THE ANALYTIC DESCRIPTION OF THE GEOMAGNETIC FIELD AT SATELLITE ALTITUDES,
Abstract
The Vanguard III scalar magnetic values were compared to values of the geomagnetic intensity as computed using various sets of harmonic coefficients (ten in all). The procedure followed was to compute both the arithmetic mean and the ratio of the rms difference (computed intensity minus observed intensity) to the rms of the observed intensity. The latter calculations were made as a function, sequentially, of the number of harmonic coefficients so as to assess the contribution each coefficient made to the total geomagnetic intensity. Results are that not only can a 'best' set of harmonic coefficients be proferred for describing the geomagnetic intensity at satellite altitudes but also a minimum number of coefficients depending on the accuracy desired. Also pinpointed were harmonic coefficients in need of revision, and an estimate of 10-26 gammas can be made for the maximum contribution to the magnetic intensity by external sources. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0631833
Entities
People
- F. T. Heuring
Organizations
- Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory