What might cause radar readings to be inconsistent?

Inconsistent radar readings can indeed result from movement in the radar's environment or poor alignment with the target. This is because radar systems rely on a stable and predictable environment to accurately detect and measure objects. If the object being tracked is moving erratically, or if there are physical obstructions, such as buildings or vehicles, disrupting the line of sight between the radar and the target, the radar may struggle to obtain clear and reliable data. Furthermore, if the radar is not properly aligned with the target, it may not accurately capture the reflected signals, leading to fluctuations in readings. These factors can significantly affect the performance of radar systems, resulting in less reliable information being generated.

In contrast, while factors like poor weather conditions can impact radar performance, they don't directly relate to the radar's operational environment in the same specific way. Insufficient power supply could lead to performance issues, but it tends to cause outages or system failures rather than inconsistent readings specifically. Incorrect calibration settings can result in systematic errors, but they do not usually cause the unpredictable discrepancies in readings that can occur with movement or misalignment.