Skip Distance

Skip distance refers to the horizontal distance between a radio transmitter and the point where its signal first reaches the ground after bouncing off the ionosphere or another layer in the atmosphere. Essentially, it’s the gap between the transmitter and the area where the radio wave is received via reflection, not straight-line transmission. This distance varies depending on factors like frequency, atmospheric conditions, and altitude of the transmitting antenna. Understanding skip distance helps determine where to position antennas for effective communication, especially in long-distance radio broadcasting or amateur radio operations, by accounting for signal reflection and propagation characteristics.