Chatanika Radar Measurements during the Auroral E Program
Abstract
Chatanika radar electron-density and electric-field measurements were made during the Auroral E rocket program. Four instrumented sounding rockets were launched into the diffuse aurora from Poker Flat Research Range near Fairbanks, Alaska. The radar provided ionospheric data during eight consecutive nights preceding the launch. The radar data from the night of the launch were analyzed to determine the extent and duration of the auroral E layer. The electron density data indicated that the southward advance of the diffuse aurora was consistent with the average shape of the statistical auroral oval. During the rocket launches the E layer was uniform with a maximum density of about 200, 000 to 300,000 el/cu. cm at an altitude of 125 km. The energy flux of precipitating electrons was 1.5 to 2.0 ergs/sq. cm-sec. The mean energy of the electrons was inferred to be about 2 keV. Electric fields were northward with a magnitude of 30 mV/m. No auroral arcs were present within the range of the rocket trajectories.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA107117
Entities
People
- Richard R. Vondrak
- Robert M. Robinson
Organizations
- SRI International