For the first time in 72 years, on August 11th 1999, the UK witnessed
a total solar eclipse. Although the 100% eclipse was only visible from
Cornwall, most of the UK saw the moon cover a significant portion of the
sun. The event generated a huge amount of public, press and scientific
interest.
The sun's radiation affects the top layer of the Earth's atmosphere,
the ionosphere. Radiocommunications must often pass through the ionosphere,
and so are also affected by changes to it. During a solar eclipse, the
conditions for sending and receiving radio waves are unique. This gives
researchers an ideal opportunity to find out more about the ionosphere
and how it influences radio communications.
RCRU was heavily involved in carrying out its own studies during the
eclipse and also in co-ordinating experiments aimed at radio amateurs,
schools and the general public. The programme was a huge success and generated
a large amount of interest from the public, the press and the scientific
community.
|
|
