Which of the following statements is true regarding side lobes?

Side lobes are auxiliary beams of energy that are radiated from a radar antenna in directions other than the main lobe, which is the primary direction where the radar is most sensitive. The presence of side lobes is significant because they can pick up unwanted signals, leading to potential discrepancies in the radar's imagery.

When a radar system detects echoes, side lobes can receive reflections from objects that are not directly in the line of the main lobe. This results in ground clutter, which is noise or interference caused by reflections from terrain features such as buildings, trees, and other structures. Such clutter can obscure or distort the true radar image, making it challenging for the radar operator to differentiate between actual targets and extraneous reflections.

In contrast, low-frequency radar systems can have different characteristics, but side lobes can affect radar systems across various frequencies. Side lobes do not enhance clarity; rather, they can introduce confusion and distraction into the radar imagery. Finally, weak signals are susceptible to being masked by the clutter generated through side lobes, rather than being unaffected. Thus, the role of side lobes in contributing to ground clutter underscores their significance in radar operation and interpretation.