An upper bound on the solar radar cross section at 50 MHz

Abstract

We have made 16 unsuccessful attempts, in February and October 2003, and February 2004, to observe solar echoes using the 50 MHz radar at Jicamarca in Peru. The upper bound that we have determined on the solar cross section is significantly lower than the average of earlier reported observations. In this paper we will describe the observations, discuss the noise and interference from solar bursts, and suggest possible reasons why the echo might be weaker than expected.