Abstract: An overview of the radio observations during August 2024 is given.

 

The graphs show both the daily totals (Figure 1) and the hourly numbers (Figure 2) of “all” reflections counted automatically, and of manually counted “overdense” reflections, overdense reflections longer than 10 seconds and longer than 1 minute, as observed here at Kampenhout (BE) on the frequency of our VVS-beacon (49.99 MHz) during the month of August 2024.

The hourly numbers, for echoes shorter than 1 minute, are weighted averages derived from:

Local interference and unidentified noise generally remained low, while weak to moderate lightning activity was recorded on only 3 days. However, there were multiple, fairly strong solar flares per day, the vast majority of type III.

Remarkable was the reflection of the beacon signal on August 6 between approximately 09h30m UT and 10h37m UT, when the reflection abruptly stopped. This reflection was observed by many stations and at various frequencies. Further research and comparison with both geophysical observations and amateur radio connections showed that it was due to strong “sporadic E” (Es). The registration here in Kampenhout between 10h00m UT and 10h40m UT is shown in Figure 3.

The highlights of the month were undoubtedly the Perseids, with numerous long-duration reflections as every year. After a ramp-up period with increased activity in the first part of the month, the shower reached the predicted maximum on August 12–13. Reflections with a duration of more than 1 minute showed a clear maximum on August 13.

Over the entire month, 68 reflections longer than 1 minute were recorded here. A selection of these, along with some other interesting reflections is included (Figures 4 to 29). More of these are available on request.

In addition to the usual graphs, you will also find the raw counts (subject to strict reservations as previously said) in cvs-format from which the graphs are derived. The table contains the following columns: day of the month, hour of the day, day + decimals, solar longitude (epoch J2000), counts of “all” reflections, overdense reflections, reflections longer than 10 seconds and reflections longer than 1 minute, the numbers being the observed reflections of the past hour.

 

Figure 1 – The daily totals of “all” reflections counted automatically, and of manually counted “overdense” reflections, as observed here at Kampenhout (BE) on the frequency of our VVS-beacon (49.99 MHz) during August 2024.

Figure 2 – The hourly numbers of “all” reflections counted automatically, and of manually counted “overdense” reflections, overdense reflections longer than 10 seconds and longer than 1 minute, as observed here at Kampenhout (BE) on the frequency of our VVS-beacon (49.99 MHz) during August 2024.

 

Figure 3 – Strong “sporadic E” (Es). The registration here in Kampenhout between 10h00m UT and 10h40m UT.

 

Figure 4 – Meteor echoes August 4, 19h30m UT.

 

Figure 5 – Meteor echoes August 5, 12h20m UT.

 

Figure 7 – Meteor echoes August 6, 23h50m UT.

 

Figure 7 – Meteor echoes August 8, 04h40m UT.

 

Figure 8 – Meteor echoes August 8, 10h35m UT.

 

Figure 9 – Meteor echoes August 8, 13h55m UT.

 

Figure 10 – Meteor echoes August 9, 04h35m UT.

 

Figure 11 – Meteor echoes August 11, 02h55m UT.

 

Figure 12 – Meteor echoes August 11, 03h15m UT.

 

Figure 13 – Meteor echoes August 11, 04h45m UT.

 

Figure 16 – Meteor echoes August 11, 06h30m UT.

 

Figure 15 – Meteor echoes August 11, 15h40m UT.

 

Figure 16 – Meteor echoes August 12, 02h05m UT.

 

Figure 17 – Meteor echoes August 12, 04h20m UT.

 

Figure 18 – Meteor echoes August 12, 05h15m UT.

 

Figure 19 – Meteor echoes August 12, 05h35m UT.

 

Figure 20 – Meteor echoes August 12, 06h45m UT.

 

Figure 21 – Meteor echoes August 13, 01h45m UT.

 

Figure 22 – Meteor echoes August 13, 04h05m UT.

 

Figure 23 – Meteor echoes August 13, 08h35m UT.

 

Figure 24 – Meteor echoes August 13, 09h00m UT.

 

Figure 25 – Meteor echoes August 13, 10h15m UT.

 

Figure 26 – Meteor echoes August 13, 11h55m UT.

 

Figure 27 – Meteor echoes August 14, 00h45m UT.

 

Figure 28 – Meteor echoes August 16, 03h40m UT.

 

Figure 29 – Meteor echoes August 31, 06h30m UT.