Airborne All-Sky Imaging of Equatorial Airglow.
Abstract
Radio wave and optical experiments were conducted in March 1977 and March 1978 at low magnetic latitudes to investigate the effects of F region electron density irregularities on transionospheric communications links. Imaging photometer, ionosonde, 50 MHz backscatter radar and satellite amplitude scintillation measurements were used to arrive at a description of equatorial F-region disturbances. After sunset, regions of low electron density propagate from the bottomside, through the F-region peak and often reach to 1000 km altitude. These regions of low density, called bubbles or plumes, are visible as depletions in the 6300 A OI airglow; therefore, the size and motion of these depletions can be measured with an all sky imaging photometer. Electron density irregularities, with scale sizes from 3 m to 10 km, are found within these plumes, and give rise to amplitude scintillation, 50 MHz backscatter and spread F. This report presents a review of the experimental measurements used to arrive at the current description of equatorial F region plumes and associated irregularities. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 21, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA073716
Entities
People
- E. J. Weber
- J. Buchau
- J. G. Moore
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory