Question
How is long distance radio communication usually affected by the charged particles that reach Earth from solar coronal holes?
Answer Options
- A) HF communication is improved
- B) HF communication is disturbed
- C) VHF/UHF ducting is improved
- D) VHF/UHF ducting is disturbed
Correct Answer: B
Explanation
Solar coronal holes are large regions in the Sun’s outer atmosphere (the corona) that appear dark in X-rays. These holes are the source of high-speed solar wind streams, which consist of charged particles (plasma) that travel outward and reach the Earth.
When these streams reach Earth, they cause geomagnetic disturbances, leading to elevated K-index and A-index values. The resulting turbulence and enhanced ionization in the ionosphere cause increased absorption and scattering, meaning that HF communication is disturbed and propagation conditions become poor or unstable.
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