Microwave Propagation and Troposphere: Eclipse Time Observation

Abstract

The effect of 24th October 1995 solar eclipse were studied on the reception of Latikor-Shillong and Nongpiur-Shillong links both operating at a frequency of 11GHz. The surface temperature, pressure and humidity were continuously recorded and the radio donde and SODAR observations are available during that period. These links (generally stable) showed an attenuation of 8dB during the maximum solar obscuration period (82%). The ratio refractive index gradient maintained a normal lapse rate during the initial phase of the eclipse, but with the progress of eclipse and during the maximum obscuration period, the gradient reflected development of sub-refractive conditions. The paper discusses the effects of refractive fading on microwave signal by eclipse included sub-refractive situation through a simple ray tracing model over the link path.