Noctilucent Cloud Observations Coordinated with Rocket Temperature Soundings in Central Alaska.

Abstract

During the summer of 1973, the Geophysical Institute and the U.S. Army Meteorological Rocket Program cooperated in a small joint study to determine whether any correlation could be found between the appearance of noctilucent clouds and lower mesospheric temperature profiles. Noctilucent cloud observations were performed by the Geophysical Institute while mesospheric temperature profiles were obtained for altitudes below 70 km by parachute-borne thermistors released from standard 'Dart' payloads carried aloft by 'Super Loki' rocket motors. Temperature profiles obtained from grenade temperature soundings were used to extrapolate the lower mesospheric temperature profiles to the mesopause. Successful observations required temperature profiles to be obtained during clear sky conditions. (Modified author abstract)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 20, 1974
Accession Number
AD0780936

Entities

People

  • William J. Stringer

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Abstracts
  • Altitude
  • Clouds
  • Mesopause
  • Noctilucent Clouds
  • Observation
  • Parachutes
  • Rocket Engines
  • Rockets
  • Standards
  • Thermistors
  • Transition Temperature

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Atmospheric Science/Meteorology
  • Space/Atmospheric Physics.
  • Thermal Physics or Thermal Science.