X-ray imagery of energetic-electron inputs to the atmosphere at high latitudes

Technical Report · Thu May 03 04:00:00 EDT 1990

OSTI ID:6137843

Imhof, W L; Datlowe, D W; Gaines, E E; Mobilia, J; Vondrak, R R

The precipitation of electrons > 4 keV into the atmosphere occurs at locations spanning a wide range of latitudes and longitudes. The regions where these electrons precipitate have been mapped with a bremsstrahlung x-ray spectrometer in the SEEP payload on the S81-1 spacecraft. Spike-like x-ray emission regions are observed from precipitation originating in the radiation belts. A spike is most often present near the outer edge of the belt, frequently in the form of an arc at a constant invariant latitude. Poleward of the radiation belt boundary, strong arcs are observed as well as weaker patches and widespread events. The arcs are most often singular, but pairs of adjacent arcs are also observed. Detailed energy spectrum and intensity versus latitude profiles of these events have also been measured with electron spectrometers on the satellite. The energy inputs to the atmosphere from electron precipitation >4 keV are generally concentrated in very localized regions in contrast to the more widespread inputs from lower energy electrons. This may produce significant gradients in ionization in the upper atmosphere and thereby affect radio wave propagation. The energy deposition profiles at these restricted positions are presented and compared with the profiles due to cosmic rays which occur at all latitudes and longitudes.

• Research Organization: Lockheed Missiles and Space Co., Palo Alto, CA (United States). Lockheed Palo Alto Research Lab.
• OSTI ID: 6137843
• Report Number(s): AD-P-006273/7/XAB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

661320* -- Auroral
Ionospheric
& Magnetospheric Phenomena-- (1992-)
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
BREMSSTRAHLUNG
CHARGED-PARTICLE PRECIPITATION
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
DISTURBANCES
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ELECTRON DENSITY
ELECTRON PRECIPITATION
ENERGY DEPOSITION
ENERGY SPECTRA
EVALUATION
GEOGRAPHICAL VARIATIONS
IONOSPHERE
LATITUDE EFFECT
MAPPING
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
PLANETARY IONOSPHERES
RADIATION BELTS
RADIATIONS
RADIOWAVE RADIATION
SPECTRA
SPECTROMETERS
VARIATIONS
X-RAY SPECTROMETERS