When radar targets are in close proximity and both moving in the same direction, what phenomenon might occur?

When radar targets are in close proximity and moving in the same direction, the shadowing effect is a phenomenon that may occur. This effect happens when one target partially obscures another target from the radar's view, leading to difficulties in detecting or accurately tracking the obscured target. In such scenarios, the radar system may not receive adequate reflected signals from the obscured object, resulting in challenges in interpreting the situation properly.

The shadowing effect can lead to misleading interpretations of target positions and velocities, which is critical for radar operators to be aware of, especially in environments where multiple targets might present significant safety or operational risks. It highlights the limitations of radar systems in scenarios where targets are closely grouped and emphasizes the importance of understanding the physical relationships between different objects in the radar's coverage area. This awareness allows for more informed operational decisions and better risk assessment by the radar operator.