IONOSPHERIC RESEARCH USING SATELLITES.
Abstract
The ionospheric electron content above Haifa was determined for the period November 1964 - June 1966. The results reveal the expected diurnal variation, with midday maximum occurring between 13-14 hours local time. The ratio of the day-time maximum to night-time values of electron content is between 8-10 and is similar for all seasons. There is a marked seasonal and solar activity dependence. Maximum electron content values occur at the equinoxes and minimum at winter. The variation of the electron content with the mean Zurich sunspot number R is given approximately by the relation N sub t is proportional to 1 + 0.029 R. On several revolutions of the S-66 satellite, a strong change in the Faraday fading rate of the 40 and 41 Mc/s signals was observed for geometrically similar conditions. This change in Faraday rate is thought to be related to large scale, magnetic field aligned irregularities featuring local reduction in electron density. The irregularities were found to be located at about 17 degrees N latitude having thickness of about 60 km and average height close to F2 maximum. The reduction in the total content in the irregularity is of the order of 6%. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 28, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0655392
Entities
People
- Jonathan Mass
- Zwi. Houminer