DGRD is referenced to lowest possible sky noise along the moonpath, system noise temperatures of 80 K at 144 and 60 K at 432 and the absolute minimum perigee distance. 144 and 432 DGRD are equally affected by EME distance but at 432 the sky noise varies over a smaller range. At NM sun noise is a problem while at FM the stable night time conditions can be advantageous. Conditions - Summary of EME conditions as controlled by DGRD at 144 MHz and new moon. Conditions may be worse due to ionospheric disturbance but not better than indicated.
New moon can make otherwise good conditions very poor.
144 MHz Temp.