Radio Wave Propagation
Radio waves are electromagnetic waves with frequencies from several kilohertz to several gigahertz. Emitted from the Earth they are reflected by different layers of the ionosphere depending on their frequency. High frequency radio waves are reflected by the lower part of the ionosphere. The higher the frequency, the deeper the electromagnetic wave penetrates the several layers of the ionosphere. Due to cosmic sources and especially solar influences, the ionosphere is subject to constant variations. This causes changes in the amplitude, phase, and polarisation of the radio signal, as well as its direction of propagation. The worst case is the canceling of the signal.
Solar Flare registered by 3 research stations in correlation to data from the GOES satellite (graphic by DLR_Project_Lab Neustrelitz)
The Measuring Method
The SOFIE_RX receiver at the research station measures and saves the strength of the electromagnetic wave. By observing the fluctuation of the values, solar flares can be detected.
At midnight, the values are automatically sent to the SOFIE-Server at the DLR_Project_Lab in Neustrelitz.
