Propagation paths.

The path an oblique ray takes through the ionosphere is hard to determine under normal circumstances. A combined programme of experimental observations where a concerted effort is being made to tie down as many ionospheric parameters as possible is likely to yield improvements in modeling of propagation. Particularly the union of TEC tomography and ray tracing.

Amongst the features that might be observed and their effects on HF propagation analysed are;

• Focusing effects of the relatively narrow well of decreased solar radiation of the eclipse path.
• Effect of any additional stratification particularly in the F-layer (the appearance of anomalous F1 and F1.5 layers have been reported in the past).
• Tilts in the ionospheric layer because of the horizontal variations in the eclipse causing changes in the obliquity of the radio signals.
• The consequence of any waves stationary or moving that are generated in the ionosphere by the passage of the shadow.