Search for lightning-induced electron precipitation with rocket-borne photometers

Journal Article · Thu Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1990 · Geophysical Research Letters (American Geophysical Union); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/GL017i012p02217· OSTI ID:5502501

Massey, R D; McCarthy, M P; Parks, G K

Photometers at 3,914{angstrom} and 5,577{angstrom} and an optical imager were part of an experimental package launched on a sounding rocket in the 1987 Wave Induced Particle Precipitation (WIPP) campaign at Wallops Island, Virginia. The objective was to measure lightning-induced electron precipitation (LEP) by means of its optical signature. This was the first attempt to measure LEP using rocket-borne optical instrumentation. Launch criteria included nearby thunderstorm activity and ground-based observations of Trimpi events. Lightning flashes are clearly discernible in the data. The photometer data was also characterized by large spin and precession modulations in the photon count rate, consistent with elevated steady particle fluxes in the northern portion of the instrument field of view. No evidence of LEP was observed by the photometers or onboard particle detectors (Arnoldy and Kinter, 1989). Analysis of the data has enabled the authors to place an upper limit of 8 {times} 10{sup {minus}4} ergs-cm{sup {minus}2}-sec{sup {minus}1} on any burst precipitation energy flux that many have occurred during the rocket flight in the regions explored by the photometers.

• OSTI ID: 5502501
• Journal Information: Geophysical Research Letters (American Geophysical Union); (United States), Journal Name: Geophysical Research Letters (American Geophysical Union); (United States) Vol. 17:12; ISSN GPRLA; ISSN 0094-8276
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640201* -- Atmospheric Physics-- Auroral
Ionospheric
& Magetospheric Phenomena
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
AURORAL ZONES
CHARGED-PARTICLE PRECIPITATION
DATA
DATA ANALYSIS
DETECTION
ELECTRIC DISCHARGES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ELECTRON PRECIPITATION
INFORMATION
IONIZATION
LIGHTNING
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
PARTICLE LOSSES
PHOTOMETERS
RADIATION BELTS
RADIATIONS
ROCKETS
WAVE PROPAGATION