Plasma Densities and Irregularities at 830 km Altitude Based on Observations during 1979
Abstract
The in situ density of the thermal plasma was observed with instruments on two satellites of the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program. Each satellite was in a sun synchronous polar orbit so that the two satellites surveyed the topside ionosphere in the mid-morning (7 to 11 hrs magnetic local time) and evening (19 to 23 hrs magnetic local time) sectors. This report presents a survey of the measured thermal ion density in order to determine the median plasma density at 830 km altitude observed as a function of latitude, longitude and season. These results are compared with plasma densities from standard models of the ionosphere, and from previous topside plasma density observations. This report also presents a survey of low and mid latitude regions where plasma density irregularities are found. The plasma density irregularities in the equatorial region are presented as functions of latitude, longitude, and seasons. These regions are probably co-located with regions of Equatorial Spread F radio disturbances.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 28, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA172118
Entities
People
- Frederick J. Rich
- Michael Smiddy
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory