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Why Do Radio Waves Travel Faster At Night?

Radio waves and time of day.

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    This phenomenon, called 'skip' occurs as the atmosphere immediately above the earth cools down. High temperatures act as an impedance to radio waves, and lower temperatures just the opposite. If the air is cool enough, radio waves will literally 'bounce' off the ionosphere to points out of sight, making a bend around the earth. This is accentuated in summer months when there is warmer air in the  troposphere, about 7-10 miles up, that keeps a colder-air 'duct' below. So under these conditions radio waves will travel remarkably far. This is why more powerful AM radio stations are licensed a 'cleaar-channel' at night, for they will simply cause interference to local stations on similar frequencies.
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    Guest

    Guest 

    answered 2 years ago

      Ditto Bickle. I have noticed that phenomenon, when traveling through the desert States. I thought perhaps the fact that there are fewer communications being sent through the air, [during the day] by radio stations, T.V., and cell phones, Also less microwave oven usage and such during the day, might factor in.
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      Pencil 

      answered 2 years ago

      I meant to say less communications being transmitted at night.
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      Pencil

      Pencil

      commented 2 years ago

        I think it is because most  people listen at night rather than day.
        1 2

        Alimak 

        answered 2 years ago

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