E3A03: EME contacts: When scheduling EME contacts, which of

Q: When scheduling EME contacts, which of these conditions will generally result in the least path loss?

The correct answer is A: When the Moon is at perigee. The correct answer is A: When the Moon is at perigee. When scheduling EME contacts, which of these conditions will generally result in the least path loss is when the Moon is at perigee. Perigee is when the moon is closest to Earth, resulting in less path loss. For amateur radio operators, this is important for EME operation. Understanding this helps when scheduling EME contacts.

Updated: Dec 9, 2025 | Source: 2024-2028 Question Pool | Topic: E3A

E3A03E3A

When scheduling EME contacts, which of these conditions will generally result in the least path loss?

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Deep Dive: E3A03

The correct answer is A: When the Moon is at perigee. When scheduling EME contacts, which of these conditions will generally result in the least path loss is when the Moon is at perigee. Perigee is when the moon is closest to Earth, resulting in less path loss. For amateur radio operators, this is important for EME operation. Understanding this helps when scheduling EME contacts.

Why Other Answers Are Wrong

Option B: Incorrect. When the Moon is full doesn't minimize path loss - perigee (closest distance) minimizes path loss. Full moon isn't the condition. Option C: Incorrect. When the Moon is at apogee increases path loss - perigee minimizes path loss. Apogee is wrong. Option D: Incorrect. When MUF is above 30 MHz doesn't affect EME path loss - moon distance affects path loss. MUF isn't the factor.

Exam Tip

EME least path loss = when Moon is at perigee. Think 'E'ME 'L'east 'L'oss = 'E'arth 'L'osest to moon (perigee). Perigee is when the moon is closest to Earth, resulting in less path loss. Not full moon, not apogee, not MUF - just perigee.

Memory Aid

EME least path loss = when Moon is at perigee. Think 'E'ME 'L'east 'L'oss = 'P'erigee. Perigee is when the moon is closest to Earth, resulting in less path loss. Important for EME operation.

Real-World Example

Scheduling EME contacts: When the Moon is at perigee (closest to Earth), the path loss is least because the distance is shortest. At apogee (farthest from Earth), path loss is greater. This is why EME operators prefer to schedule contacts when the moon is at perigee. This is the condition - moon at perigee results in least path loss.

Source & Coverage

Question Pool: 2024-2028 Question Pool

Subelement: E3A

Reference: 2024-2028 Question Pool · E3 - Radio Wave Propagation

Key Concepts

EME contacts Least path loss Moon at perigee Path loss

Verified Content

Question from the official FCC Extra Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the E3A topic.