A REVALUATION OF THE ROTATIONAL SPEED OF THE UPPER ATMOSPHERE.
Abstract
The rotational speed of the upper atmosphere, mainly at heights of 200-300 km, is evaluated from the changes in the orbital inclinations of 13 satellites. The values obtained represent the mean rotational speed over the latitudes covered by the satellites, at dates between late 1962 and early 1966, i.e. when solar activity was low. If the angular velocity of the atmosphere is taken as Lambda times that of the Earth, the values of Lambda found are mostly between 1.0 and 1.6, with estimated s.d. between 0.1 and 0.25. Two values at heights above 300 km and one anomalous value are excluded, the mean of the remaining 10 values of Lambda obtained is 1.27, with rms scatter 0.18: this would correspond to an average west-to-east wind of about 100 m/s in mid-latitudes. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0642135
Entities
People
- Desmond King-Hele
- Diana W. Scott
Organizations
- Royal Aircraft Establishment