The Thermal Discontinuity at the Horizon Observed from High Altitudes
Abstract
In long-range, high-altitude, missile-guidance systems utilizing automatic celestial navigation, one of the problems encountered is the establishment of a stable vertical in relation to the earth. A Possible method for determining the position of the vertical is to bisect the angle formed at the missile by optical paths which extend from two arbitrary points diametrically situated on the horizon. Previous measurements made at low altitudes had indicated that the horizon is sharply defined by a thermal radiation discontinuity. Similar measurements were conducted at high altitudes to determine whether the same discontinuity exists.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 12, 1949
- Accession Number
- AD1211324
Entities
People
- C. F. Bieber
- H. L. Clark
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory