Mapping of High Latitude Ionospheric Characteristics,
Abstract
Local time and seasonal characteristics of the high latitude ionization irregularity regions have been determined from the examination of the ISIS-1 Satellite thermal charged particle data during the first year of satellite operation, Feb. 1969 to Feb. 1970. ISIS-1, launched Jan. 30, 1969 into a polar orbit, inclination 88.5 degrees, has an apogee of 3526 km and perigee of 525 km. Frequency of occurrence calculations of the equatorial and polar boundaries of the irregularity zones are based primarily on northern hemisphere data. The amplitude and width of the thermal charged particle trough, for electrons and ions located at the equatorial edge of the irregularity zone, are evaluated as a function of local time using both southern and northern hemisphere data. Results from over 3000 satellite orbits are examined. Although the electrostatic probe results were obtained in the topside ionosphere, extensive comparisons with simultaneous topside sounder measurements on board ISIS-I show that down to the minimum scale size which can be observed with the sounder, approximately 18 km, the irregularities map down to the peak of the F region. These results thus represent a statistical mapping of ionospheric characteristics at the peak of the F layer of the ionosphere. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 18, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0766417
Entities
People
- Peter Wildman
- Rita Sagalyn
- Susan Bredesen
Organizations
- Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratories