Which band is best suited for communicating via meteor scatter?

• A. 40 meters
• B. 2 meters
• C. 6 meters
• D. 15 meters

Answer: (C)

The 6-meter band is particularly well-suited for communicating via meteor scatter due to its characteristics and the properties of radio wave propagation. This band operates in the VHF spectrum, which is optimal for using reflections from ionized trails left by meteors entering the atmosphere. The high-frequency signals in the 6-meter band can effectively bounce off these meteor trails, enabling communication over relatively long distances.

Meteor scatter communications are most effective at VHF frequencies, typically ranging from about 30 to 300 MHz, with 6 meters being a popular choice among amateur radio operators for this purpose. The nature of the band allows operators to take advantage of short openings in propagation, which can occur when meteor showers are at their peak, leading to successful contacts over hundreds or even thousands of miles.

Other bands like 40 meters, 2 meters, and 15 meters are less effective for this specific mode of communication due to lower propagation characteristics or the inherent nature of the wavelengths involved. While each band has its advantages for different types of communication, the 6-meter band uniquely aligns with the phenomena of meteor scatter, making it the preferred choice in this scenario.