How far does a space wave extend beyond the horizon?

In the context of space waves, which are typically used in radio communications, the extent to which these waves can travel beyond the horizon is influenced by factors such as the frequency of the wave and the curvature of the Earth. The correct answer indicates that space waves can extend one-third farther than the standard horizon distance.

This is derived from the concept that, unlike ground waves that tend to follow the curvature of the earth, space waves can propagate in a more line-of-sight manner. The horizon distance can be calculated based on the height of the antenna, and for radio waves traveling as space waves, a general rule of thumb is that they can travel about one-third beyond this calculated horizon distance.

Understanding this concept is crucial for applications such as radar systems, satellite communications, and other forms of radiofrequency transmissions, where knowing the coverage area and effective range is essential for system design and operation.