ARRL Technician Practice Exam

Which band is best suited for communications via meteor scatter?

1. 10 meters

2. 2 meters

3. 6 meters

4. 70 centimeters

The correct answer is: 6 meters

The best band suited for communications via meteor scatter is the 6 meters band. Meteor scatter communication relies on reflections of radio signals off ionized trails left by meteors as they enter the Earth's atmosphere. 6 meters is advantageous because it has a wavelength that is just right for this kind of propagation. Frequencies in this band are also high enough to take advantage of favorable atmospheric conditions that enhance signal reflection from meteor trails, allowing for successful communication over relatively long distances. While both the 10 meters and 2 meters bands can also support meteor scatter communications, they are generally less effective than the 6 meters band for this purpose. The 70 centimeters band, being at a higher frequency, tends to have more attenuation and higher losses, making it less efficient for meteor scatter compared to the 6 meters band. Thus, considering the properties of the frequency response and the typical distances involved in meteor scatter communication, the 6 meters band is optimal.