Operation Argus. Satellite measurements

Technical Report · Fri Aug 31 04:00:00 EDT 1984

OSTI ID:5391689

Kostoff, P C; Stuhlinger, E; Kampneier, H W; Boehm, J

Following a theory on the trapping of electrons from nuclear explosions by the magnetic field of the earth, DOD initiated Operation Argus in May 1958 to provide an experimental check of the theory. Nuclear devices were detonated at great altitudes, and the ensuing effects were measured by instrumented satellites, rocket probes, and land and sea observation stations in various parts of the world. This report describes the Argus Satellite Project, the broad theory of the Christofilos effect, the measurements of the background radiation, and the measurement of the effect itself. After each Argus nuclear detonation, the instrumented satellite reported a new and well-defined radiation belt that persisted before many hours.

• Research Organization: Kaman Tempo, Santa Barbara, CA (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5391689
• Report Number(s): AD-A-995268/0/XAB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
450202* -- Explosions & Explosives-- Nuclear-- Weaponry-- (-1989)
640203 -- Atmospheric Physics-- Magnetospheric Phenomena-- (-1987)
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ARGUS EVENT
ATMOSPHERIC EXPLOSIONS
ELECTRONS
ELEMENTARY PARTICLES
EXPLOSIONS
FERMIONS
GEOMAGNETIC FIELD
LEPTONS
MAGNETIC FIELDS
NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS
RADIATION BELTS
TRAPPING