Abstract: An overview of the radio observations during April 2026 is given.

 

The graphs show both the daily totals (Figure 1) and the hourly numbers (Figure 2) of “all” reflections counted automatically, and of manually counted “overdense” reflections, overdense reflections longer than 10 seconds and longer than 1 minute, as observed here at Kampenhout (BE) on the frequency of our VVS-beacon (49.99 MHz) during the month of April 2026.

The hourly numbers, for echoes shorter than 1 minute, are weighted averages derived from:

Local interference and unidentified noise remained very limited, and no significant lightning activity was recorded. However, there were several fairly strong solar flares, mostly type III, such as on April 25 between 14h25m and 14h55m UT (Figure 3).

Due to maintenance work, the beacon was deactivated on April 14 between 07h48m–11h33m UT and 13h15m–13h22m UT, as well as during several brief periods on April 15.

Meteor activity remained fairly limited this month, although it showed an upward trend, with increased activity on April 6 and the expected return of the Lyrids which reached their peak on April 22–23.

Throughout the month, 8 reflections lasting longer than one minute were observed. A selection of some notable or strong reflections is shown in Figures 4 to 14. Many more are available upon request.

In addition to the usual graphs, you will also find the raw counts (subject to strict reservations as previously said) in cvs-format from which the graphs are derived. The table contains the following columns: day of the month, hour of the day, day + decimals, solar longitude (epoch J2000), counts of “all” reflections, overdense reflections, reflections longer than 10 seconds and reflections longer than 1 minute, the numbers being the observed reflections of the past hour.

Figure 1 – The daily totals of “all” reflections counted automatically, and of manually counted “overdense” reflections, as observed here at Kampenhout (BE) on the frequency of our VVS-beacon (49.99 MHz) during April 2026.

 

Figure 2 – The hourly numbers of “all” reflections counted automatically, and of manually counted “overdense” reflections, overdense reflections longer than 10 seconds and longer than 1 minute, as observed here at Kampenhout (BE) on the frequency of our VVS-beacon (49.99 MHz) during April 2026.

 

Figure 3 – Strong solar flares, type III, on April 25 between 14h25m and 14h55m UT.

 

Figure 4 – Meteor echo April 06, 12h45m UT.

 

Figure 5 – Meteor echo April 09, 10h45m UT.

 

Figure 6 – Meteor echo April 22, 04h00m UT.

 

Figure 7 – Meteor echo April 22, 06h10m UT.

 

Figure 8 – Meteor echo April 23, 01h35m UT.

 

Figure 9 – Meteor echo April 23, 03h35m UT.

 

Figure 10 – Meteor echo April 23, 09h30m UT.

 

Figure 11 – Meteor echo April 26, 04h00m UT.

 

Figure 12 – Meteor echo April 28, 05h35m UT.

 

Figure 13 – Meteor echo April 28, 08h40m UT.

 

Figure 14 – Meteor echo April 30, 09h30m UT.