Accession Number:

AD0258501

Title:

A STUDY OF AURORAL X-RAYS AT MINNEAPOLIS BETWEEN 23 AUGUST 1959 AND 1 AUGUST 1960

Descriptive Note:

Corporate Author:

MINNESOTA UNIV MINNEAPOLIS

Personal Author(s):

• MAY,THOMAS C.

Report Date:

1961-04-01

Pagination or Media Count:

1.0

Abstract:

Auroral X-ray bursts observed in a balloon monitoring project are presented. To make a reasonable presentation of the bursts, it is necessary to determine something about the intensity and energy spectrum of the electrons producing the x-rays. Calculations are presented which show that the electron flux distribution which causes auroral x-rays is much more intense at low energies than at high energies. For example, if the electron flux distribution is of the form kE to the -nth power, n must be about 3 or 4. Calculations are then made of the average electron flux above 20 kev for each burst, assuming that the flux distribution is of the form kE to the -3 power and that the electrons are impinging on the top of the atmosphere over a large area above the balloon. Laboratory experiments are presented which verify most of the procedures used in the calculations. Finally, there are some calculations of the possible magnetic effects of the bremsstrahlung-producing electrons. Author

Descriptors:

• *AURORAE
• *MAGNETIC STORMS
• *X RAYS
• AIRBORNE
• BALLAST
• BREMSSTRAHLUNG
• ELECTRONS
• MEASUREMENT
• PHOTONS
• RECORDING SYSTEMS
• GEOMAGNETISM

Subject Categories:

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE