Directional Studies of Atmospherics at High Frequencies

Summary

A system for recording the direction of arrival and intensity of static on short waves is described. The system consists of a rotating directional antenna array, a double detection receiver and an energy operated automatic recorder. The operation of the system is such that the output of the receiver is kept constant regardless of the intensity of the static.

Data obtained with this system show the presence of three separate groups of static: Group 1, static from local thunderstorms; Group 2, static from distant thunderstorms, and Group 3, a steady hiss type static of unknown origin.

Curves are given showing the direction of arrival and intensity of static of the first group plotted against time of day and for several different thunderstorms. Static of the second group was found to correspond to that on long waves in the direction of arrival and is heard only when the long wave static is very strong. The static of this group comes most of the time from directions lying between southeast and southwest as does the long wave static.

Curves are given showing the direction of arrival of static of group three plotted against time of day. The direction varies gradually throughout the day going almost completely around the compass in 24 hours. The evidence indicates that the source of this static is somehow associated with the sun.

Decimal classification: R114. Original manuscript received by the Institute, May 26, 1932. Presented at the meeting of the American Section of the U.R.S.I at Washington, D.C., April 29, 1932.