Quote:
Originally Posted by REASON
Well absolutely! Gotta keep the paths of communication open.
I find this interesting as well. How do sunspots (or solar magnetic activity, I presume) improve shortwave communication within this frequency range here on Earth? I wasn't aware there was a relationship.
By the way, welcome to Hypo.  |
Hi "REASON"
you are near to the truth with your assumption.
Most shortwave radio users know that there is a correlation between sunspots and propagation conditions.
The F layer of the ionosphere is caused mostly by ultraviolet radiation from the Sun. During times of high solar activity, there is more radiation from the Sun, and the resulting higher ionization levels in the F layer allow higher frequencies to be reflected. For example, around solar maximum, the 10 meter band (28 to 30 MHz) is frequently open for extended periods of time, and long distances can be worked with rather low power levels.
If you want to know more about the influence of the sunspots to radio communication, I recommend to read this:
- cvarc.org/tech/solarindice.html
I hope this answers your question.
Felix
