SUN OUTAGES

A characteristic of satellite communication of all types is that during
2 seasons of the year, the spring and fall equinoxes, satellite
reception will be subject to interference from the sun for a brief
period of time each day over about a 5 to 7 day period. This occurs when
the satellite dish, the satellite and the sun are aligned. In this
position, the radio energy from the sun exceeds that which the satellite
is able to broadcast. For small dishes, this interference lasts a couple
of minutes per day at the start and end of the period, and can approach
as long as 15 minutes during the middle days. The spring season takes
place during February and March and the fall season takes place during
October.