2025 Meteor Scatter QSO Party

Presented by Ed Efchak, WX2R at Hamvention 2025.

The presenter introduces the 2025 Meteor Scatter QSO Party, a citizen science initiative exploring the potential of meteor scatter propagation on the 10-meter HF band—a largely uncharted area in ionospheric research. Historically, meteor scatter has been studied on VHF frequencies like 2 meters and 6 meters, but the recent FCC rule change permitting MSK144 mode on 10 meters opens new doors for HF experimentation. This effort aims to gather data on meteor scatter propagation patterns, durations, and their relation to meteor characteristics such as size and velocity, while also examining overlaps between amateur radio and astronomical observations. The project calls on the amateur radio community to take part during two major meteor showers in 2025: the Perseids on August 11 and the Geminids on December 12, operating on 28.145 MHz for 10 meters and 50.260 MHz as a VHF control.

The presenter encourages both experienced and novice operators to join, highlighting that minimal equipment is needed—just a transceiver, antenna, sound card, and software like WSJT-X configured for MSK144. Participants are asked to prepare in advance by monitoring activity, especially during early morning hours, and to upload their logs and data for collective analysis. Monitoring-only participation is also welcomed, adding value through reception reports and audio captures. Tools like PSK Reporter, Ping Jockey, DX Maps, and astronomy apps like Stellarium are recommended to assist operators. The broader goal is to establish a scientific baseline for HF meteor scatter, generate usable data into solar cycle 26, and continue building a model for successful collaboration between citizen scientists and researchers.