Abstract
Abstract : Indications of electron density in the middle atmosphere (40-90 km) have been calculated from several different rocket-borne probes, and intercomparisons of these values have been made. Blunt probe data have been analyzed to determine electron densities directly from values of current at positive bias saturation voltages. Saturation currents from subsonic blunt probes are favorably compared with those from supersonic nose tip probes. Supersonic saturation currents have been analyzed to predict electron densities without any calibration from other diagnostics. The effects of shock waves or shock compressions have been discussed and included in electron density computations. The related influence of electron attachment on electron density determinations has been evaluated, and it appears that rates higher than those presently accepted are compatible with data. Outgas of water vapor from rocket and probe materials is described, and the amount of outgas near the surface of a probe is evaluated. The influence of water vapor on impedance probe measurements is evaluated for a limiting condition, and in that case is found to be significant. Comparison of electron density data on one day during the 1979 Canada-US Solar Eclipse Program is made, but close agreement is not evident. This is partially due to the dynamic conditions during the data gathering. (Author)
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