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Get ready to tune in and celebrate World Amateur Radio Day on April 18! This day recognizes the important role of amateur radio operators in providing emergency communication during times of crisis. Amateur radio, also known as "ham radio", has been around since the late 19th century and continues to grow in popularity today. It allows people from all over the world to connect and communicate with each other through the use of radios and antennas. So let's give a shout out to all the dedicated amateur radio enthusiasts who keep us connected and informed!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1895</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Birth of Radio Communication</div><div class='timeline-text'>Guglielmo Marconi, an Italian inventor, successfully experimentally transmits radio signals over a distance of about 1.2 miles.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1914</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>American Radio Relay League Established</div><div class='timeline-text'>The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) is formed to support and promote amateur radio operating and experimentation.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1925</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>International Amateur Radio Union Formation</div><div class='timeline-text'>The International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) is formed to support and expand amateur radio globally, becoming the watchdog and spokesman for the world's amateur radio community.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1947</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Global Frequency Allocation</div><div class='timeline-text'>At the Atlantic City Conference, the frequency bands are allocated globally for amateur radio use for the first time.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1975</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>World Amateur Radio Day Inception</div><div class='timeline-text'>The IARU declares April 18 as World Amateur Radio Day to celebrate the formation of the union and promote the significance of amateur radio around the world.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2003</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Ham Radio in Space</div><div class='timeline-text'>First amateur radio station installed aboard International Space Station (ISS), enhancing communication capabilities for astronauts and allowing them to connect with 'hams' on earth.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a Hamfest</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Hamfests are gatherings of amateur radio enthusiasts where you can meet fellow radio operators, learn about new equipment, and engage in activities like antenna building and radio contests.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Participate in a Radio Marathon</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Join a group of radio operators in a marathon session where you can make as many contacts as possible within a specific time period. It's a great way to test your skills and connect with other operators around the world.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a Field Day event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather some friends and set up a temporary amateur radio station outdoors for a day of fun and operating. You can also compete with other groups to see who can make the most contacts.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Participate in a Special Event Station</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Join other radio operators to commemorate World Amateur Radio Day by operating a special event station. It's a great way to make contacts and spread awareness about amateur radio.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a Radio-related Scavenger Hunt</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Create a list of radio-related items and have participants search for them using their radios. It's a fun and interactive way to celebrate World Amateur Radio Day with fellow enthusiasts.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates a global community</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Amateur radio operators from all over the world come together on World Amateur Radio Day to celebrate their common passion. It's a day to connect with fellow ham radio enthusiasts and share experiences, knowledge, and ideas.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes innovation and technology</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Amateur radio is an ever-evolving hobby that encourages experimentation and learning. On this day, we can recognize the contributions of amateur radio to scientific and technological advancements, as well as appreciate the creativity and ingenuity of its practitioners.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It fosters communication and community service</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Amateur radio operators provide vital emergency communications during disasters when traditional forms of communication are down. World Amateur Radio Day highlights the importance of amateur radio in serving our communities and promoting peace and goodwill worldwide.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Amateur radio signals can bounce off the moon</h3><p class='facts-content'>Advanced radio operating techniques allow some amateur radio enthusiasts to participate in Earth-Moon-Earth (EME) or "moon bounce" communication, where signals are sent from Earth, bounce off the moon, and are then received back on Earth.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Ham radio operators saved many lives during Hurricane Katrina</h3><p class='facts-content'>When other communication networks failed during Hurricane Katrina, amateur radio operators stepped in to provide essential communication services, playing a significant role in rescue and recovery operations.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Amateur radio can be used for satellite communication</h3><p class='facts-content'>A number of small satellites, called CubeSats, have been specifically launched to allow communication between amateur radios. These satellites enable hams to communicate over long distances using simple equipment.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>There are about 3 million amateur radio licensees worldwide</h3><p class='facts-content'>The hobby of amateur radio continues to be popular around the globe, with millions of enthusiasts regularly connecting and communicating with each other, making friends across borders and exploring the science of radio communication.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The youngest amateur radio operator was just 5 years old</h3><p class='facts-content'>The world record for the youngest amateur radio operator is held by Bryant Rascoll KG5HVO of the USA who passed his technician exam at the age of 5. This shows that amateur radio is a hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages!</p></div></div>
World Amateur Radio Day is celebrated on April 18 every year. In 2024 World Amateur Radio Day will occur on a Thursday.
2023
Apr 18
Tuesday
2024
Apr 18
Thursday
2025
Apr 18
Friday
2026
Apr 18
Saturday
2027
Apr 18
Sunday
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