STUDIES OF THE IONOSPHERE USING TRANSMISSIONS FROM ACTIVE SATELLITES.

Abstract

The theory of correlation analysis of fading records is reviewed and computer programs given for carrying out the analysis. Continuous observations over a period of 81 days of the 136 mc/s signal radiated by 'Early Bird' are described. Results include information on diurnal variation of total electron content, and new information on equatorial scintillation and the irregularities giving rise to it. The pattern on the ground was elongated by 60 - 1. The full correlation analysis of nearly 200 spaced receiver drift measurements made at Tamale, Ghana is presented. Drifts are westward by day, eastward by night, reversal occurring at about 07.30 and 20.00 GMT. A mid-morning maximum of about 200 m/sec. is a prominent feature in the F-region drift velocity. Mean F-Region drift velocity is 115 m/sec during the day, and 70 m/sec at night; E-Region velocity is 67 m/sec by day. Correlation ellipses are elongated with axial ratios of about 6 - 1. The total electron content of the ionosphere is studied as determined from observations of the Faraday Rotation of 20 mc/s signals radiated by S-66 over a period of 6 months. The diurnal variation of the electron content, and the development of the equatorial anomaly are shown. Refraction effects are shown to seriously affect 20 mc/s results at even moderate zenith angles.

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 1966
Accession Number
AD0650722

Entities

People

  • I. Katsriku
  • John R. Koster
  • M. Tete

Organizations

  • University of Ghana

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Satellites
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Correlation Analysis
  • Diurnal Variations
  • Electrons
  • Ionosphere
  • Measurement
  • Observation
  • Refraction
  • Rotation
  • Scintillation

Readers

  • Space/Atmospheric Physics.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics
  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster