Accession Number:

AD0760138

Title:

Heavy Particle Induced Ionization Rates for PCA 69.

Descriptive Note:

Final rept. 30 Oct 70-30 Jun 72,

Corporate Author:

PANAMETRICS INC WALTHAM MASS

Personal Author(s):

• Sellers,Bach
• Hanser,Frederick A.
• Hunerwadel,Jean L.

Report Date:

1972-11-01

Pagination or Media Count:

69.0

Abstract:

During Operation PCA 69 proton and alpha particle fluxes in the approximate range 2-100 MeV were determined from measurements made on three Black Brant rockets launched at the following universal times AJ17.602, 2 Nov2020 AJ17.758, 3 Nov0605 AJ17.617, 4 Nov2308. General details of the particle detection system design are given, and the method of deducing the differential spectrum incident on the atmosphere from the measured altitude variation of the integral flux is discussed. Specific ionization rate expressions are derived for heavy particle spectra of the form jE, alpha approximatelyE to the minus n power Costo the beta power of alpha and presented in a manner applicable to any atmosphere. When the spectrum is assumed to extend to infinite energy, a simple analytic result is obtained that is applicable to that region of the atmosphere in which the atmospheric depth exceeds the range of the minimum energy particles contained in jE, alpha. Altitude profiles of proton induced ionization rate are given for the launch time of each of the three rockets. Author

Descriptors:

• (*IONOSPHERIC DISTURBANCES
• CHARGED PARTICLES)
• SOLAR FLARES
• SOLAR RADIATION
• PROTONS
• ALPHA PARTICLES
• IONIZATION
• ATMOSPHERIC SOUNDING
• NUCLEAR RADIATION SPECTROMETERS
• SOUNDING ROCKETS
• CANADA

Subject Categories:

• Atmospheric Physics

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE