Deep Dive: E3B09
The correct answer is A: Around the solstices, especially the summer solstice. At what time of year is sporadic-E propagation most likely to occur is around the solstices, especially the summer solstice. Sporadic-E is most common around solstices, with summer solstice being peak. For amateur radio operators, this is important for sporadic-E operation. Understanding this helps when operating sporadic-E.
Why Other Answers Are Wrong
Option B: Incorrect. Around solstices, especially winter solstice isn't correct - summer solstice is peak, not winter. Winter solstice isn't peak. Option C: Incorrect. Around equinoxes, especially spring equinox isn't correct - sporadic-E is around solstices, not equinoxes. Equinoxes isn't the time. Option D: Incorrect. Around equinoxes, especially fall equinox isn't correct - sporadic-E is around solstices, not equinoxes. Equinoxes isn't the time.
Exam Tip
Sporadic-E time of year = around solstices, especially summer solstice. Think 'S'poradic-'E' = 'S'ummer 'E'quator (solstice). Sporadic-E is most common around solstices, with summer solstice being peak. Not winter solstice, not equinoxes - just solstices, especially summer.
Memory Aid
Sporadic-E time of year = around solstices, especially summer solstice. Think 'S'poradic-'E' = 'S'ummer 'S'olstice. Sporadic-E is most common around solstices, with summer solstice being peak. Important for sporadic-E operation.
Real-World Example
Sporadic-E propagation: It's most likely to occur around the solstices (June and December), especially the summer solstice (June). Sporadic-E activity peaks during summer months. This is the time of year - around solstices, especially summer solstice.
Source & Coverage
Question Pool: 2024-2028 Question Pool
Subelement: E3B
Reference: 2024-2028 Question Pool · E3 - Radio Wave Propagation
Key Concepts
Verified Content
Question from the official FCC Extra Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the E3B topic.