Ionospheric Research Using Satellites - An Interpretation of Ionospheric Faraday Rotation Observations at the Equator.

Abstract

The Faraday rotation angle phi of the radio signal from ATS-C has been continuously measured at Legon for several years. The curves show unexpected minima and maxima in the post-sunset period. Recently the signal from Intelsat 2F-2 has been measured simultaneously. Comparison of the curves from the spaced satellites shows that the occurrence of the minima and maxima depends primarily on local solar time, with appropriate time shifts for the two satellites. The seasonal dependence of scintillation at Legon is shown for a period of four years. An explanation of this seasonal dependence is attempted in terms of the time of sunset at the base of the F region field lines over Legon. Results fit Legon observations well, but seem to be at variance with South American results. In the light of the observed F region behavior a new theory of equatorial spread F is proposed. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 23, 1972
Accession Number
AD0753088

Entities

People

  • John R. Koster
  • Tom Beer

Organizations

  • University of Ghana

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Satellites
  • Observation
  • Radio Signals
  • Rotation
  • Scintillation

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics.
  • Regression Analysis.
  • Space/Atmospheric Physics.

Technology Areas

  • Space