What is the FCC Part 97 definition of a beacon?

Under FCC Part 97 rules, an amateur radio beacon is a station designed to transmit a continuous or periodic signal to help operators test radio wave propagation and conduct related experiments. By tuning into these known beacon frequencies, hams can determine if a specific radio band is open to different parts of the world. It is important to distinguish amateur radio beacons from beacons used in other radio services. In aviation or maritime contexts, beacons are often used for navigation or emergency location. However, in the amateur service, their primary legal purpose is strictly experimental and observational. Distractors suggesting weather broadcasts or government boundary markers are incorrect, as amateur stations cannot be used for broadcasting general public information or acting as official government infrastructure.