ENERGETIC TRAPPED ELECTRON OBSERVATIONS DURING THE FALL OF 1964.

Abstract

Data from a directional electron spectrometer on satellite 1964-45A, taken during late August 1964, are presented on B-L plots for seven differential energy channels ranging from 0.26 to 3.6 MeV. The satellite was launched on August 14, 1964, into a near polar orbit with a 3765-km apogee and a 270-km perigee. Outer zone electron fluxes during the geomagnetically quiet times of August 15-28 are returning to equilibrium after the sudden commencement geomagnetic storm of August 11. Significant losses of electrons at a much greater rate are observed twice. During late August and November-December 1964, the location of peak electron fluxes of various energies in the outer zone resembles solutions of an equation derived by Tverskoy, who assumed that inward diffusion is the electrons' source. The limited inner zone directional electron data are compared with 1962 results of West et al. A large decrease of inner zone 0.3 MeV electron fluxes since 1962 at B is approximately 0.17-0.2 gauss implies these soft electrons observed in 1962 were injected by the July 9, 1962, high-altitude nuclear test. Theoretical estimates of the electron flux expected from decay of neutrons from this source are <15% of those reported in 1962. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 1967
Accession Number
AD0815908

Entities

People

  • John D. Mihalov

Organizations

  • The Aerospace Corporation

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Altitude
  • Apogees
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Diffusion
  • Directional
  • Electron Flux
  • Electrons
  • Equations
  • High Altitude
  • Magnetic Storms
  • Mathematics
  • Observation
  • Orbits
  • Polar Orbits

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Solar Physics
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics
  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris