If any of you didn't know about this, below are a couple of links to live audio of radio transmissions in Roswell, New Mexico, that are picking up meteors as they enter the atmosphere. Listen for short whistling noises with distinct Doppler effects. You can find out more by watching ABC2's SkyWatch podcast here: http://www.abc.net.au/tv/australiawi...s/s2035620.htm
You can do this with a normal FM radio also, just need a clearish spot on the dial, works best with a yagi antenna. You can sometimes hear distant radio stations from the reflection of the ionised train left behind after a meteor buns up through the atmosphere.
Some years ago a fellow amateur radio operator obtained permission from the powers that be to set up a beacon for a weekend in order to experiment with 'meteor bounce' signals. I agreed to be one of his listeners and to log any signals received. Whilst signals in the hours I listened were very short (I'm talking less than a second for the vast majority of them), I was surprised at the number of them. At a guess I'd say that most would have been invisible even had it been night time. This experiment took place at approx. 144.2 MHz.
Incidentally, as it might interest some, the arrangements between us both were made using aircraft to reflect our voice signals between our equipment (me in the Blue Mountains, near Sydney, and he in Brisbane's environs).
Thanks for the links and the memories, Mr Subatomic.
I think you will find that there is quite a number of 'Hams' contributing to this site, Mischa.
Michael, I suspect that your suggestion for a separate section, though well intended and understood, would be pointless. I doubt very much whether there would be enough participants (or even interest) to be honest. I could be wrong of course.
after the past few weeks of no added response to the suggestion I think you're spot on! Possibly other fora for hams would be better or maybe even through the specialised websites for r.ast.
As I said, suggestion only, I'll continue with my radio / optical observations.
Many HAMs practice the art of radio astronomy, they also bound signals off the moon, pretty cool seeing that done. I am also a Radio Ham, although only have a Novice license its enough for most things I need it for.
