What is skip distance of radio waves?

Skip distance refers to the minimum distance at which radio waves can be reflected off the ionosphere and returned to Earth, allowing for long-distance communication. This phenomenon occurs when the frequency of the radio wave is high enough to be reflected rather than absorbed by the ionosphere. The skip distance varies based on factors such as frequency, time of day, and ionospheric conditions. It is a critical concept in understanding how HF (high frequency) radio waves propagate over long distances.