Atmospheric conditions and radio signals/frequency

WolfeIRE

What atmospheric conditions would be favourable to picking up a radio frequency/signal from afar.

I googled it but the answers vary.

Found this on Valentia Coastguard - [FONT=Times New Roman,Times][SIZE=+2]When atmospheric conditions prevail, radio communications between the US Coast Guard can be heard at Valentia, even as far as the Hudson River.[/SIZE][/FONT]

What would be the ideal atmospheric conditions does anyone know?

By the way, I listen to five live for football on occasion and that too varies in signal quality. Atlantic 252 was the same as I am sure Radio Luxemburg was.

Thanks in advance

maquiladora

Tropospheric ducting :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropospheric_propagation#Tropospheric_ducting

I think you can even get forecasts for it, but I haven't looked into it much.

WolfeIRE

thanks maq

thetonynator

Forecast

Have a look at this wiki about radio propogation.

Tropospheric ducting is just one and only applies to higher frequencies, you mentioned Long wave radio stations.

WolfeIRE

to add to this topic...i heard the bells from my local church ringing today for the first time in many years. It was so clear it was like the church was at the other end of the field.

I am over a mile from the Church and there are a number of hills in the way. I presume the sound bounced off hills and found its way to me but why does the sound travel to me only once in a blue moon?

By the way, the bells toll 3 times a day before any smart answer:)

Could be an unusual wind direction, I live a coulpe of miles from the motorway and can only hear traffic when the wind is from the north-east.