"gareth" wrote in message ...

As we all know, the atmosphere greatly affects the propagation
of radio waves, with all the various layers, and the effect of the
Sun and sunspots on propagation through the atmosphere.

Is it therefore not beyond the bounds possibility that this same atmosphere
affects the initial propagation of radio waves away from our antennae,
and that somehow is the reason why short antennae are poor radiators
compared to antennae of significant (1/4 lambda) fractions of
a wavelength?

I know that I have attempted to discuss this before and been met
by the hidebound rednecks of Yankland, but it is a question
of interest to me, and not a troll.
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I doubt if distant conditions affect the origin. Does the archer's bow
"know" whether the arrow will be striking the target or landing in the dirt
150 feet beyond?

I am only a talented amateur but I think with an antenna, the wavelength is
best matched by the antenna aperture. This is not the case with short
antennas.

What do you think?

"Sal"