AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MASS

Atmospheric Response to Geomagnetic Activity.

12 APR 1979

Authors: F. A. Marcos; AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MASS

The full text of this report is not available and therefore is not for sale. This information is provided for reference purposes only.

Modeling of the Geosynchronous Orbit Plasma Environment. Part 3. ATS-5 and ATS-6 Pictorial Data Atlas.

15 JAN 1979

Authors: Henry B. Garrett; R. E. McInerney; S. E. DeForest; B. Johnson; AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MASS

Data on the geosynchronous plasma environment derived from the UCSD plasma detectors on the ATS-5 and ATS-6 satellites have been carefully compiled into a pictorial atlas. The atlas consists of 12 days of data from 1969 (ATS-5), 38 days from 1970 (ATS-5), 37 days from 1974 (ATS-6), and 8 days from 1976 (ATS-6). The data are 10-min averages of the first four moments of the plasma distribution function for the ...

Arctic Ice,

JAN 1979

Authors: N. N. Zubov; AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MASS

Cirrus Particle Distribution Study. Part 3.

11 DEC 1978

Authors: Donald J. Varley; AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MASS

This report describes particle spectra in thin cirrus clouds that were sampled on 18 March 1978 southwest of Albuquerque. The sampling aircraft, an MC-130E, flew near 31,000 ft (9.4 km) and acquired cloud particle data with its three PMS spectrometer probes. Ice crystals larger than 50 micrometer were recorded for only about 17 min, but smaller ones were measured by an axial scattering probe for several more minutes. Listings of ...

Modeling of the Geosynchronous Orbit Plasma Environment. Part 2. ATS-5 and ATS-6 Statistical Atlas.

30 NOV 1978

35 pages

Authors: Henry B. Garrett; E. G. Mullen; E. Ziemba; S. E. DeForest; AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MASS

The full text of this report is available for sale.

A preliminary statistical analysis of the ATS-5 and ATS-6 geosynchronous plasma data has been carried out. Variations in the electron and ion currents and temperatures, as represented by the single Maxwellian component temperatures T(AVG) and T(RMS), are evaluated with respect to local time and geomagnetic activity. The potential on the satellites is similarly evaluated. Results indicate that the geosynchronous plasma cannot be adequately represented by a simple Maxwellian distribution and ...

A Modern Thermo-Kinetic Warm Fog Dispersal System.

14 NOV 1978

Authors: Bruce A. Kunkel; AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MASS

An extensive investigation has been made to arrive at optimum specifications for a thermo-kinetic warm fog dispersal system. This study included passive heat tests, sub-scale heat/momentum tests, and tests with a single full-scale runway combustor and an approach zone combustor. These tests were augmented with extensive analytical modeling of buoyant jets under coflowing and counterflowing wind conditions. The landing category and the operational requirements within each category are the primary ...

An Efficient Barotropic Vorticity Equation Model on a Sphere.

13 NOV 1978

Authors: Samuel Y. K. Yee; AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MASS

An efficient accurate algorithm for a barotropic model for a computational domain that encompasses the entire surface of the earth has been developed. While this simple model does not contain enough realistic features of the atmosphere to predict the synoptic-scale weather with accuracy, it does, however, simulate the planetary waves of the atmosphere with sufficient realism to enable us to conduct numerical experiments designed to study specific problems in numerical ...

Ionic Reactions Deduced from Atmosphere Explorer Data: A Survey.

13 NOV 1978

Authors: William Swider; AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MASS

In general, ionic reaction rate coefficients deduced from Atmosphere Explorer Satellite data are in good agreement with laboratory results. Rate coefficients have been ascertained for a few processes which are not available from laboratory work. However, to date, the data base has yielded little new information pertinent to the needs of the DNA community. (Author)

Field Test Results of a Laser Doppler Velocimeter and an Acoustic Doppler Wind Sounder.

01 NOV 1978

Authors: Frederick J. Brousaides; AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MASS

A field test program was conducted to evaluate the potential of two indirect wind sensing techniques as possible support in a warm fog dispersal system. The sensors examined were a Laser Doppler Velocimeter and an Acoustic Doppler Wind Sounder. Data from these devices were correlated with measurements taken by anemometers mounted upon a 61-m meteorological tower. The average deviation of the Laser Doppler Velocimeter was + or - 1.0 m/sec ...

Aspect Determination for the AFGL Infrared Survey Experiments.

16 OCT 1978

Authors: Stephan D. Price; David S. Akerstrom; Charles V. Cunniff; Leonard P. Marcotte; Peter C. Tandy; AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MASS

The AFGL probe borne infrared celestial survey experiments are designed to obtain the inertial aspect of the payload reference frame with an accuracly comparable to the spatial size of a resolution element in the infrared telescope. Constraining the axis of payload rotation to known inertial coordinates through maintaining lock onto a selected pole star with a star tracker co-aligned to the roll-axis, and by careful geometric alignment of the optical ...

Remote Ionospheric Monitoring.

16 OCT 1978

Authors: Jurgen Buchau; William N. Hall; Bodo W. Reinisch; Sheryl Smith; AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MASS

A program for the development of automatic real-time monitoring of the ionosphere at a remote observing location is described. The Digisonde 128, a digital sounder in routine operation since 1970, provides digital data suitable for online computer processing. Analytical methods for the detection of ionospheric echoes and the determination of their virtual height, amplitude, and range spread have been developed. For real time application, these methods have been implemented in ...

Cirrus Particle Distribution Study, Part 2.

10 OCT 1978

Authors: D. J. Varley; D. M. Brooks; AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MASS

This report presents particle spectrometer data obtained by the AFGL instrumented MC-130E aircraft during a flight through various types of cirriform clouds in the Albuquerque area on 26 February 1978. The data consist of average particle concentration figures as a function of size for consecutive 30-sec periods during the 96-min sampling mission. Additionally, data for some particular 15-sec segments of the flight are closely examined. These segments, selected to represent ...

A Feasibility Study of the Use of Radiant Energy for Fog Dispersal.

06 OCT 1978

Authors: Milton M. Klein; AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MASS

As part of a broad effort by the Air Force to evaluate various methods of dissipating warm fogs over airport runways, a feasibility study has been made of the possible use of radiant energy to dissipate fog. The source of microwave power was considered either ground-based or airborne. For the ground-based case, the microwave beam was taken as parallel to the ground and along the runway, providing a direct source ...

A Report on Experiments with the AFGWC Boundary Layer Model.

02 OCT 1978

Authors: Chien-Hsiung Yang; Karekin Agazarian; AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MASS

Experiments were carried out to find means of improving the forecast performance of the Air Force Global Weather Central (AFGWC) Boundary Layer Model. The results suggest that modifications in the methods of estimating eddy diffusivity and surface specific humidity may yield a slight improvement in the forecast accuracy while requiring less computation. It is also demonstrated that doubling the time step from 30 to 60 min does not significantly degrade ...

Conditional Joint Probabilities.

02 OCT 1978

Authors: Irving I. Gringorten; AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MASS

Formerly, for the solution of the conditional probability of a single predictand, its equivalent normal deviate (END) was obtained, under the assumption of multivariate normality, by linear regression on the END's of the predictors. For the joint probability of two predictands, the approach is to find the two corresponding END's by the same method, but in addition, to find the conditional correlation coefficient between the predictands. Such correlation has proved ...

The Geomagnetic Index Q -- Its Persistence, Predictability, and Other Pertinent Properties.

18 SEP 1978

Authors: Alfred E. Reilly; AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MASS

The persistence and predictability of the geomagnetic index Q are demonstrated. The other important properties of this index are described. The immediate use and widespread utility of the results are indicated. (Author)

The SIMS Technique Applied to Background Suppression.

18 SEP 1978

Authors: George A. Vanasse; Roy W. Esplin; Ronald J. Huppi; AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MASS

A method of using the SIMS (the selective modulation interferometric spectrometer) to measure the difference between the spectral content of two optical beams is given. The differencing is done optically; that is, the modulated director signal is directly proportional to the difference between the two spectra being compared. This optical differencing minimizes the dynamic-range requirements of the electronics and requires only a simple modification of the basic cyclic SIMS spectrometer. ...

Description and Applications for an Automated Inertial Azimuth Measuring System,

07 SEP 1978

Authors: James A. Shearer; William D. Atwill; AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MASS

Requirements for highly precise azimuth references for USAF weapons systems have led to an improved automated azimuth measuring system (AAMS). The AAMS represents the state-of-the-art for a highly accurate, automated, all-weather azimuth capability which can be used in either a laboratory or specialized field environment. The present system consists of two integrated inertial sensors, an angle transfer system, a tiltmeter array and a microprocessor. The inertial sensors use gimbal-mounted rate ...

Observations of Cirrus Particle Characteristics Occurring with Halos.

16 AUG 1978

Authors: Morton Glass; Donald J. Varley; AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MASS

Satellite Ionization Gauge Measurements of Atmospheric Density.

15 AUG 1978

Authors: J. P. McIsaac; R. E. McInerney; D. Delorey; AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MASS

Experiment details and measurement technique are described for ionization gauge measurements performed onboard the Air Force S3-1 satellite. Atmospheric density data obtained over the second half of the S3-1 satellite flight are presented in the appendices in the form of graphs of atmospheric density versus altitude and universal time. These representative data were acquired during the time period from January 1975 to May 1975. A flight summary of the processed ...

Atmospheric Properties from Measurements at Kwajalein Atoll on 5 April 1978.

11 AUG 1978

Authors: C. R. Philbrick; J. P. Noonan; E. T. Fletcher Jr.; T. Hanrahan; J. E. Salah; AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MASS

Measurements of atmospheric density, temperature, and wind velocity were obtained in the altitude range from 0 to 130 km using several sensors flown during a six hour period on 5 April 1978 from Kwajalein Atoll. The results from rawinsonde, rocketsonde, robin sphere, accelerometer sphere, and hypersonic sphere techniques were analyzed and the error sources associated with each technique were investigated. The measurements have been used together with a study of ...

Forward Scatter Meter Measurements of Slant Visual Range.

09 AUG 1978

Authors: Wayne S. Hering; Edward B. Geisler; AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MASS

The potential for remote tower measurements of point visibility in the determination of slant range visibility for aircraft landing operations was explored through analysis of data collected at the Air Force Geophysics Laboratory Weather Test Facility at Otis AFB, Massachusetts. This report described initial experiments that deal with an analysis of the small scale variability of extinction coefficient in time and space. Data from two instrumented towers spaced 1500 ft ...

Flares, Force-Free Fields, Emerging Flux, and Other Phenomena in McMath 14943 (September 1977).

09 AUG 1978

Authors: Donald F. Neidig; Howard L. DeMastus; Philip H. Wiborg; AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MASS

Magnetic and photographic data covering the transit of McMath 14943 are analyzed and compared with the evolution of flare activity in the region. Several zones of concentrated flare activity are identified and found to be associated with the presence of emerging flux, sunspot motions, and sheared magnetic fields. For two flares we identify the preflare energy build-up in force-free fields as well as the relaxation of the same fields following ...

A Comparison of Theoretical and Experimental Results in Supercooled Stratus Dispersal.

09 AUG 1978

Authors: Rosemary M. Dyer; Bruce A. Kunkel; AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MASS

A one-dimensional mathematical model of the growth of ice crystals in supercooled clouds was examined in detail and a sensitivity analysis was performed. Critical parameters include seeding rate, temperature, cloud depth, liquid water content, drop size, and updraft velocities. Calculations were compared with experimental observations made during a stratus seeding field program conducted in Northern Michigan in 1977. Substituting reasonable values of cloud physics parameters and using known values of ...

Breakup Characteristics of JP-4 Vented from KC-135 Aircraft.

08 AUG 1978

Authors: R. E. Good; C. A. Forsberg; Patricia M. Bench; AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MASS

Air Force and civilian jet aircraft are known to dump fuel from time to time. A study program was undertaken to determine, from in-situ measurements, the physical process occurring after clouds of vented fuel were dumped at altitudes. Drop sizes and densities were measured. These measurements were corrected by use of a multi-component JP-4 model. Based on corrected measurements, the fall rate and fate of fuel vented from a KC-135 ...

Cirrus Particle Distribution Study. Part 1.

07 AUG 1978

Authors: D. J. Varley; AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MASS

Cirrus particle distribution data are presented for a flight that was made by the AFGL instrumented MC-130E aircraft near Denver, Colorado on 29 October 1977. The data were gathered in support of an Air Force Weapons Laboratory project. The report briefly describes some previous cirrus research and also outlines the basic cloud physics instrumentation aboard the aircraft, particularly the PMS 1-D and 2-D spectrometer equipment. Data averages are given for ...

Cleanliness Considerations for the AFGL Infrared Celestial Survey Experiments.

06 JUL 1978

Authors: Stephan D. Price; Charles V. Cunniff; Russell G. Walker; AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MASS

Space-borne cryogenically cooled infrared telescope systems are optically sensitive to particulate contamination along the line of sight. Methods of cleaning and handling flight instrumentation have been developed at AFGL and used on the Infrared Celestial Survey Program. These procedures are described in detail and flight results are presented. (Author)

Calibration of the HI STAR Sensors.

03 JUL 1978

Authors: Stephan D. Price; Russell G. Walker; AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MASS

Problems exist in calibrating a cryogenically cooled infrared sensor system in the laboratory. Although there are limited laboratory facilities which attempt to simulate the actual operational environment, the sensor-tester interface has created difficulties for calibrating LWIR sensors in general. The procedures used to calibrate the AFGL infrared celestial survey experiments are described in detail. It was found that stars are reliable calibration sources which offer several advantages over laboratory references. ...

Steady-State Multi-Ion Disturbed D-Region Model.

15 JUN 1978

Authors: William Swider; Carol I. Foley; AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MASS

A model with 78 reactions involving 21 positive ions and 8 negative ions has been developed for the disturbed D-region under steady-state conditions. Model examples are given for the 2 to 5 November 1969 and 3 to 11 August 1972 solar proton events. The computer program for the model is given in the Appendix. (Author)

A Method for Treating the Sheath Size in the Langmuir Mott-Smith Equations.

02 JUN 1978

Authors: Christopher Sherman; AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MASS

An argument is presented which justifies the simultaneous use of both the Langmuir Mott-Smith orbit limited, and the diode space charge limited equations for current collection by electrostatic probes. From these two equations the sheath size can be eliminated and the current to a probe obtained for a large range of values of probe potential and Debye length. Numerical solutions are presented for both the spherical and cylindrical cases. Asymptotic ...

Dissociation Driven Diurnal Oscillations.

30 MAY 1978

Authors: S. P. Zimmerman; T. J. Keneshea; AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MASS

The use of a one-dimensional model atmosphere calculation incorporating dissociation of O2 and ionized species demonstrates that dissociation, through the production of atomic oxygen, can drive the vertical thermosphere and upper mesosphere into diurnal oscillations. It is further demonstrated that neutral mesospheric and lower thermospheric turbulence, through its control of atomic oxygen flow, can cause large amplitude variations of these oscillations. (Author)

Variability of the Lower Thermosphere Determined from Satellite Accelerometer Data.

25 MAY 1978

Authors: Frank A. Marcos; Robert E. McInerney; Robert W. Fioretti; AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MASS

An extensive atmospheric density data base has been developed using accelerometer results from four low altitude satellites. The altitude range of the data is from 250 km down to as low as 140 km, with latitude coverage from 90 N to 90 S and local time periods that cover several 24-hr cycles. The data were obtained over a wide range of geomagnetic activity conditions. Solar radiation, as indicated by the ...

A Catalog of Proton Events 1966-1976 Having Non-Classical Solar Radio Burst Spectra.

16 MAY 1978

Authors: John P. Castelli; Guy L. Tarnstrom; AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MASS

A catalog of about 118 proton events, 1966-1976, not included in an earlier catalog of 81 events (AFGL TR-77-0081) for the same period is presented. These 118 events combined with the earlier 81 provide the basis for summarizing solar radio burst/high-energy proton correlation and prediction signature work. In the earlier effort, hereafter called Catalog I, the starting point was the identification of all solar radio bursts having the classical U-shape ...

Sounding Rocket Flight Data Summary, 1966-1976.

15 MAY 1978

61 pages

Authors: C. Nealon Stark; Alan K. Williams; AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MASS

This report is a summary listing of all AFGL sounding rockets launched from 1966 to 1976. Listed data includes the launch time, date, place, and number; the type of rocket launched; the name of the project scientist; the impact time, range, azimuth, apogee time, and altitude; payload weight and length; the recovery, ACS type, and performance; experiments flown; support systems; remarks; and total vehicle performance. (Author)

Effects of a Time-Varying Photoelectron Flux on Spacecraft Potential.

15 MAY 1978

Authors: Henry Berry Garrett; AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MASS

Analysis of plasma data from the geosynchronous satellites ATS-5 and ATS-6 shows that the satellites vary rapidly in potential as they pass into and out of the earth's shadow. These variations result from the loss of photoelectrons as the sun is eclipsed. A model of this phenomemon which includes the effects of atmospheric attenuation of the solar flux between 1000 A and 3000 A and spacecraft charge buildup is used ...

Spacecraft Charging at Geosynchronous Orbit - Solution for Eclipse Passage.

15 MAY 1978

Authors: Henry Berry Garrett; Allen G. Rubin; AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MASS

Rapid variations in spacecraft potential are observed on entry and exit from the earth's shadow. Generalized equations, based on elementary plasma probe theory, are developed which make quantitative estimates of these potentials as a function of satellite position in the earth's penumbra, and are compared with data from the ATS-5 and ATS-6 geosynchronous satellites. The agreement between the observations and the predictions results from the approximate constancy of the ratio ...

Spacecraft Potential Calculations -- A Model.

05 MAY 1978

Authors: Henry B. Garrett; AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MASS

A simple model for calculating the potential on a spacecraft by balancing the currents to and from the spacecraft surface is developed. The model, calibrated using ATS-5 plasma data during periods when the satellite was in the earth's shadow, is used to predict potentials on a shadowed, electrically isolated surface at geosynchronous orbit as a function of local time. Potentials are also predicted as the spacecraft moves into and out ...

Airglow Calculations for Remote Sensing of Density.

05 MAY 1978

Authors: Roger A. Van Tassel; AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MASS

An instrument to remotely determine neutral density profiles in the lower thermosphere has been developed. The instrument observes ultraviolet airglow profiles in two bands: the 3371 A band for nitrogen and the 1356 A band for atomic oxygen to infer atmospheric density. Calculations of the intensities of these emissions have been made using the recent computations of energy dependent photoelectron fluxes and experimental determinations of the excitation cross section.

Atmospheric Turbidity in Europe, 1963-1969.

21 APR 1978

Authors: Frederic E. Volz; AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MASS

Atmospheric turbidity in Western Europe and over the Atlantic Ocean is presented from measurements with sun photometers of solar radiation at a wavelength of 500 nm. Approximately 50 stations participated in a turbidity network for parts of the April 1963 to December 1969 period. Daily minimum values are tabulated, and turbidity at the same stations is shown graphically through December 1965. Frequency distributions for 27 stations show that average turbidity ...

New Cloud Physics Instrumentation Requirements,

17 APR 1978

Authors: Arnold A. Barnes Jr; AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MASS

Air Force requirements for in situ cloud physics measurements of crystal habit, particle size distribution and ice/water content values are reviewed. These areas of deficiency are noted. The first is in and just above the melting zone where there are large clusters of snow and mixed ice and snow. Two instruments developed for the Air Force are being tested to obtain total ice/water measurements throughh this region. The second deficiency ...

Solar Terrestrial Physics Data Exchange.

14 APR 1978

Authors: M. A. Shea; AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MASS

A description of the solar-terrestrial physics scientific data exchange and information systems operated by the World Data Centers is presented. This includes a brief history of the data center system, a listing of the various types of data archived and disseminated and a summary of relevant publications of World Data Center A for Solar-Terrestrial Physics. (Author)

Spire-Spectral Infrared Rocket Experiment (Preliminary Results).

11 APR 1978

Authors: R. M. Nadile; A. T. Stair Jr.; N. B. Wheeler; D. G. Frodsham; C. L. Wyatt; AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MASS

On 28 Sept., 1977 at 1533 GMT, a Talos Castor rocket carrying the SPIRE payload was launched from the Poker Flat Research Range, Alaska. The objective of the SPIRE experiment, which was supported by the Defense Nuclear Agency, was to obtain infrared emission spectra of the earth's upper atmosophere in a limb-viewing geometry to test theoretical predictions of enhanced nuclear backgrounds. Two cryogenically cooled CVF spectrometers and a dual channel ...

Compilation of Papers Presented by the Space Physics Division at the Ionospheric Effects Symposium (IES 1978) held 24-26 January, Arlington, Virginia.

05 APR 1978

Authors: AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MASS

This is a compilation of seventeen (17) papers presented by the Space Physics Division at the 1978 Symposium on the Effect of the Ionosphere on Space and Terrestrial Systems. The symposium was jointly sponsored by the Naval Research Laboratory and the Office of Naval Research, January 24-26, 1978. The emphasis is on the occurrence of ionospheric irregularities and their effect on communication, radar and navigation systems. (Author)

SWIR-MWIR Electron Fluorescence Measurements in N2/O2 and Air.

04 APR 1978

Authors: B. D. Green; G. E. Caledonia; R. E. Murphy; AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MASS

The infrared fluorescence of electron irradiated room air and mixtures of N2/O2 has been observed over the spectral range of 1600-6700/cm. Dominant spectral features include the NO fundamental and first overtone bands as well as the CO2(nu3) and N2O(nu3) fundamental bands. Comparisons between the spectra observed in room air and laboratory N2/O2 mixtures are provided. (Author)

Calculation of the Buoyant Motion of a Turbulent Planar Heated Jet in an Opposing Air Stream.

23 MAR 1978

Authors: Milton M. Klein; AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MASS

A broad experimental and theoretical program is being conducted to aid in the development of an operational warm fog dispersal system which utilizes momentum driven ground based heat sources. To help determine optimum heat and thrust combinations for the system, investigations are being made of the buoyant motion of heated turbulent jets both coflowing (wind and jet in the same direction) and counterflowing (wind and jet opposite). The investigation of ...

The Topside Ionosphere Plasma Monitor (SSIE) for the Block 5D/Flight 2 DMSP Satellite.

22 MAR 1978

Authors: M. Smiddy; R. C. Sagalyn; W. P. Sullivan; P. J. L. Wildman; P. Anderson; AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MASS

The Topside Ionosphere Plasma Monitor (SSIE) is an operational system flown on the Block 5D F2 DMSP Satellite for transmission of continuous data on the state of the topside ionosphere. The instrument consists of separate electron and ion sensors mounted on a 2.5-ft boom deployed after spacecraft attitude has been stabilized in orbit. This report describes the two sensors, associated electronics, and their operational timelines. The theoretical basis is given ...

Development of a Corona Anemometer for Measurement of Stratospheric Turbulence.

21 MAR 1978

Authors: R. E. Good; J. H. Brown; G. Harpell; AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MASS

The length of time pollution remains in the stratosphere depends upon the intensity of stratospheric turbulence. Measurement of stratospheric turbulence has been limited due to the lack of a suitable instrument. A new instrument has been developed to meet this need. The corona anemometer sensor development is described from the physical principles of operation through the electronic circuitry, laboratory and in-flight calibrations to the first test flight. The corona anemometer ...

PRECEDE II: Summarized Results of an Artificial Auroral Experiment.

16 MAR 1978

Authors: Robert R. O'Neil; AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MASS

On 13 December 1977, PRECEDE II was launched form the White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico at 05:49:59.116 UT. PRECEDE II is one of a series of artificial auroral experiments in the DNA-AFGL EXCEDE program using pulsed high-power rocketborne electron accelerators operating in the 80- to 140-km altitude range. This launch was designed to serve as an engineering test of an electron accelerator module providing a pulsed 3-kV, 7-A electron ...

About the Development of a Second Generation Atmospheric Sampler Control and Data System: SCADS-2.

16 MAR 1978

Authors: Robert H. Cordella Jr; AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MASS

This report documents the development of an atmospheric sampling control and data acquisition system (SCADS) for the Department of Energy's high-altitude, balloon-borne monitoring program. The period documented spans 5 calendar years ending with 1977. Sources for technical information are referenced. (Author)

The Behavior of Gridded Spherical and Planar Electron Probes in a Non-Maxwellian Plasma.

16 MAR 1978

17 pages

Authors: William J. Burke; Michael Smiddy; AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MASS

The responses of gridded spherical and planar electrostatic probes to plasmas with kappa type distribution functions are analyzed along lines developed by Mott-Smith and Langmuir. Specifically, consider a case that could be encountered when a satellite is in the outer reaches of the plasma-sphere. Practical rules are developed for calculating the plasma's spectral index (K), its mean thermal energy, and density. It is shown that treating the plasma as though ...