MSGID: 1:135/250@fidonet 69470c18   
   PID: C-NET AMIGA BBS 5.36b   
   Amateur Radio Newsline Report 2512 for Friday, December 19th, 2025   
        
   Amateur Radio Newsline Report Number 2512 with a release date of Friday,   
   December 19th, 2025 to follow in 5-4-3-2-1.   
      
   The following is a QST. Researchers say radio will be affected by a cooling   
   ionosphere. A new NASA video gives a closeup look at ham radio on the ISS --   
   and our traditional holiday gift to you, "The Night Before  Christmas, Ham   
   Radio Style."  All this and more as Amateur Radio Newsline Report Number 2512   
   comes your way right now.   
      
   **   
      
   BILLBOARD CART   
      
   **   
   REPORT: COOLING IONOSPHERE COULD DISRUPT, RESHAPE RADIO COMMUNICATION   
      
   PAUL/ANCHOR: Our top story takes us to Japan, where researchers studying the   
   ionosphere have discovered that the cooling of temperatures up there may cause   
   major shifts in our ability to communicate by radio. Jason Daniels VK2LAW   
   brings us up to date.   
      
   JASON: The continued cooling of the ionosphere 100 km above sea level may   
   someday disrupt and reshape shortwave communications, according to scientists   
   at Kyushu University in Japan. The drop in ionospheric temperatures is the   
   result of rising CO2 levels - the same phenomenon identified as the source of   
   global warming down here on Earth.   
      
   The researchers' study, published in Geophysical Research Letters, found that   
   the cooling ionosphere lowers the air density and speeds up wind circulation -   
   two factors that have an impact on satellite orbits and space debris. In   
   addition, the ability to communicate by radio also changes as a result of   
   small-scale plasma irregularities. Shortwave radio, radio broadcasting, air   
   traffic control and maritime communication could all experience a variety of   
   major changes, the scientists said.   
      
   The study leader, Huixin Liu of Kyushu's Faculty of Science, told the Physics   
   World website: [quote] "This may be good news for ham radio amateurs, as you   
   will likely receive more signals from faraway countries more often. For radio   
   communications, however, especially at HF and VHF frequencies employed for   
   aviation, ships and rescue operations, it means more noise and frequent   
   disruption in communication and hence safety." [endquote]   
      
   She said that in the long term, the telecommunications industry may need to   
   respond to these changes by either adjusting their frequencies or changing the   
   design of their equipment.   
      
   This is Jason Daniels VK2LAW.   
      
   (PHYS.ORG, WIA, eHam)   
      
   **   
   ISS EXPEDITION 73 CREW RETURNS TO EARTH   
      
   PAUL/ANCHOR ISS Expedition 73 has ended with the return to Earth of a NASA   
   astronaut and two Roscosmos cosmonauts. Graham Kemp VK4BB has that update.   
      
   GRAHAM: Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Alexey Zubritsky returned to   
   Earth with US astronaut Jonny Kim, KJ5HKP, after 245 days in space aboard the   
   International Space Station. Their landing in Kazahstan via Soyuz MS-27 on the   
   9th of December, ended Kim's tenure, which included both Expedition 72 and 73.   
   It was the first trip to the space station for both Kim and Zubritsky. Kim   
   received his amateur radio operator's license in July of 2024. While in space,   
   Kim accomplished a number of important milestones, including participation in   
   the 2025 ARRL Field Day in the US with fellow astronaut Nichole Ayers KJ5GWI.   
   He was also part of the space station's first transmission since 2018 of HamTV   
   since its repairs and return to service. That took place in October with a   
   Scout group in the UK.   
      
   This is Graham Kemp VK4BB.   
      
   (AMSAT NEWS, ARISS)   
      
   **   
      
   NEW NASA VIDEO GIVES A WINDOW INTO ARISS EXPERIENCE   
      
   PAUL/ANCHOR: A new video from NASA is giving viewers a window into the   
   experience of Amateur Radio on the International Space Station. Neil Rapp   
   WB9VPG tells us more.   
      
   NEIL: Schools and other educational institutions who've enjoyed student   
   contacts with astronauts on board the International Space Station already know   
   the value of this respected program: It places an emphasis on science and   
   radio education and gives a window into how ham radio works as a powerful   
   educational tool.   
      
   Now everyone can experience communication - at least one-way communication -   
   with a NASA astronaut in a new video released by NASA, the US space agency. In   
   a little less than four-minutes, the NASA video features astronaut Nichole   
   Ayers, KJ5GWI, explaining to viewers how school contacts are made with the   
   help of ham radio operators around the world.  Addressing students directly,   
   she says that the contacts are meaningful but necessarily brief because the   
   ISS is moving around the earth at a speed of 17,500 miles per hour.   
      
   The video was recorded - appropriately- during Expedition 73 which launched in   
   the spring of this year.   
      
   To see the video, click on the link that appears in the text version of this   
   week's newscast at arnewsline.org   
      
   This is Neil Rapp WB9VPG.   
      
   [DO NOT READ:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egnzgGG3wwE   ]   
      
   (ARISS)   
      
   **   
   12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS EVENT IN ITS 7TH YEAR   
      
   PAUL/ANCHOR: If you haven't already worked any of the stations for the special   
   12 Days of Christmas Event, you still have time. This year's lineup of   
   Swans-a-Swimming, Geese-a-Laying and Calling Birds have been joined by a new   
   bonus station based in Puerto Rico with the callsign WP3S/DOC. QSOs are being   
   made on the HF bands using CW and SSB through to Christmas Day, December 25th.   
      
   Everyone who works at least one station will be entitled to a downloadable   
   certificate. Work all of the 12 Days stations and you'll get a Clean Sweep. If   
   your log includes the station in Puerto Rico, that will earn you a "Clean   
   Sweep Plus." Certificates will be available after the 31st of January. See the   
   QRZ.com page for K2RYD for more details.   
      
   Remember, operators are not accepting or sending QSL cards - but they ARE   
   sending their very best for the season.   
      
   (12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS EVENT)   
      
   **   
      
   SABLE ISLAND DXPEDITION GETS $25,000 GRANT   
      
   PAUL/ANCHOR: Next year's DXpedition to Sable Island has just received a boost   
   in funding to support the team, as we hear from Andy Morrison K9AWM.   
      
   ANDY: A $25,000 grant from the Northern California DX Foundation is being   
   provided to the team heading to Sable Island in March for the CYØS activation.   
      
   According to the team's website, the dates have been set for March 19 - 31.   
      
   The team leaders are Murray, WA4DAN and Glenn, WØGJ, who will operate   
   alongside veteran DXpeditioners Pat N2IEN, Lee WW2DX, Ralph K0IR, Jay K4ZLE,   
   Mike K9NW, and Scott NE9U. In a comment on the DXNews.com website, Murray   
   acknowledged the Northern California DX Foundation's ongoing support for   
   various DXpeditions like this one -- support that spans a period of more than   
   33 years.   
      
   Sable Island weather is expected to be a challenge at the time the team's   
   airplane arrives. It is usually a cold and snowy time, sometimes with   
   gale-force winds. The island is about 300 km, or 186 miles, east of Halifax,   
   Nova Scotia.   
      
   This is Andy Morrison K9AWM.   
      
   (DX-WORLD.NET)   
      
   **   
   SILENT KEY: BOB WHELAN, G3PJT, FORMER RSGB PRESIDENT   
      
   PAUL/ANCHOR: In the UK, the Commonwealth Contest Community and the Radio   
   Society of Great Britain are grieving the loss of an advocate and a friend --   
   an active ham who twice served the radio society as its president. Jeremy Boot   
   G4NJH tells us about him.   
      
   JEREMY: Although he made his living in the world of high-tech as a solid-state   
   physicist, Bob Whelan, G3PJT, was, in so many ways, a full time radio amateur.   
   He received his licence in 1961, focusing on CW operating on HF and LF. As his   
   enthusiasm grew for contesting, he made a name for himself as a supporter of   
   the Commonwealth Contest, a CW contest for operators in British Commonwealth   
   countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada and, of course, the UK. He   
   also built an online presence for its widely scattered participants,   
   eventually writing a book about the contest's evolution.   
      
   Bob had also been actively involved in the IARU and the First Class Operators   
   Club, with a growing involvement in the Radio Society of Great Britain over   
   the years. His participation grew from being a volunteer on the society's HF   
   Committee to becoming president, serving from 2002 to 2003 and again from 2013   
   to 2014.   
      
   Bob became a Silent Key on 4 December.   
      
   This is Jeremy Boot G4NJH.   
      
   (RSGB)   
      
   **   
   BREAK HERE: Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio   
   Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world including the AH6LE   
   repeater in Beavercreek and Wilsonville, Oregon, on Sundays at 6 p.m. local   
   time.   
      
   **   
      
   ARRL TO HOST HAMSCI WORKSHOP AT NEARBY COLLEGE   
      
   PAUL/ANCHOR: If you are looking to attend the next workshop of HamSCI, you   
   will find yourself right in the backyard of the ARRL headquarters. We have   
   more details from Jack Parker W8ISH.   
      
   JACK: Through the years, the annual workshop of HamSCI, the citizen science   
   investigation organization, has been hosted at a number of locations in a   
   number of US states. Next year it moves to Connecticut for the 9th annual   
   event, which will take place on March 14th and 15th. It's being hosted by the   
   ARRL on the campus of Central Connecticut State University. ARRL's   
   headquarters is located in nearby Newington, Connecticut, which means the   
   league will be welcoming workshop visitors to headquarters and encouraging   
   many to get on the air from W1AW, the Hiram P. Maxim Memorial Station.   
      
   The workshop theme is "Discovering Science through Ham Radio." The varied   
   presentations will showcase how HamSCI's cooperative relationships between   
   researchers, ham radio operators, citizen scientists and students have brought   
   about notable advances in weather studies, propagation sensing and ionospheric   
   research.   
      
   For details and registration information, visit the link in the text version   
   of this week's newscast at arnewsline.org   
      
   This is Jack Parker W8ISH.   
      
   [DO NOT READ:    https://hamsci.org/hamsci2026  ]   
      
   (ARRL, HAMSCI)   
      
   **   
   VERMONT MEDICAL RESERVE CORPS WELCOMES FORMER RACES HAMS   
      
   PAUL/ANCHOR: Our next story takes us to Vermont where former members of the   
   newly dismantled RACES program are learning new skills as part of a new team.   
   Randy Sly W4XJ has the details.   
      
   RANDY: Hams in Vermont who had been members of the recently dismantled Radio   
   Amateur Civil Emergency Service - or RACES - have begun joining the team at   
   the Medical Reserve Corps of the state's Department of Health.    
      
   According to Kate Hammond, KC1DUY, manager of the Medical Reserve Corps'   
   communications section, Vermont's shift in deployment of radio volunteers is   
   part of a changeover going on in many states. She told Newsline in an email   
   that [quote]: "...emergency communications is emerging as a Medical Reserve   
   Corps mission in more states, but the creation of the mission set in Vermont   
   is a work that is specific to us." [endquote] She said that toward that end,   
   John Colt NV1Y, the hospital net coordinator for the Medical Reserve Corps,   
   and Heather Rigney KC1PMR, the corps statewide coordinator, are overseeing the   
   creation of documents for the newly configured team. Former RACES materials   
   are being used to help guide future practices of Medical Reserve Corps   
   operators, who will attend orientation meetings soon. The Vermont Healthcare   
   Net has also become more active. Kate said that members will be affiliated   
   with one of the eight local Medical Reserve Corps Units for any drill or event   
   -- and could be deployed as well to shelters when a communications outage   
   occurs.   
      
   Although Josh Cohen, KB1NIJ, a longtime RACES member and an experienced net   
   control operator, told Newsline that he is sorry to see the RACES program go,   
   he is preparing to join the Medical Reserve Corps team. Josh is among many   
   hams eager to continue using their skills.   
      
   This is Randy Sly W4XJ.   
      
   (KATE HAMMOND, KC1DUY; JOSH COHEN, KB1NIJ).   
       
   **   
      
   WORLD OF DX   
      
   In the World of DX, there are some more holiday stations to add to the on-air   
   festivities. The YO3KRM Radio Club of Romania is putting three Christmas   
   Special Callsigns on the air through to the 31st of December. Listen for the   
   Santa callsign YOØHOHO [WHY OH ZERO HO HO], the Christmas spirit callsign   
   YOØXMAS [WHY OH ZERO X MAS] and the Rudolph callsign YRØUDOLPH [WHY R ZERO YOU   
   DOLPH]. Certificates are available for successful contacts.   
      
   The annual Russian New Year radio marathon will be on the air from the 29th   
   throuh to the 11th of January. The Miller DX Club and the Rostov Oblast branch   
   of the Russian Amateur Radio Union will be putting a number of special   
   callsigns on the air, including R2Ø26A, R2Ø26C, R2Ø26L, R2Ø26N, UE26HNY and   
   UE26NY, among others.   
      
   Listen for the special event callsign HB7ØIPA marking the 70th anniversary of   
   the International Police Association's Swiss branch. They will be on the air   
   until the 31st of December on various HF bands and via the QO-100 satellite.   
      
   Jan, DL4XT will be active holiday style as 4K/DL4XT from Azerbaijan between   
   the 26th of December and the 3rd of January, using CW, SSB and FT8. Find Jan   
   on 40 metres as well as bands from 20 through 10 metres.   
      
   (425 DX BULLETIN)   
      
   **   
   KICKER: NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, HAM RADIO STYLE   
      
   PAUL/ANCHOR: We end this newscast with a Newsline holiday tradition - a ham   
   log instead of a yule log. Listen to this much-loved adaptation of the Clement   
   Clarke Moore classic - proof that there is still magic in the season and even   
   moreso on the amateur bands this time of year. It was written anonymously -   
   but is delivered beautifully by our own Jim Damron N8TMW.   
      
   JIM: Twas the night before Christmas and all through the shack   
    The rig was turned off and the mic cord lay slack   
      
    The antenna rotor had made its last turn, the tubes in the linear   
    had long ceased to burn.   
      
    I sat there relaxing and took off my specs, preparing to daydream of   
    Armchair DX-- When suddenly outside I heard such a sound, I dashed   
    out the door to see what was around.   
      
    The moon shone down brightly and lighted the night. For sure   
    propagation for the low bands was right.   
      
    I peered toward the roof where I heard all the racket and there was   
    some guy in a red, fur-trimmed jacket!   
      
    I stood there perplexed in a manner quite giddy: Just who WAS this   
    stranger? di di dah dah di dit?   
      
    He looked very much like an FCC guy who'd come to check up on some   
    bad TVI.   
      
    I shouted to him: "Old man...QR-Zed?"   
    "Hey you by the chimney all dressed up in red!"   
      
    I suddenly knew when I heard sleigh bells jingle   
    The guy on the rooftop was Jolly Kris Kringle   
      
    He had a big sack full of amateur gear which was a big load   
    for his prancing reindeer.   
    Transmitters, receivers, for cabinets and racks   
    Some meters and scopes and a lot of coax.   
      
    He said not a word 'cause he'd finished his work.   
    He picked up his sack and he turned with a jerk.   
    As he leaped to his sleigh, he shouted with glee   
    And I knew in a moment he'd be QRT.   
      
    I heard him transmit as he flew o'er the trees   
    "Merry Christmas to all, and to all seventy-three."   
      
    "Ho Ho Ho"   
      
   (AUTHOR UNKNOWN)   
      
   **   
      
   HAIKU AND CLOSE   
      
   If you haven't sent in your ham radio haiku yet, what's been stopping you?   
   Visit our website at arnewsline.org and as you compose your ode to your   
   favorite online activity, we will help you use the correct number of syllables   
   to make an authentic haiku. Submit your work and then sit back and wait to   
   hear whether you are the winner of this week's challenge. The winner gets a   
   shout-out on our website, where everyone can find the winning haiku.   
      
   NEWSCAST CLOSE   
      
   With thanks to Amateur News Daily;  AMSAT News Service; ARRL; ARISS; David   
   Behar, K7DB; Facebook; 425DX Bulletin; Josh Cohen, KB1NIJ, Kate Hammond,   
   KC1DUY; QRZ.com; Radio Society of Great Britain; shortwaveradio.de; 12 Days of   
   Christmas event; Wireless Institute of Australia; YouTube; and you our   
   listeners, that's all from the Amateur Radio Newsline.  We remind our   
   listeners that Amateur Radio Newsline is an all-volunteer non-profit   
   organization that incurs expenses for its continued operation. If you wish to   
   support us, please visit our website at arnewsline.org and know that we   
   appreciate you all. We also remind our listeners that if you like our   
   newscast, please leave us a 5-star rating wherever you subscribe to us.    
      
   For now, with Caryn Eve Murray KD2GUT at the news desk in New York, and our   
   news team worldwide, I'm Paul Braun WD9GCO in Valparaiso Indiana saying 73. As   
   always we thank you for listening. Amateur Radio Newsline(tm) is Copyright   
   2025. Amateur Radio Newsline retains ownership of its material even when   
   retransmitted elsewhere. All rights are reserved.   
      
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