Question T3C07
From subelement T3 - T3C
What band is best suited for communicating via meteor scatter?
Why is this correct?
6 meters is best suited for meteor scatter communications because this frequency provides the optimal balance between reflection efficiency and signal penetration through meteor trails. When meteors burn up in the atmosphere, they create ionized trails that briefly reflect radio signals. The 6-meter frequency effectively bounces off these ephemeral trails while maintaining sufficient power to complete contacts over long distances during the brief reflection window.
Memory tip
Remember the meteor scatter 'sweet spot' pattern: frequencies need to be high enough for good trail reflection but low enough to penetrate the ionized plasma effectively. 6 meters hits this balance perfectly, while higher VHF/UHF frequencies struggle with trail penetration and lower frequencies don't reflect as efficiently.
Learn more
Meteor scatter operates through brief ionized trails created when meteors burn up at altitudes of 80-120 kilometers. The 6-meter band's 50 MHz frequency characteristics allow optimal interaction with these transient plasma trails. Contacts typically last only seconds to minutes, requiring precise timing and often computer-assisted modes like MSK144. This propagation mode enables communication distances of 500-2300 kilometers, making it valuable for VHF DXing when other propagation modes are unavailable.
Think about it
Why do you think meteor scatter works better during meteor shower peaks, and what would happen if you tried using 2 meters instead of 6 meters for the same meteor trail?