ATMOSPHERIC PHENOMENA, ENERGETIC ELECTRONS, AND THE GEOMAGNETIC FIELD
Abstract
X-ray measurements associated with the dumping of electrons from the magnetic field, made with balloons and rockets are discussed. It is shown that in the normal auroral zone the x-ray bursts occur throughout the 24-hour period, have peak intensities corresponding to e ectron fluxes of 10 to the 6th to 10 to the 7th power/sq cm/sec, and have integrated fluxes over a 24-hour period of 10 to the 10th power/sq cm. In the auroral zone the x-ray bursts arising from 30-kv or higher electrons are not correlated with visible aurorae. Direct rocket measurements of bright aurorae in the auroral zone confirm this by showing the absence of appreciable electron fluxes above 20 kv. At lower latitudes, the x-rays are well-correlated with visible aurorae, have peak burst intensities of 10 to the 9th power electrons/sq cm/sec greater than 30 kv, and are also strongly correlated with negative bays in the local magnetic field. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0267191
Entities
People
- J.r. Winckler
Organizations
- University of Minnesota