In situ Measurements of the Mesosphere and Stratosphere.

Abstract

The operation of a subsonic, Gerdien condenser probe for in situ measurements of the mesosphere and stratosphere is presented. The inclusion of a flashing Lyman alpha ultraviolet source provides an artifically produced ionization of particular constituents. Detailed theory of operation is presented and the data results from two flights is shown. A great deal of fine structure in mobility is observed due to the presence of various hydrated positive ions. The effect of the Lyman alpha source in the 35 km region was to dissociate a light hydrate ion rather than produce additional ionization. At the 70 km region, photodissociation of the heaviest ions (probably ice crystals) was also observed.

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 23, 1976
Accession Number
ADA023013

Entities

People

  • Charles Croskey

Organizations

  • Pennsylvania State University

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Atmosphere (Earth)
  • Biological Phenomena
  • Chemical Reactions
  • Dissociation
  • Inclusions
  • Ionization
  • Measurement
  • Mesosphere
  • Mobility
  • Photodissociation
  • Stratosphere

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Aerosol Science/Aerosol Physics
  • Aerospace Propulsion Engineering.
  • Space/Atmospheric Physics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster