Accession Number:

AD0753088

Title:

Ionospheric Research Using Satellites - An Interpretation of Ionospheric Faraday Rotation Observations at the Equator.

Descriptive Note:

Final scientific rept. 1 Jan-31 Dec 71,

Corporate Author:

GHANA UNIV LEGON DEPT OF PHYSICS

Personal Author(s):

• Koster,John R.
• Beer,Tom

Report Date:

1972-06-23

Pagination or Media Count:

82.0

Abstract:

The Faraday rotation angle phi of the radio signal from ATS-C has been continuously measured at Legon for several years. The curves show unexpected minima and maxima in the post-sunset period. Recently the signal from Intelsat 2F-2 has been measured simultaneously. Comparison of the curves from the spaced satellites shows that the occurrence of the minima and maxima depends primarily on local solar time, with appropriate time shifts for the two satellites. The seasonal dependence of scintillation at Legon is shown for a period of four years. An explanation of this seasonal dependence is attempted in terms of the time of sunset at the base of the F region field lines over Legon. Results fit Legon observations well, but seem to be at variance with South American results. In the light of the observed F region behavior a new theory of equatorial spread F is proposed. Author

Descriptors:

• (*IONOSPHERE
• SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH)
• (*IONOSPHERIC PROPAGATION
• IONOSPHERIC DISTURBANCES)
• SCIENTIFIC SATELLITES
• RADIO SIGNALS
• SCINTILLATION
• DIURNAL VARIATIONS
• GHANA
• RADIO SIGNALS
• POLARIZATION

Subject Categories:

• Atmospheric Physics
• Radiofrequency Wave Propagation

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE