Posted on 09/27/2025 1:12:45 AM PDT by blueplum
Thanks for the wonderful blast from the past...
My slide rule isn’t metric.
Actually none of them are. I collect them.
I have a pretty Post Versalog with leather case and hardbound manual. It is cute.
best answer
The return signal was about 217,000 Miles.
The average distance between the earth and the moon is around 239,000 Miles.
A radio wave can go from earth to moon and reflect signal back (Moon Bounce) to any 2 places on earth seeing the moon at the same time (VHF, UHF, microwave). (maximum 1500 PEP power)
Example:
Getting Started and Progressing in EME Communications
https://www.n1fd.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/EME-I-Getting-Started-in-EME-v2a.pdf
Yes, a 3,000 Laser is powerful. It is an issue of wave length (relates to frequency).
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