Electron density measurements during the NLC-91 campaignA Super Arcas rocket, MISTI B, containing DC and RF probes, was launched as a part of the PMSE (Polar Mesosphere Summer Echoes) Salvo during the NLC-91 (Noctilucent Cloud) campaign to measure electron density irregularities with high spatial resolution. Measurements of large and small scale structures in the electron density were made on rocket ascent and descent at the altitudes of 86.5 and 88.5 +/- 0.5 km corresponding to the two altitudes of strongest backscatter recorded by the nearby CUPRI (Cornell University Portable Radar Interferometer) radar. Power spectra of the fluctuations shows two different structuring and scattering mechanisms exist at altitudes only 1 km apart. Since the rocket apogee was 89 km, the rocket was in the height range 88.5 +/- 0.5 km for 30 seconds giving an unusual measurement of horizontal structure over a distance of 5.5 km. Using the simultaneous DC and RF probe measurements of electron depletions and sharp gradient in the lower layer, the role of aerosols in creating these depletions and gradients is speculated upon.
Document ID
19950005630
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Ulwick, J. C. (Stewart Radiance Lab. Bedford, MA, United States)
Kelley, Michael C. (Stewart Radiance Lab. Bedford, MA, United States)
Alcala, C. (Stewart Radiance Lab. Bedford, MA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 17, 2013
Publication Date
March 1, 1994
Publication Information
Publication: ESA, Proceedings of the 11th ESA Symposium on European Rocket and Balloon Programmes and Related Research