EFFECTS OF THE ATMOSPHERE ON RADIO ASTRONOMICAL SIGNALS
Abstract
Observations of the apparent temperature of thunderstorm cells were made at a number of frequencies, from 10 CPS TO 3000 Mc during the month of July 1961. The storm July 21 is analyzed in detail. The observations are summarized. A theory is developed to predict the antenna temperature which may be expected from a storm cell. Briefly, the optical depth of the storm cell and the surrounding atmosphere is found to be low. Emission of radiation apart from sudden lightning discharges is attributed to corona discharge from charged particles within the storm cell. The discharges are assumed to be similar in character to the point-to-plate discharges studied in the laboratory, which are characterized by pulses. Calculations of the observed antenna temperature at several frequencies are given as well as limits on the parameters of the discharge model to fit the observations, and a discussion of the extent of agreement of theory and observation with some suggestions for further detail in investigation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 30, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0296231
Entities
People
- Masakazu Oshima
- Robert Fleischer
Organizations
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute