An overview of the radio observations during June 2020 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 June 2020.
The hourly numbers, for echoes shorter than 1 minute, are weighted averages derived from:
The counts, and in particular the automatic counts, were sometimes complicated by (local) interference, strong unidentified noise and on seven days by often intense lightning activity. On June 17th, 18th and 26th, lightning discharges occurred in the vicinity of our radio beacon. On SpecLab images they usually look very similar to meteor reflections (see Figures 3 and 4), but these lightning reflections are distinguishable from meteors because they are broadband and don’t show head echoes.
Most counting errors were corrected manually, sometimes by comparing the registrations on 49.99 MHz with observations on 49.97 MHz (BRAMS beacon at Dourbes).
As expected, the general picture of the activity this month was determined by the known day showers, the Arietids (ARI) being the eye catchers. The greatest activity of this shower was observed here on June 6th. Figure 7 is a 5-minute SpecLab registration on June 6th. Also during the rest of the month, there were numerous smaller showers, mostly daylight showers, as the counts of all “overdense” reflections clearly show.
During this month, numerous reflections longer than 1 minute were recorded. SpecLab recordings of a number of these and other interesting reflections are attached. (Figures 5, 6 , 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18).
If you are interested in the actual figures, please send me an e-mail: felix.verbelen at skynet.be.
Figure 1 – The daily totals 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 June 2020.
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 June 2020.
Figure 3 – 2020 June 17 at 11h30m UT lightening.
Figure 4 – 2020 June 18 at 14h40m UT, lightening.
Figure 5 – 2020 June 01 at 08h30m UT.
Figure 6 – 2020 June 05 at 01h00m UT.
Figure 7 – 2020 June 06 at 07h35m UT (Arietids).
Figure 8 – 2020 June 07 at 04h40m UT.
Figure 9 – 2020 June 07 at 05h40m UT.
Figure 10 – 2020 June 11 at 07h30m UT.
Figure 11 – 2020 June 12 at 03h15m UT.
Figure 12 – 2020 June 13 at 07h25m UT.
Figure 13 – 2020 June 16 at 07h05m UT.
Figure 14 – 2020 June 20 at 04h10m UT.
Figure 15 – 2020 June 23 at 04h15m UT.
Figure 16 – 2020 June 27 at 03h50m UT.
Figure 17 – 2020 June 28 at 03h20m UT.
Figure 18 – 2020 June 30 at 07h30m UT.
