509-0516)
7P, LESOTHO.
Mark, KW4XJ and Arina, KO4PZT are QRV as 7P8AB and 7P8NB, respectively,
until mid-2025.
QSL via KW4XJ.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 18 May 1, 2025] (0502-0613)
BY, CHINA.
Members of the Chinese Radio Amateurs Club are QRV as B1ØØIARU until June 17th
to commemorate the centenary of the IARU. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 17 April 24, 2025] (0425-0516)
C3, ANDORRA.
Members of the Unio de Radioaficionats Andorrans (C37URA ) will be
active as C37JPE
throughout May.
The special callsign's suffix stands for Jocs dels Petits Estats
d'Eu-ropa, the Games of the Small States of Europe whose 20th edition
will be held in Andorra la Vella on May 26th-31st. QSL via the bureau
or direct to C37JPE.
-[425DXN # 1774 May 3, 2025] (0502-0530)
CE, CHILE.
Members of the Radio Club de Chile are QRV with special event call sign
XR1ØØIARU until May 20th
to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the IARU. Activity is on the HF
bands. QSL via CE3AA.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 16 April 17, 2025] (0418-0523)
D4, CAPE VERDE.
Harold, DF2WO and Warren, KN6ZZI will be QRV as D44TWO and D44ZZI,
respectively, from Santiago Island (AF-005) from May 5th to 26th.
Activity will be on the HF bands with D44TWO using mainly CW and FT8,
and D44ZZI mainly on SSB and FT8. This includes being on Satellite
QO-100. QSL both calls via MØOXO's OQRS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 18 May 1, 2025] (0502-0530)
DL, GERMANY.
Celebrating the Deutsche Amateur-Radio-Club's 75th anniversary, four
special callsigns will be activated by DARC Team SES from May 1st to October 31st:
DC75DARC, DD75DARC, DK75DARC, and DR75DARC. See https://www.darc.de/der-club/referate/dx/sonderdiplome/
for the "75 Jahre DARC" certificate. QSL via the bureau, or direct to DL2VFR.
-[425DXN # 1774 May 3, 2025] (0502-0530)
DL, GERMANY.
Special callsign DMØLIMES
will be active from May
1st to July 1st for this year's German World Heritage Day
(June 1st). Also active will be DM3LIMES
on May 31st - June
1st.
The Limes was the border line of the Roman Empire at its greatest
extent. In 2005, the remnants of the Upper German-Raetian Limes were
inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list as "Frontiers of the Roman
Empire". QSL both via the bureau.
-[425DXN # 1773 April 26, 2025] (0425-0627)
DXCC TOP TWENTY.
Here are the top 20 entities on ClubLog’s "DXCC Most Wanted" list as of
May 8, 2025:
1. P5 DPRK
(North Korea) 11.
ZS8 Prince Edward &
Marion Islands
2. BS7H Scarborough
Reef 12.
KH4 Midway Island
3. CEØX San Felix
Islands 13. VKØM Macquarie
Island
4. BV9P Pratas
Island 14.
PYØS Saint Peter And Paul Rocks
5. KH7K Kure
Island
15. KP5 Desecheo Island
6.
KH3 Johnston
Island 16.
VPØS South Sandwich Islands
7. 3Y/P Peter 1
Island 17.
ZL9 New Zealand Subantarctic
Islands
8. FT5/X Kerguelen
Island 18.
FK/C Chesterfield Islands
9. YVØ Aves
Island
19. VKØH Heard Island
10. 3Y/B Bouvet
Island 20.
FT/T Tromelin Island
For the complete list, see
https://clublog.org/mostwanted.php
-[KØCF May 9, 2025 (0509-0530)
EA, SPAIN.
Once again the Federacion Digital EA will operate special callsigns AO1EU, AO2EU, AO3EU, AO4EU, AO5EU, AO6EU, AO7EU, AO8EU and AO9EU on May 2nd-11th
to celebrate Europe Day, the anniversary of the Schuman Declaration
(May 9, 1950) that paved the way to the European Union. QSL direct to EA3RKF:
Federacion Digital EA, Apartado Postal 3050, 08200 Sabadell
(Barcelona), Spain.
-[425DXN # 1773 April 26, 2025] (0502-0516)
EA, SPAIN.
Celebrating IARU's centenary, Spanish amateurs are allowed to replace
their normal prefix from May
1st to 15th as follows: EA stations can use AO#1ØØ, EB stations can use AN#1ØØ, and EC stations can use AM#1ØØ,
where "#" is the digit of their call area. For example, EA6VQ will use
AO61ØØVQ, EB3WH will use AN31ØØWH, and EC7R will use AM71ØØR.
-[425DXN # 1773 April 26, 2025] (0425-0516)
EI, IRELAND.
Special callsign GBØAEL
commemorates Amelia Earhart's transatlantic crossing of 1932, the first
non-stop by a female pilot, until
the end of May. QSL via MIØHOZ.
-[DXNL # 2457 May 7, 2025] (0509-0530)
ER, MOLDOVA.
Special event call sign ER8ØV
is QRV until May 10th
to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. QSL via
LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 19 May 8, 2025] (0509-0516)
F, FRANCE.
Celebrating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe,
special callsign TM45END
will be active on May
7th-31st. QSL via F5JYD.
-[425DXN # 1773 April 26, 2025] (0502-0530)
F, FRANCE.
Special event callsign TM1ØREF,
one of many celebrating the REF centenary, will be active from April 25th to 27th,
May 8th to 11th,
and May 29th until
June 1st.
-[DXNL # 2455 April 23, 2025] (0425-0606)
F, FRANCE.
Special callsigns TM1ØØI,
TM1ØØA, TM1ØØR and TM1ØØU by the Radio
Club Pierre Coulon (F5KMB) celebrate the centenary of the International
Amateur Radio Union from April
12th to July 13th. QSL via eQSL only; paper cards will not
be provided.
-[425DXN # 1771 April 12, 2025] (0411-0711)
G, ENGLAND.
After a few years' hiatus, the Cray Valley Radio Society will be
operating again as GB6MW
from Meopham Windmill on
May 10th.
Activity will be on 10-40m SSB and CW, from 0800-1600 UTC. The popular
Mills on the Air event is taking place on 10-11 May, see https://nharg.org.uk/content/about-mills-air-mota
for information. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS
and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1775 May 10, 2025] (0509-0516)
FH, MAYOTTE.
Ronan, F4LJA is QRV as FH/F4LJA
until May 1st.
Activity is in his spare time on 80, 60, 40, and 20 meters using mostly
FT8, and possibly SSTV, with QRP power. QSL via operator's instructions.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 17 April 24, 2025] (0425-0516)
FO, FRENCH
POLYNESIA. Didier, F6BCW is QRV as TX5U from Tikehau
Island (OC-066) until
June 8th. Activity is on 40 to 6 meters using CW and SSB.
QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 19 May 8, 2025] (0509-0606)
FR, REUNION I.
Phil, FR8UA and Ann, FR8TZ are QRV as TO974REF until May 11th
to celebrate the centenary of the French Society REF. Activity is
mostly on 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters using CW, SSB, and various digital
modes. Apply for e-QSL at https://tm100ref.r-e-f.org/award_fr.html.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 19 May 8, 2025] (0509-0516)
GD, ISLE OF MAN.
David, MØYBC is QRV as MDØYBC
until April 28th. Activity is on the HF bands from the eight POTA sites
on the island. QSL to MØYBC.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 17 April 24, 2025] (0425-0516)
GI, NORTHERN
IRELAND. Once again, the North West Group ARC (MNØNWG) is
running special event station GBØAEL
from May 5th to 31st
to commemorate the anniversary of Amelia Earhart's transatlantic
flight. On May 20-21, 1932, Earhart became the first woman to fly
nonstop and alone across the Atlantic, leaving Harbor Grace on
Newfoundland (Canada), and landing 15 hours later near Londonderry
(Northern Ireland). QSL via MIØHOZ.
-[425DXN # 1773 April 26, 2025] (0502-0530)
GU, GUERNSEY.
The Guernsey Amateur Radio Society will operate special event station GU8ØLIB on May 9th to 11th
to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Channel
Islands at the end of World War II. QSL via LoTW, ClubLog's OQRS,
or direct to GU8ØLIB.
-[425DXN # 1769 March 29, 2025] (0509-0516)
GU, GUERNSEY.
Team GU6EFW
will be active from Guernsey (EU-114) on May 7th-14th.
Seven operators
(ON1BN, ON4AML, ON6EF, ON6VJ, ON7TA, ON7VM and ON9DJ) will be QRV on
160-6 meters SSB, CW and digital modes. They will also give QO-100 and
2.3 GHz EME a try. See https://hamradioexpedition.com/
for more information. QSL via ON6EF.
-[425DXN # 1773 April 26, 2025] (0502-0516)
HBØ,
LIECHTENSTEIN. Kasimir, DL2SBY will be active as HBØ/DL2SBY from
Liechtenstein on May
11th to 18th.
He will be QRV on the HF bands with verticals and an inverted vee, and
on 6 meters with 5-element Yagi. QSL via LoTW, or direct to DL2SBY.
-[425DXN # 1774 May 3, 2025] (0509-0523)
HP, PANAMA.
Jose, HP2AT will celebrate his 35th anniversary in amateur radio with
special callsign H82AT
until December 31st.
All QSOs will be uploaded to QRZ, ClubLog, eQSL, and LoTW. Paper cards
will not be available.
-[425DXN # 1775 May 10, 2025] (0509-0530)
HP, PANAMA.
Special event call sign 3E7D
is QRV until June 1st.
QSL via HP1AVS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 17 April 24, 2025] (0425-0606)
HR, HONDURAS.
Renato, PY8WW will be active as HR4/PY8WW
from Isla El Tigre (NA-060), Honduras on May 13th to 17th.
He will be QRV on 80-10 meters with two stations at the same time - one
station alternating between SSB and CW, and the other one fully
dedicated to FT8 (F/H) and FT4. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1773 April 26, 2025] (0509-0516)
IARU 100.
More special event stations/callsigns from IARU societies celebrating
the 100th anniversary of the International Amateur Radio Union include:
* A41ØØIARU
by the Royal Omani Amateur Radio Society (A47RS). QRV on April 15th-30th.
* CN1ØØIARU
by the Association Royale des Radioamateurs du Maroc (ARRAM). QRV on April 18th-30th.
QSL via the bureau.
* EIØIARU
by the Irish Radio Transmitters Society (IRTS). QRV from April 15th to June 15th.
* VR1ØØIARU
by the Hong Kong Amateur Radio Transmitting Society (HARTS). QRV from May to December.
QSL via the bureau and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1773 April 26, 2025] (0425-0516)
IARU 100.
More special event stations/callsigns from IARU societies celebrating
the 100th anniversary of the International Amateur Radio Union include:
* 4X1ØØIARU
and 4Z1ØØIARU
by the Israel Association of Radio Communication
(IARC). QRV on April 14th-25th.
QSL via 4Z5MU and LoTW.
* 9H6IARU
by the Malta Amateur Radio League (MARL). QRV throughout April and
May. QSL via eQSL and LoTW.
* B1ØØIARU
by the Chinese Radio Amateurs Club (CRAC). QRV from April 18th to
June 17th. Certificates on https://hamaward.cloud.
QSL via BG9GXM and
LoTW.
* DX1ØØIARU
from the Philippine Amateur Radio Association (PARA).
* EY1ØØIARU
by the Tajik Amateur Radio League (TARL). QRV on April 12th-30th.
QSL via WØVTT and LoTW.
* R1ØØIARU
by Soyuz Radiolyubitelei Rossii (SRR). QRV on April 18th-27th.
* XR1ØØIARU
by the Radio Club de Chile. QRV from April 15th to May 20th.
Digital QSLs will be available: https://www.ce3aa.cl/xr100iaru/.
-[425DXN # 1772 April 19, 2025] (0418-0530)
I, ITALY.
Special callsign II3IARU
by Alex, IV3KKW marks the 100th anniversary of the IARU and the 75th
anniversary of IARU Region 1 until
May 18th. A member of IARU Region 1 Executive Committee,
Alex is also the VHF/UHF/Microwave Contest Coordinator. QSL via IV3KKW.
-[425DXN # 1774 May 3, 2025] (0502-0523)
ISØ, SARDINIA.
The ARI section Porto Torres (IQØAK) celebrates its 50th anniversary
with the special callsign IRØAPTT.
-[DXNL # 2457 May 7, 2025] (0509-0530)
JA, JAPAN.
Special event station 8K3EXPO
is QRV until October
13th for the 2025 Expo in Osaka. QSL via JA3UJR, e-QSL,
LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 19 May 8, 2025] (0509-0530)
JA, JAPAN.
Take, JI3DST will be active again as JS6RRR from Miyako
Island (AS-079) from April
23rd to June 18th. Other callsigns to be used are JI3DST/6, JJ5RBH/6 and JA3YEC/6, as well as
JI3DST/p, JJ5RBH/p and JA3YEC/p on FT8.
QSOs will be made available for ClubLog and LoTW matching on the IOTA
website. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1774 May 3, 2025] (0502-0620)
JD1/M, MINAMI
TORISHIMA. Take, JG8NQJ is QRV as JG8NQJ/JD1 until June 20th.
Activity is in his spare time on the HF bands using CW and
FT8. QSL via JA8CJY
(direct), JG8NQJ (bureau) and LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 16 April 17, 2025] (0418-0620)
JX, JAN MAYEN.
Arnold, DK1VK, activates Jan Mayen (EU-022) as JX/DK1VK beginning May 5.
-[DXNL # 2453 April 9, 2025] (0502-0516)
OE, AUSTRIA.
Special callsign 4UØIARU
by the VIC Amateur Radio Contest DX Club (4U1A, https://4u1a.club/)
celebrates the centenary of the IARU. This activity counts for Austria
for DXCC, and for the Vienna International Centre for the CQ DX
Marathon. QSOs are uploaded to ClubLog.
-[425DXN # 1774 May 3, 2025] (0502-0523)
OE, AUSTRIA.
Special event call sign OE1ØØOEVSV
is QRV until
December 31st to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the
Austrian Amateur Radio Society. QSL via the bureau.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 18 May 1, 2025] (0502-0523)
OE, AUSTRIA.
Special callsign OE175ARWT
will be available for prefix hunters until the end of May.
-[DXNL # 2455 April 23, 2025] (0425-0530)
ON, BELGIUM.
Special callsign OT25EPIC
by the Antwerp Port Contest Club (ON8APC) promotes this year's edition
of the Antwerp Port Epic cycling race. Look for activity from May 10th until June 9th
(the actual day of the race). QSL via ON8JJ.
-[425DXN # 1774 May 3, 2025] (0509-0613)
ON, BELGIUM.
Celebrating the centenary of the International Amateur Radio Union
(IARU), the local divisions of
the Belgian IARU society (UBA) will activate 28 special event stations
from March 15th
until May 15th: ON1ØØI,
ON1ØØA, ON1ØØR, ON1ØØU, OO1ØØI,
OO1ØØA, OO1ØØR, OO1ØØU, OP1ØØI, OP1ØØA, OP1ØØR, OP1ØØU, OQ1ØØI, OQ1ØØA,
OQ1ØØR, OQ1ØØU, OR1ØØI, OR1ØØA, OR1ØØR, OR1ØØU, OS1ØØI, OS1ØØA, OS1ØØR,
OS1ØØU, OT1ØØI, OT1ØØA, OT1ØØR, and OT1ØØU. In addition,
members of the UBA
Board and HF Committee will be active as OQØIARU and ORØIARU. A series
of certificates will be available, see
https://www.uba.be/en/news/uba-iaru-100-event
for the details and the
OQRS for bureau cards (TBA soon).
-[425DXN # 1764 February 22, 2025] (0314-0516)
P2, PAPUA NEW
GUINEA. Xu, BG5DON is QRV as P29XZ. Activity is
in his spare time on the 20, 15, 10, and 6 meters FT8 frequencies. QSL
direct to EA5GL.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 18 May 1, 2025] (0502-0523)
P2, PAPUA NEW
GUINEA. Oystein, LAØCW is QRV as P29CW
while here on work assignment. Activity is in his spare time on the HF
bands, as well as various analog and FM Satellites. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 17 April 24, 2025] (0425-0516)
PA, NETHERLANDS.
Special event station PC8ØTT
commemorates Rudolf Tappenbeck (PCTT), a Dutch amateur radio pioneer
who was killed in a German concentration camp in 1944. QSL via PI4LDN.
-[DXNL # 2455 April 23, 2025] (0425-0516)
PA, NETHERLANDS.
Peter, PD1RP is QRV with special event station PD8ØFREE until June 30th
to celebrate the 80 years of liberation since World War II. Activity is
on 40, 20, 10, and 2 meters using CW, SSB, and digital modes. QSLs sent
to all contacts via the bureau. No QSL or request needed.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 15 April 10, 2025] (0411-0627)
PJ2, CURACAO.
Roberto, IW7DEC plans to be QRV as PJ2/IW7DEC
from May 11th to 14th.
Activity will be on 40 and 20 meters using SSB and FT8. QSL to IW7DEC.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 19 May 8, 2025] (0509-0516)
SV, GREECE.
Members of the Thessaloniki Amateur Radio Group will be QRV with
special event call sign SX2ØTARG
from May 3rd to 17th
to celebrate the club's 20th anniversary. QSL via eQSL.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 18 May 1, 2025] (0502-0516)
TR, GABON.
Roland, F8EN is QRV as TR8CR
until mid-June.
Activity is on the HF bands using only CW. QSL direct to F6AJA.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 15 April 10, 2025] (0411-0613)
UN, KAZAKHSTAN.
The following stations commemorate the end of World War II 80 years ago
until May 10th:
UP8ØV, UO8ØV, UQ8ØV, UP8ØB, UP8ØD, UP8ØF, UP8ØG, UP8ØI, UP8ØJ, UP8ØL, UP8ØN, UP8ØM, UP8ØP, and UP8ØZ. An award is
available: https://victory80.qrz.kz.
-[DXNL # 2457 May 7, 2025] (0509-0516)
V5, NAMIBIA.
Remo, HB9SHD is QRV as V51/HB9SHD
until June 15th.
Activity is holiday style on 40 to 6 meters using SSB and various
digital modes. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 18 May 1, 2025] (0502-0620)
VP8, FALKLAND IS.
Gerry, G3WIP will be active in his spare time as VP8DPD while in
Stanley from May
10th to July 12th. QSL via EA5GL or LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1775 May 10, 2025] (0509-0711)
VR, HONG KONG.
Members of the Hong Kong Amateur Radio Transmitting Society are active
with special call sign VR1ØØIARU
until December
to celebrate the centenary of the IARU. QSL via the bureau.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 18 May 1, 2025] (0502-0523)
YL, LATVIA.
Special event station YL35G
marks the anniversary of re-established Latvian independence from May 4th onwards.
QSL via YL3GBC.
-[DXNL # 2456 April 30, 2025] (0502-0523)
YS, EL SALVADOR.
Renato, PY8WW will be active as YS3/PY8WW
from Isla Zacatillo (NA-190), El Salvador on May 8th-13th.
He will be QRV on 80-6 meters with two stations at the same time - one
station alternating between SSB and CW, and the other one fully
dedicated to FT8 (F/H) and FT4. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1773 April 26, 2025] (0502-0516)
Z3, NORTH
MACEDONIA.
Celebrating IARU's centenary, members of the Radioamateur Society of
Macedonia (Z37RSM) will be active as Z31ØØIARU until May 18th.
QSL via LoTW, eQSL, QRZ Logbook.
-[425DXN # 1769 March 29, 2025] (0328-0516)
Z6, KOSOVO.
The Italian DXpedition Team's operation in Kosovo will remain active until May 17th.
Look for Z68TT
(SSB, CW, RTTY) and Z68ZZ
(FT8) on 80-6 meters. See http://www.i2ysb.com/idt/
for more information, including band plans and OQRS for direct cards -
or QSL direct to I2YSB.
-[425DXN # 1775 May 10, 2025] (0509-0516)
ZP, PARAGUAY.
DK4TC, Tom, signs ZP8/DL4TC
from Santa Rosa Misiones during
April and May. QSL via Bureau, eQSL, LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2455 April 23, 2025] (0425-0530)
ZS8, PRINCE
EDWARD & MARION IS. Yuris, YL2GM is QRV as ZS8W from Marion
Island until May 16th
while on work assignment. Activity is in his spare time on 160 to 6
meters using CW, SSB, and FT8. See https://www.lral.lv/zs8w/
for more information. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
or direct to YL2GN.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 17 April 24, 2025] (0425-0516)
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 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 Wednesday, May 7th through yesterday, May 14th.
The average solar flux was 129, down 26 points from the previous week,
with a weekly high of 154 on Wednesday, May 7th, followed by
a low of 116 on May 12th.
The average sunspot count was 68, down by 10 from last week,
peaking at 84 on Thursday, May 8th followed by a
weekly low of 53 on May 14th.
The Planetary K-index weekly average was 3.7 with a
maximum of 4.7 on Sunday, May 11th, indicating
generally quiet geomagnetic conditions. Yesterday's K-index maximum was 4.0 with generally quiet conditions.
Solar flare activity since May 8th has been strong with 7 major
flares, the largest of which was a major X 2.7 event on Wednesday, May
14th.
Propagation
Data
Major solar flares, Thursday, May 8th through 1316 UTC, May 15th.
| # | Date | UTC | Mag. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | May 14 | 1811 | M 4.7 |
| 2 | May 14 | 1119 | M 7.7 |
| 3 | May 14 | 0825 | X 2.7 |
| 4 | May 14 | 0745 | M 1.2 |
| 5 | May 14 | 0325 | M 5.3 |
| 6 | May 13 | 1538 | X 1.2 |
| 7 | May 12 | 0001 | M 1.9 |
(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 | 75% | 30% | 116 |
| May 16 | 75% | 30% | 116 |
| May 17 | 75% | 30% | 118 |
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 12, 2025).
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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.
Strong Solar Activity (Updated)
After weeks of calm, solar activity is suddenly high again. The action started on May 13th with an X1.2-class solar flare from the sun's western limb, followed on May 14th by an even stronger X2.7-flare from new sunspot 4087. Earth-orbiting satellites have detected four significant explosions so far:
Radiation from the flares has caused a series of shortwave radio blackouts around the world--first over the Americas, followed by southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Ham radio operators may have noticed unusual propagation effects from stations in all directions since May 13th.
Most of this activity has come from sunspot 4087, which has an
unstable 'beta-gamma-delta' magnetic field. It could explode again
today. NOAA forecasters estimate a 75% chance of M-class solar flares and a 30% chance of X-flares on May 15th.
(Copyright © SpaceWeather.com May 15, 2025.
Republished by
permission.)
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 17 | 1200Z | May 18 | 1200Z | Rules |
| Arkansas QSO Party | May 17 | 1400Z | May 18 | 0200Z | Rules |
| CQ WW WPX Contest, CW | May 24 | 0000Z | May 25 | 2400Z | Rules |
| Kentucky QSO Party | Jun 7 | 1300Z | Jun 8 | 0100Z | Rules |
| ARRL Inter. Digital Contest | Jun 7 | 1800Z | Jun 8 | 2400Z | Rules |
| ARRL June VHF Contest | Jun 14 | 1800Z | Jun 16 | 0300Z | Rules |
| Stew Perry Topband Challenge | Jun 21 | 1500Z | Jun 22 | 1500Z | Rules |
| West Virginia QSO Party | Jun 21 | 1600Z | Jun 22 | 0400Z | Rules |
| ARRL Kids Day | Jun 21 | 1800Z | Jun 21 | 2359Z | Rules |
| His Maj. King of Spain Contest, SSB | Jun 28 | 1200Z | Jun 29 | 1200Z | Rules |
| ARRL Field Day | Jun 28 | 1800Z | Jun 29 | 2100Z | Rules |
| RAC Canada Day Contest | Jul 1 | 0000Z | Jul 1 | 2359Z | Rules |
| IARU HF World Championship | Jul 12 | 1200Z | Jul 13 | 1200Z | Rules |
| North American QSO Party, RTTY | Jul 19 | 1800Z | Jul 20 | 0600Z | Rules |
| CQ Worldwide VHF Contest | Jul 19 | 1800Z | Jul 20 | 2100Z | Rules |
| North American QSO Party, CW | Aug 2 | 1800Z | Aug 3 | 0600Z | Rules |
| WAE DX Contest, CW | Aug 9 | 0000Z | Aug 10 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Maryland-DC QSO Party | Aug 9 | 1400Z | Aug 10 | 0400Z | Rules |