- #1
Swankie
- 15
- 0
What is about the minimum wavelength that can bounce off of the ionosphere?
Swankie said:Thanks, Dave! Great answer! Do you know of any handheld receivers that could pick up 150MHz? Or would you need something w/ a larger antenna?
Radiowaves are electromagnetic waves that can travel through the air. When these waves come into contact with the ionosphere, a layer of charged particles in the Earth's upper atmosphere, they can be reflected or refracted. This is due to the difference in density between the ionosphere and the air below it.
The ionosphere is able to reflect radiowaves because it contains charged particles that are able to interact with the electromagnetic field of the waves. This interaction causes the waves to change direction and travel back towards the Earth's surface.
Radiowaves bouncing off of the ionosphere allows for long-distance communication, as the waves can be bounced between the ionosphere and the Earth's surface multiple times. This is especially important for radio communication in remote areas or over long distances, such as in aviation or maritime industries.
Yes, there are several factors that can affect the reflection of radiowaves off of the ionosphere. The density and composition of the ionosphere, as well as the frequency and strength of the radiowaves, can all impact the reflection process. Solar activity and weather conditions can also play a role in the ionosphere's ability to reflect radiowaves.
Yes, radiowaves can also be refracted by the ionosphere. This means that the waves can be bent as they pass through the ionosphere, changing their direction and allowing them to reach areas that would otherwise be blocked by the curvature of the Earth. This is known as "bending" or "ducting" and is commonly used in radio communication for long-distance transmissions.