HIRIS Experiment-Chatanika Radar Results
Abstract
Results of the Chatanika DNA 617 Radar support of the HIRIS rocket experiment are presented, along with magnetometer, riometer, and all-sky camera data to give a more complete picture of ionospheric processes. The HIRIS experiment took place on 1 April 1976, beginning at 0805:20 UT. The purpose of the experiment was to measure IR emissions in an aurorally disturbed ionosphere. The Chatanika radar was operated in support of the rocket experiment from 0626 UT to 0821 UT. Radar data acquired during the HIRIS experiment are presented in this report. Background electron densities in the vicinity of the rocket trajectory ranged between 30,000 and 300,000 cc. During the background measurement period (<0745 UT) the peak of the auroral-E layer appeared to be above the trajectory apogee with electron densities at all altitudes fluctuating with time. Horizontal gradients in density were observed from about 0700 to 0730 UT and seemed consistent with a density enhancement moving geomagnetically west. During the elevation-scan measurements just prior to launch the peak of the ionization layer varied from 100 to 120 km and ionization density continued to fluctuate with time. Vector quantities measured during the prelaunch background period were indicative of the active conditions present during the experiment. Conductivities, current densities, neutral winds and electric fields all tended to be unipolar during the measurement period, but exhibited large peaks centered at about 0640 and 0730 UT.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA042183
Entities
People
- Theodore M. Watt
Organizations
- SRI International