Rocket measurements of energy deposition in the atmosphere by auroral x-rays

Journal Article · Sat Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 1977 · Antarct. J. U. S.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6096933

Barcus, J R

The experimental program involves coordinated rocket and balloon measurements aimed at identifying the specific response of selected electrical parameters and minor constituents to particle and x-ray bombardment of the atmosphere. Only preliminary results pertaining to energy deposition by bremsstrahlung x-rays are reported here. These results suggest that transient ionization effects due to bremsstrahlung x-rays are sufficient to significantly increase mesospheric conductivity at high latitudes. When the primary electron spectrum possesses a hard component, the associated bremsstrahlung can deposit sufficient energy at upper stratospheric levels to lower the classical electrosphere. Both of these effects are likely to have consequences on the coupling of disturbance electric fields across the atmosphere and on the distribution of the fair weather field as well. 1 figure.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Denver, CO
• OSTI ID: 6096933
• Journal Information: Antarct. J. U. S.; (United States), Journal Name: Antarct. J. U. S.; (United States) Vol. 12:4; ISSN AJUSA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640201* -- Atmospheric Physics-- Auroral
Ionospheric
& Magetospheric Phenomena
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ABSORPTION
AURORAE
BALLOONS
BREMSSTRAHLUNG
DATA
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
ELECTRIC CONDUCTIVITY
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ENERGY ABSORPTION
INFORMATION
IONIZATION
IONIZING RADIATIONS
MESOSPHERE
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
RADIATIONS
ROCKETS
STRATOSPHERE
X RADIATION