Ray-tracing Calculation of VHF Radio Waves Scattered by Field-aligned Irregularities Associated with Equatorial Plasma Bubbles

Abstract

In order to explain the propagation of VHF radio waves for TV broadcasting transmitted from Southeast Asia associated with equatorial plasma bubbles, we have examined ray paths of the radio waves scattered by field-aligned irregularities in equatorial plasma bubbles. In determining the ray paths of the radio waves, a ray tracing calculation combined with a model of the scattering by field-aligned irregularities is used. It is found that VHF radio waves transmitted from Philippines can propagate to Japan due to scattering by field-aligned irregularities located above the East China Sea.