What is a characteristic of VHF signals received via auroral backscatter?

• A. They remain consistent in signal strength
• B. They are distorted and signal strength varies considerably
• C. They travel over long distances without degradation
• D. They can be heard continuously

Answer: (B)

VHF signals received via auroral backscatter are characterized by distortion and considerable variation in signal strength. This phenomenon occurs due to the interaction of radio waves with the ionized particles in the Earth’s aurora, which can scatter the signals in different directions and cause fluctuations in how well they are received. The nature of this scattering can lead to fading and sudden increases in signal strength, making the reception of these signals quite unpredictable compared to other transmission methods where signals may be more stable. This characteristic is significant for operators working with VHF frequencies during auroral conditions, as they must be aware of the variability and distortion associated with these types of signals for effective communication.