Updated RSGB contest entry policy

The RSGB Board has approved an updated contest entry policy following a review, consultation and careful consideration. From 1 January 2027, eligibility to participate in RSGB contests will be open to all appropriately licensed radio amateurs, regardless of nationality or location. Entry will be subject only to the legal and regulatory obligations applicable to both […]
07-Aug-2026, 18:00:15 (https://rsgb.org/main/blog/news/gb2rs/headlines/2026/08/07/rsgb-announces-updated-contest-entry-policy/)

Take part in solar eclipse experiments with the PSC

There will be a partial solar eclipse on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, and the RSGB Propagation Studies Committee (PSC) would like your help with some radio experiments. There are three ways that RSGB members can get involved and support the Committee in investigating how the Sun’s ultraviolet and X-ray output affects our ionosphere and how […]
07-Aug-2026, 17:59:08 (https://rsgb.org/main/blog/news/gb2rs/headlines/2026/08/07/take-part-in-solar-eclipse-experiments-with-the-rsgb-propagation-studies-committee/)

Improved Course and Exam Finder now available

The Course and Exam finder page on the RSGB website is now back online. The application has been completely redeveloped, following major works on the Society’s website this summer. It now features a fully responsive layout for mobile devices, plus a clearer and more accessible user interface. You’ll find colour coded banners for the exam […]
07-Aug-2026, 17:58:58 (https://rsgb.org/main/blog/news/gb2rs/headlines/2026/08/07/improved-rsgb-course-and-exam-finder-is-now-available/)

Also in GB2RS this week…

You have one week left to secure your RSGB Convention ticket at early-bird prices. Weekend tickets currently stand at £49 and are available until Sunday, 16 August 2026. Your weekend ticket gives you access to two days’ worth of engaging and informative presentations from over 40 speakers, including the AMSAT-UK colloquium. You can buy tickets […]
07-Aug-2026, 17:57:38 (https://rsgb.org/main/blog/news/gb2rs/headlines/2026/08/07/also-in-gb2rs-this-week-531/)

The ARRL Solar Update

Solar activity has been at low levels, with occasional B-class flaring and isolated low-level C-class flares observed. The largest event of the period was a C1.6/Sf flare on August 5 from Region 4502.
 
The six numbered sunspot regions on the visible disk are mostly stable or in varying stages of decay. Region 4498 showed a slight decrease in penumbral extent. Region 4499 declined in length and ...

07-Aug-2026, 17:36:00 (www.arrl.org)

GB2RS News Script for 9 August 2026

Tap or click the link below to download this week’s news script News script for 9 August 2026 (MS Word document)
07-Aug-2026, 16:10:55 (https://rsgb.org/main/blog/news/gb2rs/gb2rs-news-scripts/2026/08/07/gb2rs-news-script-for-9-august-2026/)

The ARRL Solar Update

Solar activity has remained at low levels. Region 4494 exhibited decay in its trailing spots as its flare activity subsided. Region 4498 rotated into better viewing positioning, revealing mixed polarity just behind its large leading spot, and was responsible for a handful of low-level C-class flares.

Region 4499 underwent evolution, gaining additional spots and producing a low-level C-class flar...

01-Aug-2026, 17:44:00 (www.arrl.org)

The ARRL Solar Update

Solar activity continued at moderate levels as Region 4493 produced an M3.6 flare on July 22, which was the largest event of the period and was associated with a 10.7-centimeter radio burst of 200 solar flux units (sfu). Additionally, 4493 produced a C3.4 flare on July 22, which was associated with another 10.7-cm radio burst of 150 sfu.
 
Region 4493 continued to undergo consolidation in its le...

24-Jul-2026, 20:34:00 (www.arrl.org)

DXer and DXpeditioner Kan Mizoguchi, JA1BK, Silent Key

Kiyoshi “Kan” Mizoguchi, JA1BK, a well-known DXer, DXpeditioner, CQ DX Hall of Fame member, and former Director of International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) Region 3 passed away in May 2026 at the age of 93. He was a member of the ARRL Maxim Society at the Fellow Class.

First licensed in 1952, Mizoguchi became involved in the creation of IARU Region 3, which covers most of Asia and the Pacific, a...

23-Jul-2026, 14:39:00 (www.arrl.org)

The ARRL Solar Update

Solar activity has remained at low levels, with an occasional
low-level C-class flaring observed, including a C3.3/Sf flare on July
15 from Region 4489. The largest event of the period, a long-duration
C8.9 flare that peaked on July 15, originated from a returning region
on the eastern limb. This region is not yet numbered and will be
assessed once it has become visible from Earth’s perspective, but...

20-Jul-2026, 15:33:00 (www.arrl.org)