The utilization of radio beacons as diagnostic tools in the study of ionospheric modification events
Abstract
Faraday rotation experiments from geosynchronous satellites are used to study temporal variations of the total electron content (TEC) in the ionosphere; these electrons are the result of a planned or inadvertent release of chemical reagents in the upper atmosphere. Investigations conducted in conjunction with the launch of the High Energy Astronomy Observatory III at 0528 UT on September 20, 1979 revealed an abrupt and significant diminution in TEC. The measurements were made over two distinct satellite paths (ATS-3 and ATS-5) that terminated in receivers located in Bermuda. Differing ray penetration geometries with respect to the rocket plume position and altitude produced different results for the ATS-3 and the ATS-5; the initial ATS-3 diminution was close to 90%, while the ATS-5 decrease was about 50%. The observed oscillation in TEC following the event was consistent with a travelling disturbance propagating in the N-S plane.
- Publication:
-
Scientific and Engineering Uses of Satellite Radio Beacons
- Pub Date:
- 1981
- Bibcode:
- 1981seus.proc..421G
- Keywords:
-
- Faraday Effect;
- Ionospheric Electron Density;
- Ionospheric Sounding;
- Radio Beacons;
- Synchronous Satellites;
- Traveling Ionospheric Disturbances;
- Atmospheric Chemistry;
- Radio Waves;
- Satellite Observation;
- Wave Propagation;
- Space Communications, Spacecraft Communications, Command and Tracking