Statistics of solar microwave radio burst spectra with implications for operations of microwave radio systems

Analysis of 412 solar radio burst events in the microwave range [1.2–18] GHz that were measured at the New Jersey Institute of Technology Owens Valley Solar Array over 2 years (2001–2002) during the peak of the 23rd solar cycle is conducted in the context of the possible interference of such bursts with radio‐receiving and radar systems that operate at these frequencies. It is found that there is a small probability for solar interference for systems operating at a frequency ν > 2.6 GHz and with a typical noise floor, but the probability increases significantly at lower frequencies. The probability is greater for more sensitive systems operating with higher gain, but the likelihood of interference can be partially ameliorated by an increase in the operating frequency. Finally, our statistics indicate that it could be beneficial for radio and radar systems operating below 2.6 GHz to employ an adaptable mode wherein, if the prediction of solar activity suggested the possible occurrence of a large radio burst, system operators could switch operations to a less susceptible frequency band above 2.6 GHz.