Equatorial scintillation of satellite signals at uhf and l-band for two different elevation angles

An investigation of the equatorial scintillation of satellite signals at uhf and L-band for 10 and 50 degree elevation angles is reported. Diurnal and seasonal variations of scintillation, as well as solar cycle dependence, are given. The occurrence and intensity of scintillations are compared for the two frequencies and for the two elevation angles. A number of fade duration distributions for fades greater than 6 and greater than 12 dB below the undisturbed signal are shown for each frequency and each satellite. A periodicity in the occurrence of scintillation is reported and is attributed to the gravitation field of the Moon. It is proposed that the Moon's gravity affects the occurrence and intensity of equatorial scintillation by modulating the velocity of the zonal winds at ionospheric heights.