Heading away from Amateur Radio, here we have my passion in Weather.
Amateur radio and weather are intricately connected due to the way radio signals propagate through the Earth’s atmosphere. Here’s why:
- Ionospheric Influence:
- HF (High Frequency) radio, commonly used by amateur radio operators, relies on the ionosphere for signal propagation.
- The ionosphere is a layer of charged particles in the upper atmosphere that reflects and refracts radio waves.
- Changes in ionospheric conditions due to solar activity, weather patterns, and time of day directly impact HF radio communication.
- Weather-Dependent Propagation:
- Solar flares, geomagnetic storms, and ionospheric disturbances affect radio propagation.
- During auroral events, radio signals bounce off the ionosphere differently, allowing long-distance communication.
- Thunderstorms and rain can also alter signal paths, causing fading or interference.
- Skywave and Groundwave:
- Skywave propagation occurs when radio signals bounce off the ionosphere, allowing communication beyond the line of sight.
- Groundwave propagation relies on direct signals traveling along the Earth’s surface.
- Weather conditions impact both modes—rain, humidity, and temperature affect signal absorption and reflection.
In summary, amateur radio operators keenly observe weather patterns to optimize their communication. So, next time you’re on the airwaves, remember that the atmosphere plays a vital role in connecting you to fellow hams worldwide! 📻🌐
Learn more about HF radio and ionospheric propagation1
Weather Links
- Here you will find the Data from the Weather Station here at Broomlands, Irvine, North Ayrshire. In Scotland
- Weather Station Components list, and Wish list
- Weather Education
- Timelapse Weather Video’s
Hi I am Marcus, MM0ZIF, a licenced Radio Amateur, Doctor of Musicology, amateur weather enthusiast. I over the years have been a Amateur Radio Tutor, Examiner, and a Regional Manager for the Radio Society of Great Britain.
This site is dedicated more towards Amateur Radio and Weather, with an angle on Technology too. I also maintain https://havenswell.com/ which is my other blog which is more aimed at cooking, hobbies and life in general as well as businness and networking.
