What is one characteristic of VHF signals received via auroral backscatter?

Auroral backscatter happens when radio waves bounce off the highly charged, rapidly moving ions in an aurora (such as the Northern Lights). Because these ionized patches are constantly shifting and moving, they introduce rapid fading and multipath distortion to the reflected signal. This continuous shifting modulates the signal, causing voice transmissions to sound very raspy, distorted, or even entirely unintelligible. Continuous Wave (CW) or specialized digital modes are often required to communicate effectively through this type of propagation. The other options are incorrect because auroral backscatter does not reach 10,000 miles, is not exclusive to winter nights, and requires aiming at the poles rather than the west.