What is the sky wave propagation?

Skywave propagation, also known as ionospheric propagation, is a method of radio wave propagation used in the transmission of radio signals over long distances via reflection from the ionosphere, a layer of charged particles in the Earth's upper atmosphere. When radio waves encounter the ionosphere, they can be refracted or reflected back to Earth, allowing them to travel beyond the line of sight.

The ionosphere consists of several layers of charged particles, primarily ions and free electrons, which vary in density and altitude depending on factors like time of day, season, and solar activity. When radio waves encounter these charged particles, they can be affected in various ways:

1. Refraction: Radio waves passing through the ionosphere can be bent or refracted due to changes in the density of charged particles at different altitudes. This bending allows the waves to follow the curvature of the Earth and reach distant locations beyond the horizon.

2. Reflection: Radio waves with frequencies below approximately 30 MHz (known as HF or high-frequency waves) can be reflected by the ionosphere back toward the Earth's surface. This reflection enables long-distance communication over thousands of kilometers, even across oceans.

Skywave propagation is widely used in long-distance communication, especially for amateur radio, international broadcasting, and military communications. However, it is subject to various factors such as the time of day, solar activity, and ionospheric conditions, which can affect the reliability and quality of the communication link. Additionally, skywave propagation is susceptible to interference and signal fading due to changes in ionospheric conditions.