DNA Project 617 Radar: First Auroral-Zone Results.
Abstract
The report describes the ionospheric studies performed between July and November 1971 using the DNA Project 617 incoherent-scatter radar. The diurnal and (to some extent) seasonal behavior of the auroral ionosphere has been studied using 24-hour continuous data. Measurements on the auroral E-layer have shown densities as high as 1.8 x 10 to the 12th power el/cc. Other characteristics of the auroral E layer that have been studied include its thickness, electron-density gradient, production rate, and recombination coefficient. Velocity measurements have been made that show the normal as well as disturbed behavior. Ionization drift velocities as high as 200 m/s have been measured. The latitudinal distribution of ionization over several degrees of magnetic latitude has been observed and on several occasions the position of the northern boundary of the plasma trough has been determined. Also described are cooperative experiments in progress with satellites, the Homer multifrequency auroral radar, and various auroral-zone geophysical measurement programs. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0742523
Entities
People
- C. L. Rino
- Juris Petriceks
- Murray J. Baron
- Theodore M. Watt
Organizations
- SRI International