Which of the following is a factor that may affect stationary radar operation?

The panning effect is a crucial factor that may affect stationary radar operation. This occurs when the radar operator moves the radar unit or appears to move the radar unit in relation to the target vehicle's motion. If the radar is not properly directed at the moving target, it can result in an inaccurate speed reading, either by underestimating or overestimating the speed of the vehicle.

Proper operation of stationary radar relies on the stability and accuracy of the radar unit's position. Panning can disrupt this stability, leading to a skewed and unreliable speed measurement. Understanding and preventing the panning effect is essential for law enforcement officers to ensure the accuracy of speed enforcement.

In contrast, factors such as wind effect, speed effect, and heat distortion also influence radar systems in different capacities but are not as directly related to the operation of stationary radar as the panning effect is. Wind can affect radar signal propagation, while the speed effect relates to how different speeds can impact radar readings, and heat distortion pertains to variations in temperature affecting the radar signals. However, panning is among the most immediate concerns during stationary radar enforcement.