*Question G2D06:
How is a directional antenna pointed when making a “long-path” contact with another station?*  

*Correct Answer is  C: 180 degrees from the station’s short-path heading*  

### AI Response: (may contain errors)  

When making a "long-path" contact with another station, the goal is to take advantage of the longer route around the Earth, which can sometimes provide better propagation conditions. Here's how the choices break down:

1. **Correct Answer: 180 degrees from the station’s short-path heading (Choice C)**
   - The "short-path" is the most direct route between two stations. The "long-path" is the opposite direction, effectively going the long way around the Earth. Therefore, to point a directional antenna for a long-path contact, you aim it 180 degrees from the short-path heading.

2. **Why the other choices are incorrect:**
   - **Choice A: Toward the rising sun**
     - This is not a reliable method for determining long-path direction. The rising sun direction changes with location and time of year, and it does not necessarily align with the long-path direction.
   - **Choice B: Along the gray line**
     - The gray line is the transition zone between day and night on Earth, which can enhance propagation. However, it is not specifically related to long-path contacts, which are defined by the 180-degree rule.
   - **Choice D: Toward the north**
     - Pointing north is arbitrary and does not relate to the concept of long-path propagation unless the station's short-path heading is due south.

**Rule of Thumb:**
- To determine the long-path direction, simply take the short-path azimuth and add or subtract 180 degrees. This will give you the opposite direction for long-path propagation.