The correct answer is C: Horizontal. For long-distance CW and SSB contacts on VHF and UHF bands, horizontal polarization is normally used. This is because horizontal polarization works better for weak-signal, long-distance communications on these bands. Horizontal polarization is preferred for weak-signal work (like meteor scatter, moonbounce, or tropospheric ducting) because it typically provides better performance for these propagation modes. Most weak-signal operators use horizontally polarized antennas (like horizontal Yagis) for VHF/UHF DX work. Vertical polarization is more common for local FM communications and repeaters, but horizontal is the standard for long-distance weak-signal operations.