Lower Thermosphere Density Variations in the Southern Hemisphere,

Abstract

Profiles of the neutral atmospheric density have been obtained at high and middle latitudes in the southern hemisphere from OV1-15 (SPACES) satellite accelerometer measurements. The data were obtained during a geomagnetically quiet period near the equinox, 24-28 September 1968, when the satellite was in a nearly down-dusk orbit. Perigee moved from 50 degrees S to 65 degrees S during this period. Measurements were made in the altitude range 170-250 km. Density values at dusk at high latitudes (before perigee) are less than those at midlatitudes (after perigee). The average difference between the high latitude and midlatitude data is 15 percent. A longitudinal variation is superimposed on the latitudinal gradients. Enhanced densities at high southern latitudes are found at longitudes near the south geomagnetic pole. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1972
Accession Number
AD0755396

Entities

People

  • F. A. Marcos
  • K. S. W. Champion
  • R. W. Fioretti

Organizations

  • Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratories

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accelerometers
  • Altitude
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Atmospheric Density
  • Geographic Regions
  • Grids
  • Grids (Coordinates)
  • Hemispheres
  • High Latitudes
  • Latitude
  • Longitude
  • Measurement
  • Southern Hemisphere
  • Temperate Regions

Readers

  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.
  • Space/Atmospheric Physics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris