SOME EFFECTS OF NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS ON THE VERTICAL IONOPHERIC SOUNDINGS

Journal Article · Mon Feb 23 04:00:00 EST 1959 · Compt. rend.

OSTI ID:4271379

Lepechinsky, D; Davoust, C

The anomalies presented by the ionospheric soundings at Tahiti, Maui, and Rarotonga during the nuclear explosions in the Pacific on August 1 and August 12, 1958, were investigated. An auroral manifestation appearing at the time of the first explosion at an ionospheric attitude had an excellent correlation with the exceptional absorption detected, beginning at 11 UT. The existence of such an ionospheric effect of the bomb is explained by the intense heating of the low ionosphere. The explosion of August 12 was experienced by the ionosphere of Maul and Rarotongta beginning at 16 UT although it had taken place at 1030 UT. From the experiences of August 1, 1958, such a displacement of time was not probable. It is therefore assumed that actually the explosion occurred closer to 16 UT. However, the hypothesis of a slow drift of the radioactive full-out or a different altitude for the explosion can not be completely ruled out. The radius of ionospheric influence'' of atomic explosions appeared to be approximately 3500 km for the first explosion and 5000 km for the second. (J.S.R.)

• Research Organization: Originating Research Org. not identified
• NSA Number: NSA-13-010186
• OSTI ID: 4271379
• Journal Information: Compt. rend., Journal Name: Compt. rend. Vol. Vol: 248
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: French

Related Subjects

ABSORPTION
AURORAE
DETECTION
FALLOUT
HEATING
IONOSPHERE
LEVELS
MEASURED VALUES
NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS
PHYSICS AND MATHEMATICS
SOUND
VOLUME